Delicious Brazilian Shrimp Stew Recipe – Quick & Easy
The Brazilian Shrimp Stew, also known as moqueca de camarão, is one of the most exquisite dishes that combine the flavors of South America and the Caribbean. This easy and delicious recipe has become a staple in many households, and it’s not hard to see why. With its unique blend of palm oil, coconut milk, cilantro, cayenne pepper and juicy shrimp, this authentic Brazilian shrimp stew strikes the perfect balance between spicy and creamy.
As a chef specializing in Brazilian cuisine, I have made various versions of this classic dish, but none come close to this stew. The flavors are robust yet subtle, and each bite is like a dance on your taste buds. The rich aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and delight your senses. The diversity of spices and herbs present in this dish will make you feel like you’re somewhere tropical enjoying the sea breeze.
Whether you’re looking for low-carb meals or want to indulge in an exotic feast, this shrimp stew is perfect for any occasion. It’s filling, nutritious and visually appealing. The vibrant colors of the diced tomatoes, green peppers and onions make it almost too good to eat.
So let’s get started. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple enough to follow and still delivers on flavor. You don’t want to miss out on this hidden gem among the best Brazilian shrimp recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring seafood dishes? Look no further than this Brazilian Shrimp Stew recipe. Packed with unique and flavorful ingredients, this stew is sure to become a staple in your recipe book.
One of the star ingredients in this recipe is palm oil, commonly used in Brazilian cuisine. This oil adds a richness and depth of flavor that cannot be matched by any other oil. Combined with coconut milk, green pepper, onion, cilantro and garlic cloves, this stew is an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to Brazil.
The large shrimp used in this recipe are a delicious and healthy protein source that pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the stew. By using fresh lemon juice and just the right amount of cayenne pepper and salt, the shrimp are perfectly seasoned and truly shine in this dish.
This recipe is not only packed with incredible flavor combinations but is also incredibly easy to make. Prepared in one pot, it’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. And if you’re watching your carb intake, fear not! This Brazilian Shrimp Stew is low-carb but still packed with nutrients and flavor.
So why not try something new tonight? This Brazilian Shrimp Stew recipe is an easy and delicious way to switch up your usual seafood routine.
Ingredient List
Before we start cooking, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients on hand. Brazilian shrimp stew is a succulent and flavorful dish that incorporates exotic spices and ingredients. Here are the components necessary to capture its delicious taste.
Here are the ingredients:
- 1 pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 diced green bell pepper
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t be afraid when taking a glance at these exotic components. These ingredients help form the spectacular Brazilian shrimp stew, enriched with full flavor and an extensive range of complex aromas.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Before you start cooking, make sure to prep the shrimp. Peel and devein 1 1/4 pounds of large shrimp. Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Spices
Next, dice 1 green pepper and 1 onion. Mince 2 garlic cloves. Measure out 1 teaspoon cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut a fresh lemon in half and juice it to yield about 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green pepper, minced garlic, cayenne, and salt. Saute for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add the Diced Tomatoes and Coconut Milk
Now add a can of diced tomatoes, including all the juices (14 ounces). Stir well and let simmer for another 5 minutes. Then add a can of coconut milk (13.5 ounces). Stir well.
Step 5: Add and Cook the Shrimp
Add the prepared shrimp into the pot and toss to coat with the sauce. Bring it to a simmer over low heat, covered, stirring occasionally until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 6: Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Taste the stew for seasoning and adjust salt, pepper or cayenne as necessary. Generally speaking, moqueca has a slightly sweet taste so if you’d like a little sweetness to your stew go ahead and add granulated sugar by teaspoonful until perfection is reached. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Delicious Brazilian Shrimp Stew!
Serve your hot moqueca de camarão with steamed white rice or with crusty bread for a low-carb option. Savor the delicious spices and the richness of the coconut milk. This Brazilian shrimp stew recipe makes for a perfect one-pot dinner, easy to prepare and incredibly filling. Buon appetito!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is that you can experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make a dish your own. When it comes to this Brazilian Shrimp Stew recipe, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Firstly, if you want to make this recipe low carb, you can replace the palm oil with olive oil and serve the stew over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. This way, you can still indulge in the creamy coconut milk and flavorful shrimp broth without the added carbs.
For a vegetarian or vegan version of this stew, you can substitute the shrimp with cubed tofu or sliced mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely meatless version.
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily omit it from the recipe or use parsley as a substitute. You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and bell peppers to your liking for more or less heat.
Another fun variation is to add different vegetables to the stew such as chopped pumpkin or sweet potato. This adds some extra texture and color to the dish while still staying true to its Brazilian roots. You can also try substituting the shrimp with fish for a moqueca-inspired fish stew.
