Moqueca Baiana, traditional Brazilian Seafood Stew, lives up to its surroundings with bold flavors and a bright yellow color.

When traveling through Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, we found that the food was just as colorful as the scenery.

You can’t go far without hearing the sound of music or people laughing, and you rarely find people wearing drab colors.

We were told that in Brazil, the first lesson you learn is to talk, then to walk. Next you learn to dance the Samba, and then to make rice.

I am sure that learning to make Moqueca is not far behind.  (The stew is pictured here with banana farofa, a simple common Brazilian side dish made with manioc flour) and of course, rice. 

A Word About Palm Oil

The yellow color in this dish comes from the use of Palm Oil in traditional recipes. While the ingredient is common in Brazil, its cultivation and harvesting has been known to cause extensive environmental problems. This includes fires and other issues significantly impacting endangered wildlife. 

You can substitute Palm Oil with rapeseed oil, sunflower oil or soy bean oil. Coconut Oil can be used and will add a pleasant nutty flavor to the dish (which is what we suggest in the recipe).

To obtain the beautiful vibrant yellow color, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of a safe yellow (amarillo) powder food colorant, used commonly in recipes around the world.

Here are some additional Brazilian recipes you might enjoy:

Brazilian Caipirinha Cocktail

Brazilian Truffles – Chocolate Brigadeiro

Pan Toasted Cheese and Guava Appetizer

Gluten Free Cheese Puffs – Pão de Queijo

Continue to Content

Yield: 6 Servings

Moqueca Baiana - Brazilian Seafood Stew

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Moqueca Baiana - Traditional Brazilian Seafood Stew in a Coconut Milk Broth

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Cups (360 g) White Rice
• 3 Cloves Garlic - minced
• 1 Teaspoon (2 g) Cumin Powder
• juice of one lime
• 2 Tablespoons (30 ml) Olive Oil
• 1 1/2 Pounds (680 g) of deboned White Fish Fillets (such as tilapia, halibut or snapper) cut into large pieces
• 1 Onion - diced
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Coconut Oil
• 1 Cup (237 ml) Coconut Milk
• 1/2 Cup (118 ml) Fish Stock
• 2 Tablespoons (28 g) Tomato Paste
• 1/2 Teaspoon (1 g) Powdered Yellow Food Colorant (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place the fish is a non-reactive bowl and add the cumin and juice of one lime. Salt and pepper lightly, mix and then set aside in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
2. Wash the rice in cold water strainer until the water runs clear.
3. Place the garlic in a frying pan over medium heat with the olive oil and sauté until it is golden brown.
4. Add the rice and sauté for about 4 minutes.
5. Add 4 cups (946 ml) of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through (approximately 25 minutes).
6. Cut the peppers into rings and remove the seeds and white membrane.
7. Add the coconut oil to a fry pan with the onions and sauté for 5 minutes.
8. Add the peppers and continue to cook for another 5 minutes. Now add the fish, stock, tomato paste, yellow food colorant, and the coconut milk.
9. Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to heat to a simmer. Simmer until the fish is cooked all the way through (approximately 20 minutes).
10. Serve with the rice and garnish with fresh lime wedges and cilantro.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 462Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 55mgSodium 94mgCarbohydrates 57gFiber 2.1gSugar 4.8gProtein 28g

Considering a visit to Rio de Janiero? Here are some additional articles that may help plan or inspire a visit.

Getting Skewered in Copacabana – The Churrascaria Experience

Where to Find the Best Feijoada in Rio de Janeiro

Rio Favela Tour – Complexo do Alemão

Rio de Janeiro Pico da Tijuca Hike

Thank you to our friends at Cook in Rio for introducing us to this dish.