Name: Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe
Prep time: 7 min
Cook time: 16 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small white onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 15 oz can diced tomato; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 1/4 cup sour cream (optional); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 1/2 lb wild cod, cut into chunks; 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced into rounds; 1 whole green bell pepper, sliced into rounds; 1 whole yellow bell pepper, sliced into rounds; 1 pinch sea salt; Ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 7 reviews

I absolutely love sharing my passion for vibrant, soulful dishes, and this Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe is one that’s close to my heart. It’s a colorful, fragrant stew bursting with fresh flavors, combining tender wild cod with the creaminess of coconut milk and a medley of sweet bell peppers. Every time I make it, I’m transported straight to the sun-drenched coast of Brazil with its rich, comforting taste and inviting aroma. This dish feels both exotic and homey, perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a heartwarming meal on a cozy evening.

Why You’ll Love This Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe

What truly makes this Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe stand out for me is its incredible balance of flavors. The garlic and onion create a savory foundation, while the coconut milk adds a lovely silkiness that carries the delicate taste of the wild cod perfectly. The bell peppers not only add a sweet crunch but also make the dish visually stunning with their vibrant reds, greens, and yellows. Each spoonful is a harmonious bite of creamy, tangy, mildly spicy, and fresh notes that linger long after you’ve finished eating.

Besides the fantastic flavors, I really appreciate how straightforward this stew is to prepare. Even if you’re new to cooking, the steps are simple and the ingredients easy to find. It comes together in just about 23 minutes, making it a winner for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. I often serve it when I want something special, yet fuss-free — it’s a dish that always sparks conversations and leaves everyone wanting seconds. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your recipe box.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round blue ceramic pan filled with a thick orange-red sauce, layered with white chunks of cooked fish scattered throughout, and topped with sliced red, orange, and green bell peppers. A cluster of bright red cherry tomatoes on the vine rests on one side of the pan, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with a striped white cloth partially visible, and surrounding the pan are whole green, red, and orange bell peppers, along with a halved lemon and some fresh green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe works its magic with surprisingly simple ingredients that each play an essential role in heightening taste, texture, and color. From the silky coconut milk to the fresh bell peppers, every item contributes beautifully to the stew’s signature character.

Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base to sauté aromatics and infuse warmth into the stew.
Small white onion: Brings gentle sweetness and depth when cooked down with garlic.

Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant kick that complements the fish wonderfully.
Wild cod (1 1/2 lb): The star of the dish, offering firm, flaky texture and subtle seafood flavor.
Diced tomatoes (15 oz can): Lends acidity and a slight sweetness to balance the creamy elements.

Coconut milk (1/2 cup): Creates that luscious, tropical creaminess central to the stew’s identity.
Sour cream (1/4 cup, optional): Adds extra richness and creaminess if you want an even silkier broth.
Tomato paste (2 tbsp): Concentrates tomato flavor and deepens the color of the stew.

Red, green, and yellow bell peppers: Sliced in rounds, giving a burst of color, crunch, and gentle sweetness.
Sea salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning that elevates every ingredient.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right amount of heat to enliven the stew without overwhelming it.

Fresh cilantro (1 tbsp): Finishes the dish with a bright, herbaceous note and visual appeal.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped white onion and minced garlic. Cook them gently until they become soft and fragrant, around 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t brown too much.

Step 2: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, mixing them well with the onions and garlic. Next, pour in the coconut milk along with the tomato paste. If you’re using sour cream, add that now as well. Give everything a good stir to combine, then let the sauce simmer for 3 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Add the sliced bell peppers and chunks of wild cod to the skillet. Season the stew with a pinch of sea salt, some freshly ground black pepper, and the red pepper flakes. Cover the pan and allow the fish to simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes. About three quarters of the way through cooking, carefully turn the pieces of cod to ensure they cook evenly and are mostly submerged in the broth. The fish should be opaque and flaky when done.

Step 4: Once cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Serve immediately while the stew is warm and flavorful.

