Tambaqui Fish Stew — Brazilian Amazonian Caldeirada
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Tambaqui Fish Stew — Brazilian Amazonian Caldeirada

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 10, 2026

A soul-warming Brazilian stew from the heart of the Amazon: tender tambaqui simmers with ripe tomatoes, sweet chilli peppers and fresh coriander in a golden, fragrant broth. An overnight lime marinade is the secret to deeply flavourful, melt-in-the-mouth fish. Serve generously with fluffy white rice for a true taste of Amazônia.

Prep⏱️ 30 min
Servings👥 4 servings
Difficulty📊 Easy
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🛒 Ingredients

4 servings

4
  • 1 kg tambaqui (Amazonian freshwater fish — ribs, loin or both)
  • 3 ripe tomatoes, deseeded and quartered
  • 3 onions, cut into wedges
  • 15 sweet chilli peppers (pimenta de cheiro), deseeded and halved
  • 1 bunch fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
  • 1 bunch fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Sweet paprika or tomato paste (to colour the broth)
  • Olive oil, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 limes (for the marinade)

Directions

  1. 1

    The day before, rinse the fish thoroughly under cold water. Place it in a deep dish, drizzle generously with lime juice, season with salt, cover and refrigerate overnight.

  2. 2

    The next day, quickly rinse the fish once under cold water to remove excess lime and salt.

  3. 3

    In a large pot, layer the fish, then top with tomatoes, onions, sweet chilli peppers and half the coriander and chives.

  4. 4

    Pour in enough cold water to fully submerge the fish.

  5. 5

    Drizzle with olive oil, add the vinegar and paprika (or tomato paste) to give the broth a warm golden colour.

  6. 6

    Season with salt gradually — the salt from the marinade will dissolve into the broth as it heats.

  7. 7

    Bring to the boil, then simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes.

  8. 8

    Remove from heat, scatter over the remaining coriander and chives, and serve immediately with steamed white rice.

💡 Chef's Tip

Can't find tambaqui? Sea bream, cod or any firm white fish work beautifully as substitutes. Never skip the overnight lime marinade — it is the secret behind deeply flavoured, incredibly tender fish.