Description
Vatapá is a traditional Brazilian dish featuring a rich, creamy shrimp stew made with coconut milk, palm oil, fresh spices, and breadcrumbs. This recipe combines bold flavors like ginger, turmeric, and cumin with the sweetness of shrimp, creating a deliciously fragrant and hearty meal perfect for serving with rice or warm bread.
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
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional for serving)
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
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
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté 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.
- Cook Aromatics: 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 to release its flavor.
- Add Coconut Milk and Spices: Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, cayenne pepper (if using), turmeric, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- 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 Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Shrimp Back and Blend Flavors: Return the cooked shrimp to the pot and stir to combine. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lime juice if desired. Serve the vatapá hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro alongside rice or warm crusty bread.
- Enjoy: This rich and flavorful Brazilian dish is perfect as a main course or a side, showcasing a beautiful blend of spices and creamy textures.
Notes
- Using palm oil gives vatapá its authentic flavor and color, but vegetable oil is a good substitute if unavailable.
- For added texture, you can toast the breadcrumbs lightly before adding them to the pot.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and adjusts the heat level; omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Vatapá pairs beautifully with white rice or fresh, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
