Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets tropical flavors in this delectable coconut white fish stew that promises to transport you straight to seaside paradise.

Delicate white fish nestles perfectly in a velvety coconut broth bursting with aromatic spices.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of home-cooked goodness and unexpected depth of flavor.

The stew combines simple ingredients into a sophisticated meal that feels both exotic and familiar.

Fresh herbs and a hint of zest brighten the creamy base, creating a balanced and satisfying dish.

Seafood lovers will adore this easy-to-prepare recipe that turns an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Dive into this comforting stew and let your taste buds embark on a delightful journey.

Steps For Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew

Step 1: Prep The Flavor Makers

Chop onions into fine pieces.

Mince garlic into tiny bits.

Grate fresh ginger.

Slice bell peppers and carrots into thin strips.

Dice tomatoes into small chunks.

Cut white fish fillets into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger.

Sauté until onions turn translucent and release a fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build The Vegetable Foundation

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Tomatoes

Stir everything together and cook for 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.

Step 4: Introduce Curry Magic

Sprinkle red curry paste into the pot.

Stir thoroughly to coat vegetables evenly.

Cook for 2 minutes to release deep, spicy flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Coconut milk
• Fish or vegetable broth

Stir ingredients together.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Embrace The Fish

Gently add fish chunks to the simmering liquid.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until fish becomes tender and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 7: Season And Elevate

Splash in fish sauce and fresh lime juice.

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 8: Serve With Flair

Ladle stew into bowls.

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top.

White Fish Stew Pro Cooking Tips

• Soak fish chunks in lime juice, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and texture.
• Choose firm white fish like cod or halibut that maintain shape during cooking, avoiding delicate varieties that might fall apart.
• Adjust spiciness by modifying red curry paste and red pepper flakes to match your personal taste preference.
• Simmer uncovered for extra minutes to reduce liquid and create a more concentrated, rich consistency.
• Swap fish with tofu or robust vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini for a plant-based version of the stew.

White Fish Stew Recipe Variation Ideas

• Spicy Seafood Medley: Replace white fish with a mix of shrimp, scallops, and mussels for a rich seafood experience.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap red curry paste with oregano, thyme, and replace coconut milk with light cream for a Mediterranean-style stew.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute fish with firm tofu, chickpeas, or roasted cauliflower chunks for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Ocean Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and replace coconut milk with a lighter coconut cream to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Ideas For Creamy White Fish Stew

• Tropical Beach Picnic Spread: Pack this stew in a thermos for a sunset beachside dinner with crusty bread and chilled white wine.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve in deep ceramic bowls alongside fluffy white rice, creating a warming meal perfect for chilly evenings with soft background music.
• Seafood Party Centerpiece: Transform this stew into a communal dining experience by presenting it in a large shared pot with extra garnishes like fresh herbs, lime wedges, and crispy shallots for guests to customize their portions.
• Wellness Lunch Option: Pair with a light mixed green salad and quinoa for a nutritious, protein-packed meal that feels both indulgent and health-conscious.

How To Store Creamy White Fish Stew

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the fish stays fresh and flavors remain intact.
• Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing if using dairy or cream-based ingredients.
• Transfer stew to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when stew is steaming hot.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this stew?

Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass that can hold their shape during cooking without falling apart.

• Can I make this stew less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce the amount of red curry paste and omit red pepper flakes. You can also add a bit more coconut milk to mellow the heat.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check that your curry paste and fish sauce are gluten-free brands to ensure complete compliance.

• How do I prevent the fish from overcooking?

Add fish chunks towards the end of cooking and simmer gently for just 5-7 minutes. Fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork and turns opaque.

Why Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew Is Unique

• Dive into Simplicity: This recipe offers an uncomplicated cooking process with straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can master confidently.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible ingredients allow personalization by adjusting spice levels, swapping proteins, or modifying vegetables to match individual taste preferences.
• Global Flavor Adventure: The stew blends international ingredients like coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh herbs, creating an exciting culinary journey without complex techniques.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With minimal preparation and cooking time, this one-pot wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavors perfect for busy households craving delicious, nutritious meals.

Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew Ingredient List

• White Fish: A firm-textured seafood that maintains its shape during cooking and absorbs the stew's rich flavors.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: A flavor base that creates a fragrant and depth-filled foundation for the stew.

• Bell Pepper, Carrot, Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Coconut Milk, Fish or Vegetable Broth: Creamy and flavorful liquids that create the stew's smooth and rich consistency.

• Red Curry Paste: A spicy and aromatic ingredient that provides a complex, traditional Southeast Asian flavor profile.
• Fish Sauce, Lime Juice: Ingredients that add brightness, umami, and a tangy depth to the stew.

• Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Basic seasonings that allow you to adjust the stew's overall taste and heat level.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, herbal note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Jasmine or Basmati Rice, Naan, Crusty Bread: Complementary side dishes that help soak up the delicious stew broth.

Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Dive into Caribbean comfort with this luscious coconut white fish stew, where tender ocean catches mingle with rich, aromatic spices. Smooth, silky coconut milk embraces delicate fish, promising you a memorable culinary journey through tropical flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod, tilapia, or halibut, cut into chunks)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch ginger (grated)
• 1 bell pepper (sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 carrot (sliced)

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 414 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) fish or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients meticulously: finely dice onions, mince garlic, grate ginger, slice bell peppers and carrots, chop tomatoes, and cut fish into uniform chunks.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature (around 350°F). Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes into the pot. Stir thoroughly, allowing vegetables to soften for 5 minutes.
4. Introduce red curry paste, coating vegetables evenly. Toast spices for 2 minutes to intensify flavor profile.
5. Pour coconut milk and broth into the pot. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to harmonize for 10 minutes.
6. Gently nestle fish chunks into the liquid. Poach for 5-7 minutes until fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with minimal pressure.
7. Enhance stew with fish sauce and lime juice. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to personal preference.
8. Create optional pre-cooking fish marinade using lime juice, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes to elevate taste and texture.
9. Select firm white fish varieties that maintain structural integrity during cooking, avoiding delicate options that might disintegrate.
10. Customize spice levels by adjusting red curry paste and pepper flakes quantities.
11. For a thicker consistency, extend simmering time without lid to reduce liquid volume.
12. Explore vegetarian alternatives by substituting fish with tofu or robust vegetables like sweet potatoes.
13. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice, accompanied by warm naan or crusty bread.
14. Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, and additional red pepper flakes for heat enthusiasts.
15. Complement stew with lightly sautéed green vegetables like spinach or bok choy for balanced nutrition.

Notes

• Marinate fish chunks in lime juice, salt, and pepper for 15 minutes to boost flavor and improve texture before cooking.
• Select firm white fish varieties like cod, halibut, or sea bass that maintain shape during simmering and won’t fall apart easily.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting red curry paste and red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences without overwhelming the delicate fish.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian delight by replacing fish with tofu, sweet potatoes, or zucchini while maintaining the creamy coconut base.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg