Imagine a vibrant, creamy stew bursting with succulent prawns, rich coconut milk, and a symphony of Brazilian spices that will make your kitchen feel like a tropical paradise. Moqueca Camarão isn't just a dish—it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Brazil's coastal cuisine in every single bite. Whether you're a seafood lover or an adventurous home cook, this recipe promises to deliver an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Brazilian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g large prawns, peeled and deveined
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the prawns by thoroughly cleaning, peeling, and deveining them. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or traditional clay pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped bell peppers to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Incorporate chopped tomatoes into the mixture and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to break down and release their juices.
- Pour in the coconut milk, stirring gently to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Carefully add the seasoned prawns to the pan, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the sauce. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until the prawns turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Drizzle lime juice over the stew and gently stir to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to further develop.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving. Serve hot, traditionally accompanied by white rice and farofa (toasted manioc flour).
Tips
- Choose Fresh Prawns: The quality of your seafood makes all the difference. Look for large, fresh prawns with a sweet, ocean-like smell.
- Don't Overcook the Prawns: Prawns cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long. Watch for them turning pink and remove from heat immediately.
- Use a Traditional Clay Pot: If possible, use a traditional clay pot (panela de barro) for authentic flavor and presentation.
- Let Flavors Develop: Allow the stew to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let the spices and ingredients meld together.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a garnish—it's a flavor enhancer that brings brightness to the dish.
- Serve with Accompaniments: White rice and farofa are traditional sides that perfectly complement the stew's rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 210mg
