Low-Carb Brazilian Stew: Moqueca de Camarão

Think “comfort food” and Brazil might not be the first place your mind goes — but maybe it should be. Moqueca de Camarão, a coastal shrimp Low-Carb Brazilian Stew simmered in coconut milk and aromatics, is rich, soul-soothing, and surprisingly… low in carbs. No flour, no grains, no fillers. Just fresh ingredients, healthy fats, and bold flavor.

If you’re watching your carb intake, but still crave something warm and satisfying, this dish checks every box. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and loaded with protein. No need to reinvent or substitute much — this is one of those rare global classics that fits modern diets without compromise.

In this post, we’ll break down how to make a Low-Carb Brazilian Stew that’s as easy on your blood sugar as it is exciting for your taste buds. You’ll get:

• A fast, flavor-forward recipe with minimal ingredients
• Tips to keep it ultra low-carb (like what to serve it with instead of rice)
• Smart swaps and prep ideas that won’t sacrifice authenticity

Ready to eat clean without eating bland? Let’s make this moqueca your new go-to.

Why Moqueca Works for Low-Carb Lifestyles

Low-carb eating usually means saying goodbye to comfort food — or at least making awkward “healthy” versions of it. But here’s the plot twist: Moqueca de Camarão is already low-carb. No swaps, no sad substitutes — just full-on flavor with clean ingredients. 🌿

✅ No grains, no starches, no problem
• Traditional moqueca skips pasta, flour, and thickeners altogether.
• Serve it over cauliflower rice or enjoy it solo — the broth is rich enough to carry the dish.

✅ Healthy fats that fill you up
• Coconut milk brings creamy texture and satisfying satiety.
• Add olive oil or go authentic with dendê oil for a deeper, earthy finish. 🥥

✅ Naturally high in protein
• Shrimp delivers lean, clean protein — no heavy meats or carb fillers here.
• It cooks fast too, making this a solid weeknight win. 💪

✅ Low-carb veggies done right
• Onions, peppers, and tomatoes build the stew’s base without pushing your carbs up.
• It’s vibrant, savory, and anything but boring. 🍅🧅

🟡 Bottom line?
This is not a “diet recipe.” It’s real food, rooted in tradition, that just so happens to work for your low-carb life — no hacks required.

Low-Carb Brazilian Stew: Moqueca de Camarão

A rich, coconut-based Brazilian shrimp stew made low-carb. Bold, clean, and ready in 40 minutes — no grains, just pure flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Brazilian

Servings 4 people

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• Large pan or Dutch oven
• Knife + cutting board
• Wooden spoon
• Bowl for marinating

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb 450g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Juice of 1 lime
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil or dendê oil if low-carb purist
• 1 medium onion thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper sliced (red or yellow)
• 1 medium tomato chopped (or 4 cherry tomatoes)
• 1 can 13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

 

• Marinate shrimp:

  Combine shrimp, lime juice, half the garlic, and a pinch of salt. Let sit while prepping veggies (10–15 min).
• Sauté aromatics:

  Heat olive oil in a large pan. Cook onion and bell pepper for 5–6 minutes until soft. Add remaining garlic and paprika.
  
• Add coconut & tomato:

  Stir in chopped tomato and coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add chili flakes if using. Season to taste.
  
• Cook shrimp:

  Add shrimp. Cover and simmer until they’re pink and just curled (4–5 min).
  
• Finish:

  Stir in chopped cilantro. Rest 5–10 min off heat. Serve hot with lime wedges and low-carb sides like cauliflower rice.
  

