Bahian Shrimp Muqueca(Muqueca De Camarao)
A flavorful Bahian shrimp stew with coconut milk, tomatoes, and herbs, perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a rich, spicy taste of Brazil's coastal cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the dende oil in a medium-sized pot and stir-fry the chopped onion until golden brown.
- Add the crushed garlic and shelled, deveined prawns to the pot.
- Stir-fry for 3 minutes.
- Add the salt, fresh lemon juice, peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes, chopped parsley, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and coconut milk to the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Serve the Bahian Shrimp Muqueca with Brazilian rice with coconut milk.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika. If dende oil is unavailable, substitute with coconut oil or olive oil for a different twist. Fresh prawns are ideal, but frozen can work too; just ensure they're fully thawed before cooking. Enhance the dish with a squeeze of lime before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bahian Shrimp Muqueca hot, accompanied by Brazilian rice with coconut milk for a delightful pairing. A side of sautéed greens or a fresh salad can add a nice contrast. This dish also pairs beautifully with seafood recipes like Scallops In Cream Sauce for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the Bahian Shrimp Muqueca to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of coconut milk to maintain creaminess and prevent the shrimp from becoming tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bahian Shrimp Muqueca(Muqueca De Camarao) contains roughly 853 calories, with 32g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (250% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (203% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1877mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to maintain the right texture. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the dish.
What can I substitute for dende oil?
If dende oil is not available, you can use coconut oil or light olive oil as a substitute. While it won't provide the exact flavor profile, it will still yield a delicious dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper or include sliced jalapeños. You can also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).