Description
Moqueca Brazilian Seafood Soup is a vibrant and comforting coastal dish made with tender fish, shrimp, and mussels gently simmered in coconut milk, tomatoes, peppers, and warm spices. This recipe delivers bold flavor with a creamy texture while remaining light and refreshing. It is ideal for an impressive family dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, offering a balance of richness, freshness, and aromatic depth.
Ingredients
1 pound firm white fish such as cod or halibut, cut into large chunks
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Fresh limes for marinating and serving
Fine sea salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
1 and a half tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 bell peppers, preferably red and yellow, sliced
4 to 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
One 13.5 ounce can full fat coconut milk
1 cup seafood broth or chicken broth
1 pound fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped for garnish
Fresh scallions, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
Place the fish and shrimp in a bowl, squeeze fresh lime juice over them, season lightly with salt and pepper, and set aside to marinate briefly.
Heat oil in a large heavy bottom pot over medium high heat, then add onion and bell peppers and cook until softened and fragrant.
Stir in garlic, ginger, and jalapeño and cook gently until aromatic without browning.
Add tomato paste and cook until it deepens in color, then add sliced tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
Pour in coconut milk and broth, then add paprika and cumin and stir gently to combine.
Bring the stew to a gentle simmer and allow the flavors to meld.
Carefully add the fish and shrimp, ladling broth over the top without stirring.
Nestle the mussels into the stew, cover, and simmer until the seafood is just cooked and the mussels have opened.
Remove from heat and allow the stew to rest briefly before serving.
Notes
Use firm white fish to ensure it holds its shape during cooking.
Fresh seafood provides the best flavor and texture for this dish.
Full fat coconut milk creates a richer and more authentic consistency.
Simmer gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.
Discard any mussels that do not open during cooking.
Serve immediately with fresh herbs and lime juice for the best experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian