This Easy Portuguese Fish Stew is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for cozy dinners. With fresh fish, tomatoes, and tasty spices, it brings a touch of the sea to your table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Fish: Using cod or haddock gives a nice, firm texture. If these aren’t available, tilapia or even salmon can work well. Just adjust cooking times for softer fish.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Just make sure to thaw it before cooking! If you need a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or more veggies.
Potatoes: I like using yellow potatoes for their creaminess, but any potatoes will do! Sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness, if you’re interested in mixing it up.
Red Bell Pepper: For a different flavor, try using yellow or orange bell peppers. If you want some extra heat, jalapeños can be a spicy substitute!
Olive Oil: While olive oil is classic, feel free to use vegetable or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Make Sure the Fish and Shrimp Cook Perfectly?
The key to cooking fish and shrimp is to add them later in the cooking process. They need just enough time to cook through without becoming tough or rubbery.
- After simmering the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, gently fold in the fish and shrimp.
- Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid boiling, which can toughen the seafood.
- Watch for the fish to turn opaque and the shrimp to curl up to indicate they’re done—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes!
Remember, every ingredient here adds flavor! Play around with substitutions and find what makes this dish great for you. Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Portuguese Fish Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups fish stock or water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- Juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious fish stew takes about 30 minutes in total—15 minutes for prep and about 15 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a cozy and comforting meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until it becomes slightly tender. This will add a lovely sweetness to the stew.
3. Mix in the Tomatoes and Spices:
Now, stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, if you’re using them. Let this mixture cook for about 3 minutes so all the flavors can develop.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the potato pieces and pour in the fish stock (or water). Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Incorporate the Fish and Shrimp:
Gently add the chunks of white fish and shrimp into the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
6. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked, take the pot off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped cilantro or parsley. This added freshness really brightens the dish!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot with some crusty bread on the side to soak up the wonderful broth. This meal is not just warming but also filled with flavor that’s sure to bring joy to your dinner table!
Enjoy your delicious and hearty Portuguese fish stew that’s perfect for those cozy evenings!
FAQ for Easy Portuguese Fish Stew
Can I Use Different Fish for This Stew?
Absolutely! While cod or haddock are great choices due to their firm texture, you can also use tilapia, salmon, or any other white fish you enjoy. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to prevent overcooking.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Stock?
No problem! If you don’t have fish stock, you can simply use water or vegetable stock. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to enhance the broth.
Can I Make This Stew Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The stew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop. Keep in mind that the seafood might become slightly more tender upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need further assistance with this recipe! Enjoy cooking!