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Brazilian Fish Stew is
Brazilian Fish Stew
For many people, stews are a staple of the cooler season and considered a comfort food perfect fora chilly afternoon.
I must confess that I am not one of those people.
I must be crazy, right?? I don't know why, but I am just not usually tantalized by stews. They don't really appeal to me most of the time. It has to be a pretty amazing stew recipeto get my attention.
This stew, however, has my total attention! And I think it will catch your attention too!
There are so many appetizing flavors layeredin this dish,from thetangy limeto the creamy coconut milk. Bell peppers, onion, and tomatoes contributeadditional splashes of flavor and color and texture.
A sprinkle of cilantro adds that extra bit of yum.
If you usually like fish stews or stews in general, this is a must-try
And if you can't get enough seafood, try these Air Fryer Fish Sticks for a nice easy meal as well!
Best Fishes for a Fish Stew
Tilapia gets a bad rep, but I think that it's perfect for fish soup and fish stew recipes. It's not super fishy tasting, and it cooks easily. In soups and stews, I find that tilapia adds texture and makes it hearty.
Using tilapia for this fish stew recipe was perfect because it's mildly-flavored, but dense in texture. If you can't easily find tilapia, the best fish to use in this recipe is any white fish, like cod, haddock, or grouper.
Fish stew is even better the next day! So, if you have leftovers of this Brazilian fish stew, heat it up the next day. My favorite thing to do is to eat it with my favorite sausage mozzarella sandwich.
Ingredients for Fish Stew Recipe
- tilapia fillets - a nice mild fish, it's firm enough to stand up in this stew.
- bell pepper and onion strips - use frozen to make this recipe in a flash!
- canned diced tomatoes - a stable in most every kitchen!
- light coconut milk - adds sweet, nutty creamy flavor
- cilantro- for bright freshness
- lime juice - for a bit of juicy tanginess
- olive oil - to sauté the vegetables, plus it adds another layer of flavor to this stew.
- garlic, cumin, paprika,salt and pepper - a simple marinade for the fish!
More Easy One Pot Recipes
If you like this one pot meal, check out my super easy chicken pot pie and my chicken potato bake. They are definitely low-maintenance, high taste type of recipes that everyone in my family loves....
FAQs for Brazilian Fish Stew
How long will fish stew keep?
Because this is a great make-ahead soup, it's best on day two. But you can keep this refrigerated for 3-4 days.
What is another name for fish stew?
There are many fish or seafood stews, actually almost every country has their own version! Brazilian fish stew is also called Moqueca, and then there is Bouillabaisse from France, Cioppino from San Francisco (which is a version of an Italian stew), or Maeutang, a spicy Korean stew. You can find a complete listing of stews (with recipes!) here!!!
What fish is best in this soup?
Traditionally a firm white fish is chosen for this meal - halibut or cod. However you can mix it up with snapper, haddock, or grouper, but I chose tilapia.
Tilapia has such a mild flavor. It's a lean protein and very affordable. Since it doesn't taste very fishy even the kids loved this meal!
What do you serve with fish stew?
Bread, of course, to sop up the amazing broth in this stew! Here are some of my favorite bread recipes that are easy to make and perfect with this meal!
Easy Slow Cooker Olive Parmesan Bread
No kneading required! You have to try this delicious and super-easy way to prepare fresh-baked bread!
Quick Parmesan Garlic Bread
This Quick Parmesan Garlic Bread is super-easy, better than store-bought, and a great way to use up leftover bread or rolls!
Easy Crock Pot Bread with Garlic and Parmesan
Crusty, flavorful, fresh, and best of all, EASY! Enjoy delicious, fresh-baked bread with just a few ingredients and no kneading!
Easy Drop Biscuit Recipe
You must try these super easy drop biscuits! Your family will love these mouth-watering biscuits made with no yeast or butter, and with no rolling or cutting required. Just mix a few basic ingredients, drop on a baking sheet or muffin tin, and enjoy in less than 20 minutes!
How to make Brazilian Fish Stew - Step by Step
Step 1.
Mix lime juice, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 2.
Add the tilapia and mix until coated. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 20 minutes or longer.
Step 3.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the peppers and onions and cook until they begin to thaw.
Step 4.
Add the tomatoes and marinated tilapia.
Step 5.
