This Brazilian-inspired shrimp stew is simmered in a fragrant tomato and coconut broth to create a bright, fast seafood dish—Moqueca de Camarão—that’s ready in about 20 minutes.
Popular in Brazil’s northern coastal regions, traditional moquecas are often cooked in clay pots with palm oil and local spices, producing deep color and flavor.
Known as Moqueca de Camarão or Brazilian Shrimp Stew, this dish balances creamy coconut milk with puréed tomatoes to form a silky sauce. Sliced bell peppers and vine tomatoes add color and texture, while fresh cilantro brightens each bite. It’s an easy, impressive weeknight meal.
Shrimp stew is one of Brazil’s most beloved traditional dishes, especially in the state of Bahia where African influences—like coconut milk and dendê (palm) oil—help define the region’s cuisine.
If you travel to Brazil’s northern coast, particularly Bahia, try the authentic moqueca made with palm oil. The flavor and color of genuine dendê are distinctive and worth seeking out when possible.
what is “moqueca”
Moqueca (pronounced “mo-KEH-kah”) is a Brazilian seafood stew that can be made with shrimp, fish, or a combination. Traditionally it’s slow-cooked in a clay pot and features a sauce of puréed tomatoes, coconut milk, shallots, garlic, and dendê oil.
Typical additions include sliced bell peppers, vine tomatoes, cilantro, and in Bahia, pimenta malagueta for heat. The result is a colorful, aromatic stew with layered flavors.
how to make shrimp stew or moqueca de camarão
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté shallots (or yellow onion) and garlic until soft and fragrant. Traditionally dendê (palm) oil is used, but olive or coconut oil work well too.
- Stir in tomato sauce and coconut milk to form the base of the sauce.
- Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with sliced bell peppers and tuck vine tomatoes into the sauce.
- Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes or a whole hot pepper like pimenta malagueta for heat.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through. Stir once or twice to ensure even cooking.
- Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
This recipe uses simple ingredients, yet the combination of coconut, tomato, and fragrant aromatics delivers a distinct, international flavor profile.
what is Brazilian oleo de dendê or palm oil
Oleo de dendê is a vivid orange oil pressed from the red pulp of oil palm fruit. Grown in Africa and Brazil, it imparts bold color and a distinct, savory flavor. In Bahia it’s essential to many classic dishes such as acarajé, moquecas, and vatapá.
Refined palm oil sold in some supermarkets loses much of its color and aroma. If you can find unrefined or virgin dendê at a Brazilian market, a small bottle will go a long way and yield a more authentic result.
What to serve with shrimp stew?
Traditionally, shrimp stew is served over simple white or brown rice to soak up the sauce. Crusty bread or soft rolls are also excellent for dipping. For low-carb options, serve over cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice.
Be sure to check out these amazing shrimp recipes:
Sheet Pan Hawaiian Shrimp
Shrimp Stir Fry
Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Shrimp
Cajun Shrimp Cauliflower Rice
Shrimp Stew Recipe
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Equipment
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Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb large shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot or onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 bunch vine tomatoes whole
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- fresh cilantro
- fresh lemon
Instructions
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In a large skillet heat oil. Add shallots (or yellow onion) and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
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Add tomato sauce and coconut milk, stirring to combine.
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Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Top with bell pepper slices and tuck vine tomatoes into the sauce. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a whole hot pepper if desired.
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Add a handful of fresh cilantro (no need to chop), cover, and simmer on medium-low for 10–12 minutes. Stir once or twice to ensure even cooking.
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Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve with rice or bread.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 15g
| Protein: 26g
| Fat: 12g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.