Cazuela de Mariscos Ecuatoriana
A rich and flavorful seafood stew from the Ecuadorian coast, featuring a creamy peanut and coconut milk base, brimming with fresh fish and shellfish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets (like corvina or tilapia)(cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 250 g Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 250 g Mussels(cleaned)
- 150 g Scallops
- 1 medium Red onion(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Bell pepper (red or green)(finely chopped)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(peeled, seeded, and chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Achiote paste (annatto paste)
- 1/2 cup Peanut butter (unsweetened)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) Coconut milk(full-fat)
- 2 cups Fish or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped red onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in chopped tomatoes and achiote paste, cooking for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter and coconut milk until smooth. Gradually whisk in the fish or vegetable broth.
- 4
Pour the peanut-coconut milk mixture into the pot. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- 5
Add the fish pieces to the simmering broth. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the shrimp, mussels, and scallops. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
- 6
Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 7
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Traditionally served with white rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your seafood is very fresh for the best flavor.
- ✓Don't overcook the seafood; it cooks quickly.
- ✓Adjust the consistency of the stew by adding more broth if it becomes too thick.
🔄 Variations
- Add other types of seafood like squid or crab.
- For a spicier version, add a finely chopped habanero pepper with the onions and peppers.