Name: Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) prawns; Juice of 1 lime (half of 2 limes), divided; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 1 medium red onion, diced; 1 medium red pepper, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes; 1 tablespoon paprika; 8 cherry tomatoes, diced; 400 ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk; Juice of remaining 1 lime; Fresh coriander, for serving; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

There is truly nothing like the comforting, vibrant flavors of the Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe. This dish brings together succulent prawns bathed in a rich, creamy coconut milk base, kissed with lime and a perfect hint of spice. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create a stew that feels both exotic and deeply satisfying. Every spoonful unfolds layers of flavor and warmth, making it a wonderful introduction to Brazilian-inspired cuisine for anyone looking to brighten their dinner table with something a little different and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients You'll Need

A white plate filled with a creamy orange shrimp curry sauce, mixed with red tomato pieces and green herbs. On top, wedges of lime sit near the edge of the plate. A spoon holds up a spoonful of shrimp and sauce, showing the chunky texture with small bits of red and green. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh green limes and a bunch of bright red cherry tomatoes on the vine. In the background, a white bowl of white rice sits next to a striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not just for taste but for the way it contributes texture, color, and aroma that bring the stew to life.

400 g (14 oz) prawns: Fresh, plump prawns provide the star protein with a sweet, briny bite.

Juice of 2 limes, divided: Adds a bright zing that cuts through the richness, balancing the flavors.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a pungent, aromatic depth to the marinade and cooking base.
1 tablespoon coconut oil: Essential for its tropical aroma and smooth frying texture.

1 medium red onion, diced: Offers a slight sweetness and body to the stew’s foundation.
1 medium red pepper, diced: Adds vibrant color and subtle crunch for texture contrast.
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped: Doubles up on the garlicky goodness, enriching the sauce.

1 green chilli, deseeded, finely chopped: Provides a gentle heat that awakens all the other flavors.
½ teaspoon red chilli flakes: Supplies a smoky warmth that lingers pleasantly on the palate.
1 tablespoon paprika: Contributes earthiness and a mellow pepper flavor to the stew.

8 cherry tomatoes, diced: Offer natural acidity and freshness that lighten the creamy coconut milk.
400 ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk: Creates the luscious, velvety body at the heart of the stew.
Fresh coriander, to serve: A final herbal touch that brightens each bite with its citrusy notes.

How to Make Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Prawns

Begin by placing the prawns in a bowl and tossing them with half of the lime juice and the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. This simple marinade infuses the prawns with a fresh, zesty flavor, building a fantastic base for the stew. Let them chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to soak up all the goodness.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and red pepper, cooking them gently for about 5 minutes until they soften just enough to release their natural sweetness. Next, stir in the chopped garlic and green chilli, cooking for an additional minute to blend those fresh, spicy aromas.

Step 3: Add the Spices and Prawns

Sprinkle in the red chilli flakes and paprika, stirring well to coat the vegetables. Allow the spices to cook for 30 seconds so they can bloom and deepen in flavor. Then, add the marinated prawns to the pan and let them simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until they turn pink and are nearly cooked through, absorbing all those fragrant spices.

Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes

Toss in the diced cherry tomatoes and stir frequently. As they cook down over 2 to 3 minutes, use your spoon to gently break the tomatoes apart. This step adds a subtle tang and soft texture that enhances the stew’s complexity without overpowering the delicate prawns.

Step 5: Finish with Coconut Milk and Lime

Pour in the creamy coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce and thicken slightly for 1 to 2 minutes, swirling to combine all flavors. Finally, stir in the remaining lime juice and adjust the seasoning to your liking. This step seals in the bright, creamy, and slightly spicy character that makes the Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe

A deep white plate filled with a thick orange curry sauce that covers small shrimp, chopped red tomatoes, and bits of purple onion scattered throughout. Bright green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top and three lime wedges sit near the edge of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with fresh green limes and a branch of red cherry tomatoes nearby. In the background, a white bowl filled with cooked white rice is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top the stew with a handful of fresh coriander leaves for that burst of herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Adding extra lime wedges is always welcome too, letting guests squeeze more citrusy zest right onto the prawns as they eat.

Side Dishes

This stew pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice, which soaks up all that luscious coconut-infused sauce. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to keep the meal light and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the stew in small coconut shells or colorful bowls to highlight its tropical roots. You could also accompany it with toasted rustic bread or homemade flatbread for dipping, making every bite an adventure of flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, cool the stew completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days while maintaining the fresh flavors and creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe, but bear in mind that the texture of the prawns might change slightly upon thawing. Store the stew in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month for best quality. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the stew slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from separating. Avoid boiling as this can toughen the prawns; gentle warming preserves the tenderness and flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture in the stew, which might dilute the flavors.

Is this stew very spicy?

The heat is mild to moderate thanks to the balance of chilli flakes and fresh green chilli. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

Can I substitute coconut oil with another oil?

While coconut oil adds a subtle tropical aroma that's perfect here, you can use mild vegetable oil or olive oil if needed, but expect a slight change in flavor.

What can I use instead of fresh coriander?

If coriander is not your thing, fresh parsley or even basil can work as alternative garnishes, offering a different but still fresh herbal note.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the prawns with hearty vegetables like cauliflower florets or king oyster mushrooms, adjusting cooking times as necessary to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s vibrant, comforting, and packed with flavor, the Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day, yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try and let yourself be transported by each luscious, fragrant bite — I promise it will delight every time!

Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need