Dinner

Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe

Name: Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Brazilian
Ingredients: 400 g (14 oz) prawns; Juice of 1 lime (half of total); 2 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon coconut oil; 1 medium red onion, diced; 1 medium red pepper, diced; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes; 1 tablespoon paprika; 8 cherry tomatoes, diced; 400 ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk; Juice of 1 lime (remaining half); Fresh coriander, for serving; Extra lime wedges, for serving

Bynova cole January 24, 2026January 24, 2026

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Brazilian Prawn Coconut Stew is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines succulent prawns with creamy coconut milk and zesty lime. It’s a comforting yet light meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

A white bowl holds two main layers of food arranged side by side: on the left, light brown cooked rice sprinkled with small green herb leaves, showing a fluffy texture; on the right, bright orange shrimp stew with several plump shrimp visible, covered in a thick, creamy sauce mixed with pieces of green bell peppers and red tomatoes, all garnished with fresh chopped herbs. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh green herbs nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400 g (14 oz) prawns
Juice of 2 limes, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 medium red onion, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 green chilli, deseeded, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red chilli flakes
1 tablespoon paprika
8 cherry tomatoes, diced
400 ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
Fresh coriander, to serve
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Put the prawns in a bowl and stir in half of the lime juice and the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: In a large pan, heat the coconut oil and fry the red onion and red pepper for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 3: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and green chilli, cooking for another minute.
Step 4: Add the red chilli flakes and paprika, stir to combine, and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 5: Add the prawns and simmer for 3-4 minutes until they are almost cooked through.
Step 6: Stir in the diced cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often and breaking down the tomatoes with your spoon.
Step 7: Pour in the coconut milk, bring the stew to a simmer, then allow it to reduce and thicken for 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Stir in the remaining lime juice, season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve topped with fresh coriander and extra lime wedges alongside rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, leave the green chilli seeds in or add more chilli flakes.
Use wild-caught or fresh prawns for the best flavor.
Swap coconut oil with olive oil if you prefer a milder taste.
Add diced sweet potato or butternut squash for a heartier stew.
Serve with crusty bread instead of rice for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until piping hot. The stew can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish divided into two main parts. On one side, there is fluffy white rice with some small green herb pieces sprinkled on top. On the other side, there are large cooked shrimp with orange-pink shells, lying on a thick, chunky sauce made of diced vegetables in red, orange, and yellow colors. Fresh green herbs are scattered over the shrimp and sauce. Two lime wedges with a bright green color are placed on the left edge of the plate, partially on the shrimp. A silver fork rests on the right side, partly on the shrimp dish, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, frozen prawns work well. Thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating to avoid excess water diluting the stew.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level is mild to medium thanks to the green chilli and red chilli flakes. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less chilli according to your preference.