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Fish Vatapá with Rice served, with rich coconut milk sauce and rice
Brazilian fish dish with rich flavours and coconut milk sauce

Fish vatapá with rice

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses Quick Meals
The Afro-Brazilian heritage of Brazil's Bahia region comes alive in this dish. While classic Vatapá is a thick, nutty bread paste, this 'peixe' (fish) version is a lighter, stew-like dish where the silkiness of coconut milk and acidity of lime embrace soft pieces of fish. Tomatoes and spices add depth.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 50 mins
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 550 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Deep frying pan or pot
  • Rice cooker or saucepan
  • Sharp knife

Allergen Information

⚠️ Fish

Instructions

1 ✓

Dice the fish and marinate in lime juice, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.

Tip: The acid begins to 'cook' the fish (denaturation) and removes strong fishy tastes.
2 ✓

Cook the rice in salted water according to packet instructions, then keep warm.

Tip: The secret to fluffy rice is rinsing off starch before cooking.
3 ✓

Slice the leek into rings, crush the garlic, and dice the tomatoes. Sauté the onions in olive oil until soft.

Tip: Slow sautéing brings out sweetness from the onions.
4 ✓

Add the tomato and spices, cooking until the tomato breaks down and thickens into a sauce.

Tip: The pectin in tomatoes helps thicken the base.
5 ✓

Pour in the coconut milk, bring to a boil, then add the fish with its marinade. Simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes.

Tip: Don't boil vigorously, or the coconut milk may split and the fish will dry out.
6 ✓

Serve the rice with the fish ragout, garnished with fresh lime.

Tip: The creamy sauce and neutral rice complement each other.

Recipe FAQ

The fish fell apart.
You stirred it too much or overcooked it. Fish proteins firm up quickly, then just break.

Ingredients

  • 400 g White Fish Fillets (e.g. Cod, Tilapia)
  • 300 g Rice
  • 200 ml Coconut Milk
  • 1 whole Leek
  • 2 whole Tomatoes
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Thyme
  • 1 whole Lime
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 pinch Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil