Moqueca: Delicious Brazilian Fish Recipe in 6 Steps

by Cook In Rio - Cook in Fiesta food writer

Moqueca is one of Brazil’s most beloved dishes, a slow-simmered seafood stew that feels both comforting and deeply tied to the country’s coastal traditions. Especially famous in Bahia and Espírito Santo, every region prepares it a little differently, but the heart of the recipe remains the same: tender fish, fragrant coconut milk, peppers, onions, and fresh herbs coming together in a warm, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that shows how Brazilian cooking balances simplicity with boldness, just like many of the country’s iconic seafood plates and classic home-style meals.

Moqueca: Brazilian Fish Recipe

Whether enjoyed by the beach or made in a quiet kitchen far from the coast, moqueca captures the essence of Brazilian flavors in a single pot

Ingredients for preparing Brazilian fish moqueca:

  • 1 pound of white fish fillets (e.g., cod or tilapia)
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can of coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Saute the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until they are softened.
  3. Add coconut milk and stir to combine.
  4. Season the fish fillets with salt and pepper and add them to the pot.
  5. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with rice.

Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make Brazilian dish!

Cook with us

Cooking moqueca is more than following steps; it’s learning how Brazil brings warmth and rhythm into the kitchen. If you want to take that experience further, join one of our Cook in Brazil classes, where you’ll prepare iconic dishes side by side with a local chef. It’s hands-on, full of flavor, and the perfect way to taste Brazil’s culinary soul from the inside out. Book your spot!

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