Brazilian Moqueca Baiana with Dendê Oil

Name: Brazilian Moqueca Baiana with Dendê Oil
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: White fish fillets; Garlic cloves, minced; Lime juice; Salt; Black pepper; Olive oil; Onion, thinly sliced; Red bell pepper, julienned; Yellow bell pepper, julienned; Garlic cloves, minced; Tomatoes, chopped; Paprika; Coconut milk; Dendê oil (red palm oil); Fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges

Delight in the flavors of Bahia with this vibrant fish stew.

Moqueca Baiana is a traditional Brazilian fish stew featuring bold flavors from coconut milk, palm oil, and a mixture of fresh vegetables and spices.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Marinade

White fish fillets

500g, cut into chunks

Garlic cloves, minced

2 cloves

Lime juice

Juice of 1 lime

Salt

1 tsp

Black pepper

1 tsp

For the Stew Base

Olive oil

2 tbsp

Onion, thinly sliced

1 large

Red bell pepper, julienned

Yellow bell pepper, julienned

Garlic cloves, minced

3 cloves

Tomatoes, chopped

2 large

Paprika

1 tsp

Coconut milk

400ml

Dendê oil (red palm oil)

3 tbsp

For the Garnish

Fresh cilantro, chopped

1/4 cup

Lime wedges

1 lime

Preparation

Marinating the Fish

Combine Ingredients

Combine fish chunks, garlic, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Toss to Coat

Toss well to coat the fish evenly.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Do not over-marinate the fish to avoid overpowering the delicate flavor.

Preparing the Vegetables

Heat Oil

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Sauté Onions

Add onions, and sauté until translucent.

Cook Vegetables

Stir in bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes, then cook until softened.

Use the freshest vegetables for the best results.

Cooking Process

Building the Stew Base

Add paprika to the sautéed vegetables and stir until fragrant.

Incorporating Coconut Milk & Fish

Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer, then gently lay the marinated fish into the pan.

Finishing Touches

Drizzle dendê oil over the stew, reduce heat, and let it cook until the fish is tender and cooked through.

Plating & Serving