Brazilian Fish Stew

Imagine a cozy kitchen filled with the aroma of coconut and garlic mingling with fresh herbs.

Brazilian Fish Stew is a comforting dish that’s delightfully easy to prepare yet feels like a culinary escape.

As the fish simmers with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic spices, the flavors meld into a rich, inviting broth.

Let’s bring this vibrant stew to life and indulge in a taste of Brazil right at home.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

• 1 pound white fish fillets, cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

Here’s a timeline for efficiently managing your time while preparing and cooking the Brazilian Fish Stew:

1. Initial Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Preparation (15 minutes)
   • 0:00 – 5:00 minutes: Chop the onion, slice the bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
   • 5:00 – 10:00 minutes: Cut the white fish fillets into chunks.
   • 10:00 – 15:00 minutes: Gather and measure the remaining ingredients (diced tomatoes, coconut milk, lime juice, salt, paprika, black pepper, fresh cilantro).
3. Cooking (30 minutes)
   • 15:00 – 17:00 minutes: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
   • 17:00 – 22:00 minutes: Sauté chopped onion and sliced bell pepper until softened.
   • 22:00 – 23:00 minutes: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
   • 23:00 – 25:00 minutes: Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the pot.
   • 25:00 – 27:00 minutes: Season the mixture with lime juice, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
   • 27:00 – 30:00 minutes: Bring the stew to a simmer and add the fish chunks, cover the pot.
4. Simmering (10-15 minutes)
   • 30:00 – 45:00 minutes: Cook the fish for 10-15 minutes until it’s cooked through.
5. Resting (5 minutes)
   • 45:00 – 50:00 minutes: Remove from heat and let the stew rest.
6. Serving (5 minutes)
   • 50:00 – 55:00 minutes: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.

Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sliced bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the pot, stirring to combine.

Season the mixture with lime juice, salt, paprika, and black pepper.

Bring the stew to a simmer and add the fish chunks.

Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.

Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes.

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Serving Tips

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that helps soak up the flavorful broth.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the stew and enjoying every last drop.
• Fried Plantains: Adds a sweet and savory contrast to the dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complements the stew with a smoky flavor and added texture.
• Caipirinha Cocktail: A revitalizing Brazilian cocktail that pairs well with the rich flavors of the stew.

Storage

Store leftover Brazilian Fish Stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove to preserve the flavors and texture before serving.

Freezing

To freeze Brazilian Fish Stew, cool completely.

Transfer to airtight containers and leave space for expansion.

Label with the date.

Consume within three months for best taste and quality.

Reheating

To reheat Brazilian Fish Stew, gently warm it over low heat on the stovetop to preserve flavors and texture.

Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking the fish.

Stir occasionally for even heating.

Final Thoughts

The Brazilian Fish Stew is a delightful and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.

With its rich combination of coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices, it offers a taste of Brazil in every bite.

This stew is perfect for a cozy dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread.

Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to your liking and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this traditional Brazilian meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute the White Fish With Another Type of Seafood?

You can definitely swap the white fish for shrimp or scallops. Imagine succulent bites absorbing the rich, coconut-infused broth, while hints of lime and cilantro dance on your taste buds, giving a tropical twist to your stew.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Brazilian Fish Stew?

You can create a vegetarian version by swapping fish with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of coconut milk for a lighter touch. The vibrant spices and herbs maintain the dish’s Brazilian essence.

What Wine Pairs Well With Brazilian Fish Stew?

You’ll want to pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Its citrus notes complement the stew’s vibrant flavors, enhancing the coconut milk’s richness and the lime’s zest, creating a harmonious, invigorating dining experience.

How Can I Make This Dish Spicier Without Altering the Original Flavor?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few sliced jalapeños to your stew. They’ll infuse heat without overwhelming the dish’s original flavors. The vibrant spices will dance with the coconut milk, creating a tantalizing experience.

Brazilian Fish Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoon set

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound white fish fillets cut into chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 1 bell pepper sliced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sliced bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add diced tomatoes and coconut milk to the pot, stirring to combine.
• Season the mixture with lime juice, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
• Bring the stew to a simmer and add the fish chunks.
• Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
• Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes.
• Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the fish in lime juice and a pinch of salt for 30 minutes before adding it to the stew. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat. This dish pairs well with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.