Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to make, the Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This vibrant stew combines tender cod, sweet smoked paprika, zesty lime, and creamy coconut milk to create a comforting yet refreshing meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe balances warmth and brightness in every spoonful, making it an absolute joy to cook and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this stew lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role to build layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic garlic and sweet peppers to the creamy coconut milk and tangy lime, every component works together to create a truly memorable dish.
- Olive oil: Use just a teaspoon to gently fry aromatics without overpowering the stew.
- Garlic (2 cloves, peeled and crushed): Provides a warm, garlicky base to build the flavor.
- Onion (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Peppers (3, a mix of red and yellow, chopped): Bring vibrant color and a mild sweetness.
- Sweet smoked paprika (2 tsp): The star spice that lends a smoky, slightly sweet warmth.
- Dried chili flakes (1/2 tsp): Adds just a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Cod (400 g, frozen is fine): Tender white fish that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Reduced fat coconut milk (400 ml): Creates a silky, creamy broth that’s lighter but still rich.
- Cherry tomatoes (250 g, halved): Burst of freshness and juiciness to brighten every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Simply essential to season the stew perfectly.
- Lime (2): Zesty juice to finish the dish with a lively punch.
- Spring onions (2): Crunchy garnish that adds freshness and color.
How to Make Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe
Step 1: Softening the Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the crushed garlic and sliced onion, letting them gently fry for about 3 minutes until they turn soft and fragrant. This creates a flavorful foundation that sets the tone for the entire stew.
Step 2: Building the Pepper and Spice Base
Next, add the chopped red and yellow peppers to the pan, followed by the sweet smoked paprika and chili flakes if you like a little kick. Cook these together for another 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the spices to release their sweet and smoky aroma.
Step 3: Introducing the Cod and Coconut Milk
Gently place the cod pieces into the pan, pouring over the reduced fat coconut milk. Turn the heat down to a gentle simmer and let everything cook together for 10 minutes. This step lets the fish absorb all those delicious smoky and creamy flavors while becoming wonderfully tender.
Step 4: Adding the Burst of Freshness
Now, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. The tomatoes soften slightly while providing juicy pops of freshness throughout the stew that perfectly complement the rich broth.
Step 5: Final Touches with Lime and Spring Onions
Finish by squeezing the juice of two limes directly into the stew and sprinkling the sliced spring onions on top. Serve the stew piping hot over a fluffy bed of rice to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.
How to Serve Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh spring onions at the end gives an inviting crunch and a burst of green color that brightens the whole dish. If you want an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or a little extra paprika for visual appeal and flavor depth.
Side Dishes
This stew shines when paired with simple white or brown rice, which absorbs all that creamy broth beautifully. For added texture, you could serve it alongside crusty bread to sop up the delicious sauce, or keep it light with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this stew family-style in a large, rustic bowl surrounded by lime wedges for guests to customize their tanginess. Alternatively, spoon it into individual bowls and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs and a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-worthy touch that feels effortless at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
While fresh fish stews are best enjoyed immediately, you can freeze this stew for up to 1 month. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and note that the texture of the fish may change slightly after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stove over low heat until just heated through, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the fish tender and prevent the coconut milk from separating. Serve immediately once warmed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this stew?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its firm texture, you can substitute with haddock, pollock, or other white fish that hold their shape well during cooking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The stew has a mild warmth from the smoked paprika and just a touch of chili flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the chili amount to suit your preference or omit it altogether for a gentle flavor.
Can I prepare this stew without coconut milk?
You can, but coconut milk adds a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the spices beautifully. For a lighter version, you might try replacing it with a mild broth and a splash of cream, though the taste will differ.
What if I don’t have fresh lime? Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for its bright, fresh acidity, but in a pinch, bottled lime juice works fine. Just be mindful of the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish with concentrated acidity.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe reheats wonderfully, making it great for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time. Just store the stew and rice separately if possible to keep textures optimal.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, and the Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe hits that mark perfectly. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a meal that’s easy to fall in love with. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this stew a try—it’s sure to become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
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Easy Fish Stew with Paprika and Lime Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This easy fish stew combines tender cod with vibrant peppers, garlic, and a rich coconut milk broth infused with sweet smoked paprika and a hint of lime. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal, this stew comes together in just 30 minutes and offers a comforting balance of spicy, smoky, and tangy flavors served over a bed of rice.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tsp Olive oil
- 2 Cloves Garlic (peeled and crushed)
- 1 Onion (sliced)
- 3 Peppers (a mixture of red and yellow, chopped into chunks)
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tsp Sweet smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Dried chilli flakes
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fish and Liquids
- 400 g Cod (frozen or fresh, cut into pieces)
- 400 ml Reduced fat coconut milk
Vegetables & Garnish
- 250 g Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 Limes
- 2 Spring onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sliced onion, frying gently for about 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
- Add peppers and spices: Stir in the chopped red and yellow peppers along with the sweet smoked paprika and dried chilli flakes. Cook for another 3 minutes until the peppers have softened, releasing their sweetness.
- Cook the fish: Gently add the cod pieces to the pan and pour over the reduced-fat coconut milk. Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add cherry tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and continue simmering the stew for an additional 5 minutes to soften the tomatoes and enhance the broth’s flavor.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, squeeze the juice of two limes over the stew and sprinkle with sliced spring onions. Serve hot over a bed of cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using frozen cod is convenient, but ensure it is fully thawed before cooking for even cooking.
- Adjust the chilli flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- For a gluten-free option, serve with gluten-free rice or a grain of choice.
- This stew can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