Pour the coconut milk over everything, cover, and simmer.
Step 6.
In the last few minutes, stir in the cilantro (optional).
Why make this soup?
- quick and easy family dinner!
- very little clean-up because it's a one-pot meal!
- family favorite - everyone loved it!!
More of my favorite soup recipes from the blog
Butternut Squash Soup
Silky, fragrant, and flavorful, this comforting soup is a hit with adults and kids alike!
Crock Pot Guinness Chicken Stew
This Crock Pot Guinness Chicken Stew is a new twist on a traditional favorite. It's an easy and tasty alternative to the typical Guinness beef stew!
Zucchini Curry Lime Soup
Super-filling and super-flavorful, this is a creamy yet healthy soup you can feel good about serving to your family!
Variations for Brazilian Fish Stew
- If you have time, use fresh bell peppers instead of frozen (2 large, sliced into strips).
- Similarly, you can use fresh onion instead of frozen (1 large, chopped).
- Try different types of mild white fish (cod, haddock, grouper, etc).
- Try it with shrimp, or even a frozen seafood medley!
- Throw in some cooked rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
Looking for more seafood?
I kinda get on a kick with ingredients, so if you're looking for more seafood or fish to add to your diet, here are some of my favorites!
Potato Crusted Cod
Potato chips form an easy crunchy coating for cod fillets. This meal comes together quickly for a delicious family friendly weeknightmeal!
Seafood Pot Pie
Don't buy frozen pot pies, make this delicious seafood pot pie fresh in less than 30 minutes!
ThisBaked Calamari Recipeis a lightened up version of the ever-popular fried calamari, but it's just as delicious!
Try this Mexican Fish Soup, which is a hearty and comforting soup loaded with flavor and made with homemade fish broth and a spicy tomato sauce.
Looking for a different seafood recipe? Try this amazing Shrimp Grilled Cheese! So easy and your family will love it!
Or check out this canned or imitation crab cake recipe (you can use either). So good your family will think you got take out from a seafood restaurant!
Fish Stew
Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a5 star ⭐ ratingbelow! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!
📋 Recipe Card
Brazilian Fish Stew
Recipe Author: Kristin
Flavorful stew with marinated tilapia, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions in a coconut milk broth.
4.83 from 91 votes
Print Recipe Bookmark
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Entree
Cuisine Brazilian
Servings 6 people
Calories 260 kcal
Ingredients
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1.5 tablespoons cumin
- 1.5 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon pepper
- 2 pounds tilapia fillets, cut in half (they can be frozen, just thaw slightly to cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 ounces frozen pepper and onion strips (1 bag)
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (1 can)
- 14 ounces light unsweetened coconut milk (1 can)
- 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Combine the lime juice, cumin, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
¼ cup lime juice, 1.5 tablespoons cumin, 1.5 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, ½ tablespoon salt, ½ tablespoon pepper
Add in the tilapia and mix until coated.
2 pounds tilapia fillets, cut in half
Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 20 minutes or so.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or casserole over medium-high heat. Add the peppers and onions and cook until they begin to thaw, about 3 minutes.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 12 ounces frozen pepper and onion strips
Add the tomatoes and marinated tilapia and mix them in.
14 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
Pour the coconut milk over everything, mix and cover, and simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
14 ounces light unsweetened coconut milk
In the last few minutes, stir in the cilantro (optional).
1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
When the tilapia is cooked through, garnish with additional cilantro (if desired) and serve.
Notes
- Make the marinade and coat the tilapia ahead of time (even the night before!) and store in the refrigerator. This will save time when you are ready to cook.
- Marinating time is optional. Marinating results in the best flavor, but the times that I have skipped that step because of time constraints, the stew still turned out delicious.
- If you want to use fresh peppers and onions, use 2 large bell peppers, cut into strips, and 1 medium onion, chopped.
- The coconut milk may be a little lumpy when you first add it, but as it cooks it will combine with the rest of the stew.
- The fish is done when it starts to flake as you stir. It is best to not overcook, so pay attention and remove from heat when that happens.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 75mg | Sodium: 232mg | Potassium: 744mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1985IU | Vitamin C: 86.7mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1.8mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
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First Published: September 29, 2014...
Adapted from Allrecipes.com. I've served Brazilian Fish
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