Colombian · intermediate
Colombian Coastal Coconut Fish Cazuela
A delicate Pacific coast inspired stew featuring mild cod fillets gently simmered in coconut milk, red peppers, achiote, and fresh lime.
- PREP TIME
- 15 min
- COOK TIME
- 25 min
- SERVES
- 4
Good things
start in the kitchen.
LET’S MAKE IT
Step by step
- 01
Season cod chunks lightly with salt and half of the fresh lime juice. Set aside at room temperature while preparing sauce base.
- 02
Heat vegetable oil in a large shallow skillet over medium heat.
- 03
Add chopped scallions, diced red bell pepper, minced garlic, ground achiote, and ground cumin to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften and turn vibrant red-gold.
- 04
Pour unsweetened coconut milk into the skillet, stirring well to combine with the fragrant spiced vegetable mixture. Bring coconut liquid to a gentle simmer.
- 05
Carefully place seasoned cod chunks into the simmering coconut sauce in a single layer.
- 06
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover skillet, and gently simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- 07
Remove from heat, drizzle remaining fresh lime juice over top, and serve warm.
A LITTLE KITCHEN KNOW-HOW
Gentle Coconut Poaching
Simmering delicate white fish covered in seasoned coconut broth cooks the protein evenly without breaking down its flaky structure.
Notes from the kitchen
- Do not let coconut milk boil vigorously after adding fish, as high heat can break the coconut emulsion and overcook delicate cod.
- Handle cod chunks gently when stirring so the fillets stay intact throughout cooking.
- Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Colombian; regional versions vary.
- Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.