This creamy Brazilian fish stew comes together in about 30 minutes and cooks all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the fish or veggies to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Trust me, this dish is as versatile as it is delicious!
Ingredient Breakdown
- 1 Pound White Fish Fillets
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, Chopped
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 1 Bell Pepper, Diced
- 1 Can (14 Ounces) Coconut Milk
- 1 Can (14 Ounces) Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- Chopped Cilantro for Garnish
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the Pan (5 minutes) In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers just a bit.
Sauté the Aromatics (3 minutes) Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent. It should take about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently. The smell will be so fragrant, it’ll make you want to dive right in!
Mix in the Saucy Goodness (5 minutes) Pour in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes, then add the paprika and cumin. Stir to combine beautifully. Bring this gorgeous mixture to a gentle simmer, be patient, it’s worth it!
Cook the Fish (10 minutes) Gently add the fish fillets to the pot, pressing them lightly into the sauce. Cover and cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes. You know it’s done when it’s cooked through but still tender, oh, the texture is everything!
Season and Serve (2 minutes) Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro on top, and brace yourself for the compliments because they’re coming!

Why This Recipe is My Go-To!
This creamy Brazilian fish stew is my go-to recipe when I’m busy but craving something comforting and fabulous. I’m a real sucker for one-pot meals, they make cleanup a breeze, and the best part is how it makes the whole house smell divine! Plus, you can swap out ingredients based on what you have lurking in your fridge, making it super flexible. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, with my kids asking for seconds every single time (shocking for such picky eaters!).
If you loved this creamy Brazilian fish stew, be sure to check out my Honey Garlic Pork Bites, my Creamy Parmesan Risotto, or my Korean Dipping Sauce!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together all in one pot, making it a breeze—seriously, you’ll be amazed how quick and flavorful it is.
Comfort Food
With all that creaminess and the rich spices, this stew is comfort food at its finest! It’s loaded with tons of flavor and warms you right up, perfect for chilly nights.
Customizable
The beauty of this recipe is that you can literally use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Don’t have fish? Toss in some shrimp or even tofu for a meatless option.
Budget-Friendly
The ingredients are everyday staples, you probably have much of it on hand already. This stew won’t break the bank while still tasting gourmet!
Meal Prep Friendly
Prep the ingredients in advance to make this stew an easy weeknight meal. Feel free to make a big batch, you’ll want leftovers for those busy days!
Serving and Storage Tips
What to Serve With This
I love serving this creamy Brazilian fish stew over rice or with crusty bread to soak up all the amazing sauce. You could also serve it with a simple side salad for a fresh crunch!
How Long It Keeps
This stew will keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
Best Reheating Method
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop over medium heat; stir occasionally, so it doesn’t burn. If it’s too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this stew, but I recommend freezing before adding the fish. Frozen, it will last about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready, add the fish and simmer!
There you have it my favorite Creamy Brazilian Fish Stew recipe! I hope you’ll dive into this dish as enthusiastically as I do. With its warm flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight meals. Enjoy! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!

Creamy Brazilian Fish Stew
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers just a bit.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the coconut milk and diced tomatoes, then add the paprika and cumin. Stir to combine and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Gently add the fish fillets to the pot, pressing them lightly into the sauce. Cover and cook until the fish is opaque and flakes easily, about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.
