Beef Moqueca
Description
Beef Moqueca - Authentic recipe from Brazil. Ready in 65 min. Try it now!
Directions
✓ researched- 1
Cut 500 g beef into thin strips and sear. Cut 2 bell peppers into strips. Sauté in 2 tbsp palm oil (dendê).
⏱️ approx. 12 min💡 Tip: Moqueca de Carne is a beef variation of the Brazilian moqueca — beef braised in coconut milk and palm oil (dendê) with bell peppers. Creamy, flavorful, with the unmistakable dendê aroma. An unusual, hearty moqueca.
- 2
Add 1 onion and tomatoes. Pour in 400 ml coconut milk.
⏱️ approx. 12 min💡 Tip: Moqueca (Brazilian braised stew in coconut milk and red palm oil/dendê) is classically made with fish — this beef version is heartier. Dendê provides the color and its characteristic nutty aroma, while coconut milk lends creaminess. With bell peppers, onion, tomato, cilantro, and lime. Braise the beef until tender.
- 3
Braise covered until the beef is tender and the sauce is creamy. Season with cilantro and lime. Serve with rice.
⏱️ approx. 12 min💡 Tip: Moqueca de Carne is served with rice, farofa, and pirão — the creamy, flavorful beef braise with dendê aroma. Hearty. An unusual take on the Bahian moqueca.
📜 Origin & History
Moqueca de Carne is a variant of the famous Moqueca, which is normally prepared with fish. This version uses beef and combines it with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, and paprika. Moqueca has its roots in Afro-Brazilian cuisine and is particularly popular in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo. The dish is often prepared in a traditional clay pot, which intensifies the flavor.
🌿 Regional variants
Classic with fish
With fish — Moqueca de Peixe (the original).
With bell peppers and chili
With plenty of bell peppers and chili — spicier.
🍷 What goes with it?
Serve with rice, farofa, and pirão. Creamy and flavorful with dendê. Hearty. Brazilian variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is moqueca?
Moqueca is a traditional Brazilian braised stew made with coconut milk, palm oil (dendê), tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and cilantro — classically prepared with fish or seafood. This version with beef (Moqueca de Carne) is heartier and more unusual. Creamy, flavorful, and truly distinctive (Bahian cuisine).
What is palm oil (dendê)?
Azeite de dendê (red palm oil) is a bright orange-red oil derived from the oil palm — a cornerstone of Bahian cuisine. It gives the moqueca its characteristic color and unmistakable, slightly nutty aroma. Used sparingly but with great impact (without it, there is no authentic flavor).
Does moqueca work with beef?
Yes — the creamy, flavorful coconut-dendê sauce also pairs well with beef (heartier than with fish). Cut the beef into thin strips or use braising cuts (longer cooking time) until tender. An unusual but satisfying variation. Serve with rice and farofa.
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Ingredients
verified- Beef500 g
- Paprika2 pcs
- Coconut milk400 ml
- Palmöl2 tbsp
