Spicy Tilapia Moqueca (No Palm Oil)

A spicy, creamy Brazilian fish stew made with tilapia, coconut milk, and fresh vegetables. This version omits palm oil and can be adjusted for extra heat with additional serrano peppers and red pepper flakes.

⏱ 50 min 🍽 4 servings

brazilian seafood spicy coconut milk dinner

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Ingredients

makes 4 servings

Fish
Marinade
Stew
Finish

Instructions

1
Combine tilapia, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper and let sit for 15–20 minutes.
2
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
3
Sauté the onion and serrano pepper for 3–4 minutes.
4
Add tomato paste and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute.
5
Add the tomato and bell peppers.
6
Pour in the coconut milk and water or broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
7
Nestle the tilapia pieces into the broth.
8
Cover and simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, until the fish is cooked through, avoiding stirring and gently spooning broth over the fish if needed.
9
Turn off the heat and stir in cilantro and lime juice.
10
Taste and adjust salt.