Description
This Brazilian Shrimp Stew is a creamy, flavorful seafood dish featuring tender shrimp simmered in a rich coconut milk and tomato sauce with traditional Brazilian spices. Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, it offers an authentic taste of Brazilian coastal cuisine, combining vibrant ingredients and a touch of tropical flair, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seafood
- 1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
Base and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons palm oil or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
Liquids
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Spices and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done. Finely chop the onion, garlic, tomatoes, and bell pepper to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat palm oil or olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant, taking care not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
- Build the stew base: Add chopped tomatoes and bell peppers to the pan. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and release their juices, creating a luscious base.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables evenly, deepening the flavor and adding warmth.
- Add coconut milk and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let the flavors meld for 8-10 minutes, avoiding aggressive boiling to prevent curdling.
- Cook the shrimp: Gently place the shrimp into the simmering stew. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to maintain tender texture.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lime: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten and balance the creamy stew.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp for best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; add them last and remove from heat as soon as they turn pink.
- Adjust cayenne and paprika to control spice level to your preference.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, authentic taste.
- Palm oil is traditional, but olive oil works well as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Brazilian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Brazilian, shrimp stew, coconut milk, seafood stew, quick dinner, gluten free, tropical, Brazilian cuisine
