Tapado de Pescado Costeño
A hearty and aromatic seafood stew from the Caribbean coast of Honduras, featuring white fish, shrimp, and other shellfish simmered in a rich coconut milk broth with a variety of root vegetables and plantains. It's a flavorful dish that showcases the region's abundant marine life and tropical ingredients.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Firm white fish fillets(such as snapper, sea bass, or haddock, cut into large chunks)
- 1 lb Shrimp(peeled and deveined)
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) Coconut milk
- 4 cups Seafood stock or water
- 2 medium Green plantains(peeled and cut into 1-inch thick slices)
- 1.5 pounds Yuca (cassava)(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 2 medium Sweet potatoes(peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium Onion(finely diced)
- 1/2 Green bell pepper(finely diced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(seeded and chopped)
- 1/2 cup Cilantro(chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Achiote paste (annatto)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil or vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- pinch Cayenne pepper (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make a sofrito: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes until tomatoes break down.
- 2
Stir in the chopped cilantro (reserving some for garnish), achiote paste, salt, pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3
Pour in the seafood stock or water and bring to a boil. Add the yuca, sweet potatoes, and green plantains. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- 4
Stir in the coconut milk and bring the stew back to a gentle simmer. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- 5
Add the fish chunks and shrimp to the pot. Poach gently in the simmering stew for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the shrimp are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood.
- 6
Ladle the Tapado de Pescado Costeño into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good portion of fish, shrimp, and vegetables. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, use fresh coconut milk if available.
- ✓Other shellfish like mussels or clams can be added.
- ✓This dish is traditionally served with a side of white rice or fried plantains.
🔄 Variations
- Add other tropical fruits like ripe plantains for a touch of sweetness.
- A splash of lime juice before serving can brighten the flavors.