Brazilian Moqueca (Shrimp & Coconut Stew) 🦐🥥🔥 Bold, Tropical, and Comforting With Coconut Milk, Lime, and Just Enough Heat

ByKarl S

This stew is a flavor bomb wrapped in silk — coconut milk simmered with garlic, onion, tomato, and peppers, then finished with lime and fresh cilantro. The shrimp poach gently in the rich broth, soaking up every drop of tropical heat and savory depth.

It’s one-pot comfort with cultural roots, built for ladling over hot rice with a side of lime and a cold beer nearby.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the shrimp

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Salt and pepper
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp paprika or mild chili powder

For the stew base

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or dendê oil (red palm oil, if available)
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
  • ¼ cup seafood or vegetable broth (or water)
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (plus extra for garnish)

To serve

  • Steamed white rice
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional: crusty bread or farofa (toasted cassava flour topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Toss shrimp with lime juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes while prepping the base.

Step 2: Build the Aromatics

In a wide saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium. Add sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, tomato, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth

Pour in coconut milk and broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble uncovered for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Shrimp

Nestle in the marinated shrimp and simmer 3–5 minutes, just until opaque and pink. Turn off heat. Stir in lime juice and cilantro.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon over hot white rice. Garnish with more cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Add hot sauce or chili oil on the side if desired.

Flavor Variations

  • Add fish chunks (firm white fish like cod or halibut) with the shrimp
  • Toss in okra or hearts of palm for regional flair
  • Use a mix of seafood (scallops, mussels, squid) for a moqueca mista
  • Add a dash of annatto oil or turmeric for more color
  • Use fresh coconut milk for max tropical aroma

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcook the shrimp — remove from heat as soon as they’re pink
  • Dendê oil adds authentic color and richness — use if you can find it
  • Coconut milk should simmer gently — avoid boiling to prevent splitting
  • A few spoonfuls of tomato paste can deepen the broth if desired
  • Letting the stew sit 5 minutes before serving melds the flavors beautifully

Final Thoughts

Brazilian Moqueca is bold yet balanced — creamy and savory with enough acid, heat, and herb to keep it lively. It’s comfort food with coastline soul, perfect for a shared table or solo slurp with your feet up.

Simmer it low. Ladle it deep. Taste the tropics. 🦐🥥🔥🍚

🍲 Hearty Seafood Soups & Stews

From creamy chowders to fiery global fish stews, this is your deep-dive into warm, comforting, ocean-inspired bowls.

🦐 Seafood Soup Recipes (Main Hub) – Chowders, bisques, and brothy seafood soups from all over the globe.
🦞 Seafood Stew Recipes (Main Hub) – Bold, rustic stews loaded with shrimp, fish, crab, and global spices.

🍜 Seafood Soup Favorites

🌽 Shrimp & Corn Chowder – Creamy, sweet, and perfect for late summer or cozy nights.
🐟 Classic Fish Stew – Tomato-based and herb-laced, with hearty chunks of white fish.
🦀 Creamy Crab Bisque – Rich and luxurious with delicate crab flavor.
🌊 New England Clam Chowder – Creamy, briny, and loaded with clams and potatoes.
🍅 Spicy Tomato Seafood Soup – A fiery broth with shrimp and fish, kissed by chiles.
🥥 Thai Coconut Seafood Soup – Silky, spicy, and aromatic with lemongrass and lime.
🐟 Salmon Chowder – Creamy and smoky with big flakes of fresh salmon.
🫘 Portuguese Fish & Bean Soup – Earthy and savory, perfect with crusty bread.
🌶️ Mexican Caldo de Mariscos – Spicy, tomato-rich seafood soup with big Baja flavor.
🌿 Mediterranean Fish Stew – Olive oil, fennel, and tomatoes — simple and soulful.

🌍 Global Seafood Stews

🇧🇷 Brazilian Moqueca (Shrimp & Coconut Stew) – Coconut milk, lime, and dendê oil — totally unforgettable.
🇮🇹 Italian Cioppino – Tomato-wine base with crab, mussels, and white fish.
🇹🇭 Spicy Thai Seafood Stew – Deep, complex heat and umami in every bite.
🇪🇸 Spanish-Style Fish Stew – Saffron-laced and rustic, with tender fish and potatoes.
🦀 Crab & Corn Stew – Southern-style with sweet crab and hearty corn.
🦞 Lobster Stew (Maine-Style) – Creamy, luxurious, and surprisingly simple.
🇰🇷 Korean Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew) – Fiery red broth with tofu and tender white fish.

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

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