This Easy Portuguese Fish Stew is a colorful and tasty dish that’s sure to warm you up! Packed with fresh fish, tomatoes, and spices, it’s a simple way to enjoy a seafood feast.
I love how everything cooks together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, the flavors are so bright that even your pickiest eaters might ask for seconds. Seriously, who can resist a good stew? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A must-have for this recipe! Olive oil adds a lovely flavor to the stew. If you’re out, you can use vegetable or canola oil instead. I find that olive oil gives it a nice Mediterranean touch!
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics form the base of flavor in the stew. Yellow onions work well if you don’t have a regular onion. For garlic lovers, don’t hesitate to add an extra clove or two!
Red Bell Pepper: This adds color and sweetness. You can swap it with green bell pepper for a bit less sweetness, or even use diced sweet potatoes for added texture.
Fish: I recommend using firm white fish like cod or haddock, which hold up well in the stew. If you can’t find either, tilapia or snapper are good alternatives. Even canned fish like tuna can work in a pinch!
Shrimp: Fresh is best, but frozen shrimp works just fine! Make sure it’s peeled and deveined for convenience. If shrimp isn’t available, consider adding mussels or clams for a seafood twist.
Fresh Herbs: I usually like to use cilantro, but parsley is great too. If you’re not a fan of either, feel free to skip it or use dried herbs like thyme or oregano.
How Do I Ensure My Stew Has the Right Texture?
Getting the right texture in your stew is all about timing and layering flavors. Start by cooking the onions and garlic until softened to build a deep flavor base.
- Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic—it can become bitter!
- When adding potatoes, they should cook long enough to become tender without breaking apart. A quick test is to poke one with a fork.
- For seafood, add it near the end to keep it from overcooking. Fish should be just opaque when done, and shrimp should turn pink and curled.
Lastly, adjust your seasoning at the end! A small taste test can help you add more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Easy Portuguese Fish Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stew:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 2 large tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color)
- 4 cups fish stock or water
- 1 pound firm white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into chunks
- 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal that captures the essence of Portuguese flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chopped onion and let it cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes. This will give a nice base flavor to your stew!
2. Add Aromatics and Vegetables:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Cook these together for another 3 minutes, until they become fragrant and slightly tender.
3. Build the Flavor:
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, turmeric (if you’re using it), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything to combine and let those flavors meld for a minute.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Add the potato chunks and pour in the fish stock or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. This should take about 15 minutes; you can poke them with a fork to check.
5. Add the Seafood:
Gently add the fish chunks and shrimp into the pot. Simmer the stew for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and looks opaque. Be careful not to overcook the fish!
6. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, give the stew a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. This step is crucial to make sure your flavors pop!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the stew hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. If you’d like, add lemon wedges on the side for a splash of brightness! It’s perfect alongside some crusty bread for dipping.
This stew is hearty, subtly spiced, and full of fresh seafood flavor, making it an excellent choice for a cozy meal!
FAQ for Easy Portuguese Fish Stew
Can I Use Different Types of Fish?
Absolutely! While cod and haddock are great choices, you can also use tilapia, snapper, or any firm white fish. Just make sure whatever fish you choose cooks quickly and holds its shape.
Can I Make This Stew Spicier?
Yes, if you like a bit of heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or even a diced jalapeño when you sauté the onions. Adjust the spices according to your taste for a flavorful kick!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to make it even heartier. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
