Moqueca Baiana – Brazilian fish curry with coconut milk

Moqueca Baiana is one of Brazil's most famous dishes – and the pride of the state of Bahia. An aromatic fish curry with coconut milk, fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, and the unmistakable dendê oil (palm oil), which gives the dish its vibrant orange color and deep, earthy flavor. Moqueca is African soul in Brazilian cuisine.

Ingredients for 4 people

• 800 g firm fish fillet (e.g., cod, tilapia, or salmon), cut into large pieces
• 400 ml coconut milk
• 2 tbsp dendê oil (palm oil) – alternative: 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp paprika powder for color
• 3 tomatoes (diced)
• 2 bell peppers (red and yellow, in strips)
• 1 large onion (in rings)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• Juice of 2 limes
• 1 tsp Tempero Verde Sazón
• Salt, pepper
• Molho de Pimenta to taste

Preparation

1. Marinate the fish: Marinate the fish pieces with lime juice, garlic, Tempero Verde, salt, and pepper. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Layer the vegetables: Heat the dendê oil in a wide pot (ideally a clay pot). Add the onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers in layers – do not stir.
3. Add the fish: Place the marinated fish on top of the vegetables. Pour the coconut milk over it.
4. Cook: Cover with a lid and simmer over medium heat for about 20–25 minutes until the fish is cooked through. Do not stir – the fish should not fall apart.
5. Season: Season to taste with salt, pepper, and Molho de Pimenta. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro.

Serving

Moqueca is traditionally served directly in the clay pot – with white rice, farofa, and pirão (a thick porridge made from fish broth and cassava flour). The dish arrives at the table steaming hot – a real eye-catcher.

Tips

• Dendê oil is the key to the authentic taste – do not omit or substitute if possible.
• Clay pot retains heat evenly and gives the dish a special aroma.
• Shrimp can supplement or replace the fish – in that case, it is called Moqueca de Camarão.
• Leftovers taste even more intense the next day.

Note: The header image for this post was generated with the help of artificial intelligence.