Description
Vatapá is a rich and creamy Brazilian seafood stew made with shrimp, coconut milk, breadcrumbs, and a blend of aromatic spices. This comforting dish is simmered to perfection and typically served with rice or warm crusty bread, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids & 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)
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the grated ginger and cook for another minute.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), turmeric, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
- Incorporate Breadcrumbs: Slowly add the breadcrumbs to the sauce, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will begin to thicken as the breadcrumbs absorb the coconut milk.
- Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice. Serve the Vatapá with rice or warm crusty bread, garnished with chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy: This rich and flavorful Brazilian dish is perfect as a main course or side dish!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or eggplant and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
- Palm oil adds authentic flavor, but vegetable oil is a suitable alternative if unavailable.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Serve with steamed white rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Vatapá tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
