Description
Brazilian Dungeness Crab Stew is a flavorful and creamy seafood dish inspired by traditional Brazilian moqueca, combining tender Dungeness crab meat with sautéed vegetables, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. This hearty stew is perfect for a comforting main course, served hot over white rice or with crusty bread, delivering a taste of coastal Brazil in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Dungeness crab meat (fresh or pre-cooked)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium tomatoes (diced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup seafood stock or water
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and both red and yellow bell peppers. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables become soft and slightly caramelized.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Mix in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the mixture reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Season the Stew: Stir in the paprika and, if using, the cayenne pepper to add warmth and depth to the stew.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and seafood stock (or water). Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Crab Meat: Add the Dungeness crab meat to the pot and gently stir to coat it evenly with the sauce. Let the stew simmer for 10 to 15 minutes so the flavors meld together and the crab meat heats through.
- Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Add the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes before removing from heat.
- Serve: Serve the Brazilian Dungeness Crab Stew hot. It pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade seafood stock instead of water or store-bought stock.
- Adding a splash of palm oil enhances authenticity and adds depth to the stew.
- If using whole crab instead of pre-cooked crab meat, crack the shells slightly to allow flavors to penetrate during cooking.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and pescatarian.