Ultimately, feel free to play around with different ingredients and variations until you find what works best for you. The beauty of cooking is that there are endless possibilities!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve created a delicious Brazilian Shrimp Stew, it’s important to have something to complement its complex flavors. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes or can be enjoyed on its own.
For a light, refreshing pairing, serve your shrimp stew alongside a fresh green salad. The bright notes of the greens will help balance out the rich, savory flavors in the stew.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the stew with fluffy white rice or crusty bread. The bread’s texture is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, while the rice is ideal for adding some much-needed carbs to your meal.
To add an additional layer of complexity to this Brazilian delicacy, try serving it with a glass of crisp Chardonnay or smooth Pinot Grigio. The crispness of these wines pairs beautifully with the robustness of the stew.
If you’re in the mood for something non-alcoholic, consider serving it with a cold glass of lemonade. The acidity and sweetness of this beverage will help balance out the richness of the shrimp and coconut milk.
Whatever you choose to pair with your Brazilian Shrimp Stew, make sure to enjoy it in good company and savor every bite of this exotic flavor explosion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you have made this delicious Brazilian Shrimp Stew, you may be wondering how best to store it, reheat it, or enjoy it later. Fortunately, this stew is perfectly suited to make-ahead cooking and reheating.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it tastes even better the next day after all the flavors have had time to meld together. To store the shrimp stew, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can either store it in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat the shrimp stew, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If microwaving, simply place the desired amount in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, pour the desired amount into a saucepan and heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally.
If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time or simply want leftovers for later in the week, I recommend undercooking the shrimp slightly before storing. This will ensure that when you reheat the stew, your shrimp remains juicy and tender.
Overall, this Brazilian Shrimp Stew is versatile and lends itself well to make-ahead cooking and storage. So don’t be afraid to create a big batch and save some for later!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking an exceptional Brazilian shrimp stew, there are a couple of things that can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best result:
1. Use fresh ingredients: The flavors of this stew rely heavily on the freshness of the seafood and vegetables used. Make sure to get high-quality fresh shrimp, garlic, onion, peppers and cilantro.
2. Adjust spices to your taste: While the recipe calls for cayenne and black pepper, feel free to adjust the spice level based on your personal preference. Add more cayenne if you want it spicier or omit it completely if you don’t like spicy food.
3. Don’t overcook the shrimp: Overcooking shrimp can turn them rubbery and tough. As soon as they turn pink, take them out of the heat as they will continue cooking even after being removed from the heat source.
4. Use palm oil: Though olive oil is a good substitute, using palm oil will give your stew that authentic Brazilian flavor.
5. Let it simmer: Letting the stew simmer for about 20-30 minutes will allow all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
6. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice: Before serving the stew, drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over it to enhance the flavors.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to make an unforgettable Brazilian shrimp stew that’s perfect for any occasion!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Brazilian Shrimp Stew recipe is not only easy to make, but it also yields a delicious, hearty meal that your taste buds will surely enjoy. The flavors of the coconut milk, palm oil, and fresh cilantro blend together perfectly to make this stew a standout dish. Additionally, the cayenne pepper adds just the right amount of heat to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
This dish can be customized to fit different dietary preferences by making low-carb substitutions or adding other proteins such as fish or chicken. With its rich flavors and versatility, this shrimp stew recipe is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
I encourage you to gather these ingredients and get started on making this mouthwatering Brazilian Shrimp Stew today. Trust me; your friends and family will thank you for bringing the flavors of Brazil into their home!
Brazilian Shrimp Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs large shrimp
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green pepper, finely chopped
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 5 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro
- 1 cup coconut milk, well stirred
- 1 tablespoon palm oil, don't use another, just leave it out if you don't have it. Can be found in African markets
Instructions
- Toss shrimp with garlic, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper and lemonjuice, chill for 20 minutes marinating time.
- Puree tomatoes with juice in a blender til smooth.
- cook onion and bell pepper in olive oil over moderately low heat.about 8-10 minutes. Add cayenne, tbs cilantro, remaining salt cook stirring one minute.
- Add tomato puree and simmer for about 15 minutes, until mixture is very thick.
- Stir in coconut oil and then bring to a boil, add shrimp mixture and cook 3 to 5 minutes until pink.
- Stir in dende oil and remaining cilantro. Season to taste.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Dora
Dora is a chef well-versed in Brazilian and American cuisine. After a hard day's work in the kitchen of her restaurant, she finds the time to jot down recipes for her food blog. Her recipes are sure to delight foodies everywhere, as she strives to make each one unique and enjoyable to read.