Description
Vatapá is a traditional Brazilian dish that features a creamy, flavorful blend of shrimp, coconut milk, breadcrumbs, and aromatic spices. This rich and comforting stew, enhanced with palm oil and fragrant seasonings, is perfect served over rice or with crusty bread. It brings together tender shrimp and a luscious sauce with a hint of heat, making it a beloved main course or side dish in Brazilian cuisine.
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup palm oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional for serving)
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
- Cook the 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.
- Sauté vegetables and 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.
- Add liquids and spices: Pour in the coconut milk, fish sauce, cayenne pepper if using, turmeric, cumin, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.
- Incorporate breadcrumbs: Slowly add the breadcrumbs to the sauce while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. The mixture will start to thicken as the breadcrumbs absorb the coconut milk.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy, stew-like consistency.
- Return shrimp to pot: Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and stir to evenly combine. Allow everything to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Final seasoning: Taste the vatapá and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional lime juice to brighten the flavor. Stir well.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the vatapá hot with rice or warm crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with mushrooms or tofu, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
- Palm oil is traditional and provides authentic flavor and color, but vegetable oil is a fine alternative if unavailable.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Breadcrumbs help thicken the stew; for gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Vatapá can be prepared a day in advance; the flavors deepen when allowed to rest overnight.
- Serve with white rice or Brazilian-style cassava flour farofa for an authentic experience.
