Ingredients
For the Moqueca:
- 2 lbs (900 g) white fish fillets (cod, snapper, or tilapia)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) fish broth or water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) palm oil (optional, for authentic flavor)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- White rice
- Farofa (toasted cassava flour, optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Fish
- Cut the fish fillets into large chunks.
- In a bowl, mix the fish with lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or clay pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers and tomatoes, stirring for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle paprika, cumin, and red pepper flakes.
3. Cook the Moqueca
- Pour in the coconut milk and fish broth.
- Gently place the marinated fish into the pot, submerging in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the fish is tender.
- Drizzle palm oil (if using) and stir gently.
4. Final Touches and Serving
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot with white rice and farofa for a complete Brazilian experience.
Brazilian Moqueca is a delicious, comforting seafood stew bursting with creamy coconut, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Its rich flavors and smooth texture make it a perfect dish for special occasions or a cozy family meal. Try this authentic recipe and enjoy a taste of Brazil at home!

Hello! I created this blog to share with you my passion for Brazilian cuisine, showing you how easy and enjoyable it is to prepare delicious dishes. We want this blog to be a space for exchange, where you can learn, experiment and be inspired by our culture.