Servings and Timing

This Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe serves 4 hearty portions, making it perfect for a small family dinner or a gathering of friends. The prep time is about 5 minutes, as chopping vegetables and fish chunks is quick and straightforward. Cooking time is approximately 18 minutes total, with 3 minutes sautéing aromatics and simmering the sauce, followed by 10 to 12 minutes of gentle fish cooking. Overall, you’re looking at roughly 23 minutes from start to finish, making it both speedy and satisfying. No additional resting time is necessary — the stew is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

How to Serve This Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe

A round light blue pan filled with a rich, orange-red sauce contains several pieces of cooked white fish arranged across the surface. Red and green bell pepper slices lie mixed with the fish, adding vibrant green and red colors. On one side, a bunch of whole red cherry tomatoes on the vine rests partially in the sauce, topped with small sprinkles of chopped green herbs. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by whole green, red, and orange bell peppers, lemon halves, fresh green herbs, and a white cloth with black stripes nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this stew with simple, complementary sides that highlight its vibrant flavors. Steamed white rice is a classic choice, as it soaks up the rich coconut broth beautifully. You can also try serving it with farofa — a toasted cassava flour mixture — for a crunchy, nutty contrast. Alternatively, some crusty bread works wonders for dipping into all that luscious sauce.

For presentation, I like to garnish generously with extra cilantro or even a few thin lime wedges on the side to add brightness at the table. Serving the stew in wide, shallow bowls allows you to showcase the colorful bell peppers and tender cod pieces clearly, making it both inviting and Instagram-worthy.

When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly chilled Vinho Verde complements the tropical and herbal notes perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling limeade or iced hibiscus tea brings refreshing acidity to the meal. This dish shines as a centerpiece for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or even festive occasions where you want something a bit unique yet approachable. I recommend serving it hot to fully appreciate the silky texture and layered flavors.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you prefer a different protein, swapping cod for shrimp, salmon, or even firm tofu can work beautifully and bring a fresh twist. For a heartier stew, adding chunks of potatoes or yucca is a great option that keeps with the South American vibe.

If you’re looking to accommodate dietary needs, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if you skip the optional sour cream. For a vegan version, simply replace the cod with firm, meaty vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or tempeh, and ensure your broth is vegetable-based. You could also experiment with adding different spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to create variations on the flavor profile while keeping the stew’s tropical essence intact.

In terms of cooking method, I’ve occasionally made this stew in a slow cooker by layering ingredients and letting it cook low and slow for about 2 hours. While it changes the texture slightly, it enhances the melding of flavors and is perfect for busy days. Just be mindful to add delicate fish pieces toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover moqueca can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers for best freshness. When storing, ensure the stew is completely cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain texture. Because of the delicate fish, it is best eaten within this timeframe to enjoy optimal quality.

Freezing

This Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe doesn’t freeze particularly well due to the tender fish and coconut milk base, which can separate or turn grainy when thawed. If you want to freeze leftovers, consider freezing the broth and vegetables separately from the fish to preserve texture. Keep frozen for up to 1 month in properly sealed containers or freezer bags and thaw overnight in the fridge before recombining and reheating gently.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this stew is gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and prevent the sauce from breaking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can unevenly heat the delicate fish and make the coconut milk separate. If the broth looks a little thick after reheating, stir in a splash of water or coconut milk to restore creaminess. Serve promptly once warmed through to preserve the stew’s vibrant flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish in this recipe?

Absolutely! While wild cod works wonderfully for its texture and mild flavor, you can substitute with other firm, white fish like halibut, haddock, or snapper. Just ensure the fish is fresh and cut into similar-sized chunks so it cooks evenly within the same time frame.

Is the sour cream necessary in the stew?

The sour cream is optional and mainly adds extra creaminess and tang to the broth. If you want to keep the stew lighter or dairy-free, feel free to omit it; the coconut milk already provides a lovely creamy texture and rich taste on its own.

How spicy is this Brazilian Fish Stew?

The stew has a mild heat level thanks to the small amount of red pepper flakes. It adds warmth without overwhelming the delicate fish flavors. If you like it spicy, you can increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers for a bolder kick.

Can I prepare the stew in advance?

You can prepare the sauce base (onion, garlic, tomato, coconut milk) ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add the fresh fish and bell peppers when you’re ready to cook for the best texture. Cooking the fish fresh ensures it doesn’t become overcooked or mushy.

What are good side dishes to serve with Moqueca?

Classic sides include steamed white rice, farofa, black beans, or a simple green salad. These sides complement the stew’s rich flavors perfectly and make for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, easy to make, and perfect for sharing, you absolutely need to try this Brazilian Fish Stew Recipe (Moqueca de Peixe) Recipe. It’s one of those special meals that feels like a celebration every time you cook it, and I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine. Dive into this tropical, comforting stew and savor every delicious bite!