Moqueca de Camarão (Brazilian Prawn and Coconut Stew)

Moqueca de camarão is a Brazilian seafood stew known for its fragrant coconut-tomato broth and gently cooked prawns. Often served as a generous main dish with rice, it brings together the sweetness of shellfish, the softness of simmered onion and pepper, and the mellow richness of coconut milk. This version keeps the seasoning clear and practical: garlic and cumin add warmth, tomatoes give body and acidity, and lime with fresh coriander sharpens the finish. The key is restraint at the end, letting the prawns cook just until opaque so they stay tender in the silky sauce.
Cuisine style Brazilian seafood stew
Flavor profile Creamy • Tangy • Savoury
Techniques Sautéing • Gentle simmering
Key equipment Dutch oven or large pot
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Built-in depth: Onion, red pepper, garlic and cumin are cooked before the liquid is added, giving the coconut-tomato sauce a warmer, more rounded base.
  • Silky sauce: Coconut milk softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the stew a rich, smooth consistency without dairy.
  • Fresh finish: Lime juice, zest and coriander are added off the heat so the final dish stays bright rather than heavy.

Get the most out of this recipe

Ingredient notes

  • Use raw prawns: Raw peeled prawns cook directly in the sauce and absorb more flavour than pre-cooked prawns, while staying tender if simmered gently.
  • Whisk the coconut milk: If the coconut milk has separated in the tin, whisk it before adding so the stew turns creamy rather than oily.
  • Finish with lime to taste: Add the lime at the end and adjust gradually; it should lift the coconut sauce without making it sharp.

Common mistakes

  • Do not overcook the prawns: Take the pot off the heat as soon as the prawns are pink and opaque; they will toughen quickly if left bubbling.
  • Avoid a hard boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added to preserve a smooth texture and tender seafood.
  • Add herbs at the end: Stir in the coriander off the heat so it keeps its fresh flavour and colour.

Make-ahead tips

  • Make the sauce ahead: The tomato, pepper and coconut base can be prepared in advance; reheat it gently, then add the prawns just before serving.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat until piping hot, stirring often and avoiding a vigorous boil to keep the prawns from becoming rubbery.
  • Best freshly finished: Seafood stews are at their best soon after the prawns are cooked, when the texture is still delicate.

Serving ideas

  • Serve with rice: Plain white rice is the simplest pairing and soaks up the coconut-tomato broth well.
  • Add freshness at the table: Finish with extra coriander and lime wedges so each serving can be brightened to taste.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Prepare the vegetables: thinly slice the onion, slice the red pepper, and finely chop the garlic. Zest the lime, then juice it. Roughly chop most of the coriander, reserving a little for serving.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of the salt, then cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Stir in the red pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and ground cumin and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant. Tip in the canned chopped tomatoes, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly and mellow the acidity. Season with the remaining salt and the black pepper.
  4. Stir in the coconut milk and bring back to a gentle simmer. Add the prawns and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are just pink and opaque. Keep the heat low so the sauce does not boil hard.
  5. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the lime juice, lime zest, and most of the coriander. Taste and adjust with a little more lime juice if you want it brighter. Serve hot, topped with the reserved coriander.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • For the most tender prawns, add them only once the sauce is gently simmering and take the pot off the heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
  • If your coconut milk has separated, whisk it well before adding so the stew turns silky rather than oily.
  • Seafood cooks quickly, so serve straight away; if you are pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are fully opaque all the way through.

Substitutions

  • Replace extra virgin olive oil with canola oil for a more neutral base.
  • Replace ground cumin with curry powder for a warmer, spicier profile.
  • Replace lime with lemon for a similar citrus lift.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, stirring often; avoid boiling to keep the prawns tender.

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Moqueca de Camarão (Brazilian Prawn and Coconut Stew)
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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 45min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Cuisine: Latin American
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans
One pot Kid friendly

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