Description
Brazilian Vatapá is a rich, creamy seafood stew featuring succulent shrimp simmered in a spiced coconut milk base thickened with breadcrumbs and infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and bell peppers. This flavorful dish boasts a perfect balance of heat and earthiness, garnished with fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice, ideal for serving alongside rice or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional for serving)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the grated fresh ginger and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Make the Base Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and add the fish sauce (or soy sauce), cayenne pepper if you desire heat, turmeric, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir everything thoroughly to combine and create a flavorful sauce base.
- Add the Breadcrumbs: Gradually add the breadcrumbs into the pot while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The breadcrumbs will absorb the coconut milk, causing the sauce to thicken and develop a creamy texture.
- Simmer the Vatapá: Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken to a rich, creamy consistency.
- Finish the Dish: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir them into the thickened sauce. Allow the stew to simmer together for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors fully.
- Serve: Taste the vatapá and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice as desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm crusty bread.
- Enjoy: Delight in this authentic and hearty Brazilian vatapá, perfect as a comforting main course or a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with firm tofu or mixed vegetables.
- Palm oil is traditional and adds authentic flavor but can be replaced with vegetable oil if unavailable.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level.
- Serve vatapá with white rice or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
- The dish can be made a day ahead as flavors deepen over time.
