Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew Recipe
This Creamy Coconut White Fish Stew is a comforting and vibrant dish featuring tender chunks of white fish simmered in a fragrant blend of coconut milk, turmeric, ginger, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, this stew offers a delicious balance of creamy richness and zesty lime with a subtle hint of chili heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Broth
- 1 ½ pounds white fish fillets, cut into chunks
- 2 cups fish stock or broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small red chili pepper, sliced (optional)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil to warm it up gently.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Turmeric: Stir in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and cook for another minute to release its earthy aroma.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the 2 cups of fish stock or broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes. This helps meld the flavors together.
- Add Coconut Milk and Season: Stir in the can of coconut milk, lime juice, and the sliced red chili pepper if using. Season the stew with salt and black pepper, mixing everything well.
- Cook the Fish: Gently add the cut fish chunks into the simmering stew. Allow them to cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Finish with Cilantro: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy coconut fish stew into bowls and serve hot with steamed rice or crusty bread. Garnish as desired for an extra touch of freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute white fish with firm varieties like cod, haddock, or halibut for similar results.
- Adjust the amount of chili pepper or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder stew.
- Serve with jasmine or basmati rice to complement the creamy coconut flavors.
- For a thicker stew, simmer a few extra minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the coconut milk.
Keywords: coconut fish stew, white fish recipe, creamy fish stew, Caribbean fish dish, coconut milk stew, turmeric fish, healthy fish stew, easy seafood stew
