Moqueca Baiana
BrazilianLunch

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Moqueca Baiana is a traditional Brazilian seafood stew that originates from the northeastern state of Bahia. This iconic dish showcases the African influence on Brazilian cuisine with its use of dendê (palm oil) and coconut milk. The fish is marinated in lime juice and garlic, then gently cooked with colorful bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro in a clay pot called a panela de barro. The result is a fragrant, flavorful one-pot meal that perfectly balances the richness of coconut milk with the brightness of fresh seafood and vegetables. This stew is traditionally served with white rice and farofa, making it a complete and satisfying lunch that brings the taste of coastal Brazil to your table.

Instructions

step by step
0/8 done
  1. Pat the fish fillets dry and cut into large chunks. In a bowl, combine the fish with juice from 2 limes, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently and let marinate for 15 minutes.

  2. While the fish marinates, slice 2 onions into half-moons, dice 3 tomatoes, and cut 2 bell peppers into strips. Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and slice 1 lime into rounds for garnish.

  3. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  4. Add the diced tomatoes, bell pepper strips, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and release their juices.

  5. Pour in 1 1/2 cups coconut milk and 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  6. Carefully place the marinated fish pieces into the simmering broth, arranging them in a single layer. Spoon some of the sauce over the fish. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 12-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

  7. Remove from heat and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime rounds.

  8. Serve immediately in shallow bowls, ladling the coconut broth over the fish. Accompany with steamed white rice and, if available, a sprinkle of farofa on top.

Moqueca Baiana

4.7 (20)

A vibrant Brazilian fish stew from Bahia, featuring tender fish fillets simmered in a rich coconut milk and tomato broth with bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices, all cooked together in one pot.

medium
50 min
6 servings

Ingredients

0 of 15 checked

Main Ingredients

  • 680 grams salmon, cut into large chunks
  • 3 pieces lime, juiced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

  • 2 pieces onions, sliced into half-moons
  • 3 pieces tomatoes, diced
  • 2 pieces bell-peppers, cut into strips

Liquid Base

  • 1 1/2 cups coconut, full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cups tomato-sauce, plain tomato sauce

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive-oil
  • 4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 pieces bay-leaves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, to taste

Chef Tips

expert advice
Chef Notes: For an authentic Bahian experience, use dendê (red palm oil) instead of olive oil - add 1-2 tablespoons at the end of cooking for traditional color and flavor.
If you cannot find fresh fish, frozen and thawed firm white fish works well.
Avoid stirring too much once the fish is added to prevent it from breaking apart.
The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
You can substitute the fish with shrimp or a combination of seafood.
For a spicier version, add 1-2 diced jalapeños with the bell peppers.
Some cooks add a splash of fish sauce for extra umami depth.
If you prefer a thicker stew, reduce the coconut milk slightly or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
Fresh cilantro is essential - dried will not provide the same bright flavor that characterizes this dish.