Fish Moqueca is a traditional dish of Brazilian cuisine, especially from the Bahia region. It consists of fresh fish mixed with a variety of vegetables and spices, cooked in a delicious sauce made of coconut milk and palm oil. This dish is known for its unique blend of flavors and textures, combining the juiciness of the fish with the creaminess of coconut milk and the special aroma of palm oil.
Typically, Fish Moqueca is served with white rice and farofa, providing a complete and satisfying meal. It is a popular choice in Brazilian restaurants and is appreciated for its simplicity and bold flavor. This dish is a true representation of the richness of Brazilian cuisine, bringing with it tropical flavors and a sense of warmth and comfort.
Trying Fish Moqueca is a unique sensory experience that transports you directly to the sunny and vibrant beaches of Brazil, where fresh aromas and vibrant flavors are an essential part of the local culinary culture.
Ingredients:
800g of fish fillets (such as grouper, snapper, or flounder), cut into medium-sized pieces
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons of palm oil
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 large onion, sliced into rings
2 large tomatoes, sliced into rings
1 green bell pepper, sliced into rings
1 red bell pepper, sliced into rings
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into rings
1 can (200ml) of coconut milk
Chopped fresh coriander to taste
1/2 cup of water
Bird’s eye chili (optional)
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions:
Marinate the fish: In a bowl, season the fish pieces with minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to taste. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Heat the oils: In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat the palm oil and olive oil over medium heat.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, tomatoes, and bell peppers to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
1 Assemble the moqueca: Place the fish pieces on top of the vegetables in the pan, distributing them evenly. Pour the coconut milk over the fish and vegetables. Add the chopped coriander and bird’s eye chili, if using. Pour the water around the pan.
2 Cook: Cover the pan and let it cook over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3 Serve: Remove from heat and serve the fish moqueca hot, garnished with lemon slices. Serve with white rice and farofa on the side.
This fish moqueca recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people, depending on portion sizes and accompanying side dishes.
Enjoy this delicious and aromatic fish moqueca, a true delicacy of Brazilian cuisine!