Notes

• Use full-fat coconut milk for keto benefits.
• Cauliflower rice, steamed spinach, or zucchini noodles make perfect low-carb sides.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp — watch for that pink pop and slight curl.
• Want spice? Add a chili or two at step 3 🌶️

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Low-Carb Tips & Ingredient Swaps

While moqueca is already naturally low in carbs, a few thoughtful tweaks can make it even leaner or better suited to your goals — without messing with the flavor. Whether you’re doing keto, low-sugar, or just lightening things up, here’s how to fine-tune the dish to fit your plate:

✅ Swap white rice with:

• Cauliflower rice (classic and super low-carb) 🥦
• Shirataki rice or miracle rice for near-zero carbs
• Sautéed spinach or zucchini ribbons for something fresh and green 🌱

✅ Use full-fat coconut milk

• It’s richer, keeps you full longer, and is less processed.
• Avoid “light” coconut milk — it’s often watered down and lacks depth.

✅ Go light on tomatoes

• Tomatoes add acidity and body, but too many = sneaky carbs.
• Use one medium tomato max, or switch to a few chopped cherry tomatoes 🍅 for flavor control.

✅ Load up on herbs, not sauces

• Skip sugary hot sauces or bottled spice blends.
• Instead, use fresh cilantro, parsley, or even a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth 🌶️.

✅ Protein variations:

• Not into shrimp? White fish like cod or haddock work beautifully and are also low-carb.
• Want a mix? Toss in scallops or squid for a seafood medley vibe 🐟

🟢 Quick bonus:
Want to meal prep it? Cook the base without shrimp, refrigerate, and just add fresh shrimp when reheating. That way, you avoid rubbery leftovers and get peak flavor every time.

What to Serve with a Low-Carb Moqueca

Let’s be real — traditional moqueca is usually served with fluffy white rice or farofa (toasted cassava flour). Delicious? Absolutely. Low-carb? Not quite. But don’t worry — you’ve got plenty of satisfying options that keep your meal balanced and low on the carb count. So here’s how to make the stew a Low-Carb Brazilian Stew

✅ Cauliflower rice
• The MVP of low-carb sides. It soaks up the coconut-lime broth like a champ.
• Sauté it with a bit of garlic and olive oil for added flavor. 🥦

✅ Zucchini noodles or ribbons
• Light, fresh, and surprisingly filling when served under a ladle of warm moqueca.
• Bonus: they take just 2 minutes to cook. 🍃

✅ Riced broccoli or mixed veggie “rice”
• Adds color and texture. Great if you want to level up on fiber and nutrients.
• Season lightly to let the stew shine through.

✅ Steamed greens or sautéed spinach
• Sometimes simple is best — warm greens contrast beautifully with the creamy stew.
• A squeeze of lime ties it all together. 🥬

✅ Crispy low-carb flatbread or almond flour tortillas
• Want something to dip? Try a keto-friendly flatbread. Not traditional, but very satisfying.

🟠 Tip for gatherings:
Serve the moqueca in a big bowl at the center of the table, and offer a few side options so guests can build their own plates. It’s a great way to keep things friendly for both low-carb and “regular” eaters.

Storage Tips for Low-Carb Brazilian Stew Meal Preppers

One of the perks of making moqueca is how well it fits into a meal prep routine — especially if you’re keeping things low-carb. It holds up beautifully in the fridge, and with a few tricks, you can avoid the most common pitfalls (like rubbery shrimp or a greasy top layer).

✅ Refrigerate smart
• Store the stew in an airtight container, ideally in a glass dish so the oils don’t stain.
• Eat within 3 days for best flavor and texture.

✅ Keep shrimp separate (if possible)
• Cooking the shrimp fresh each time ensures they stay juicy and don’t overcook when reheated.
• Prep the moqueca base in advance, then just toss in shrimp when reheating.

✅ Reheat low and slow
• Use the stovetop over low heat and stir occasionally.
• Avoid the microwave unless you’re short on time — it can dry out the shrimp quickly. If you must, cover loosely and use 50% power in short bursts. 🔁

✅ Freezing? Only the base
• You can freeze the coconut-vegetable broth without the shrimp for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and add fresh seafood when you’re ready to serve. ❄️

🟢 Bonus Prep Hack:
Chop all your veggies in advance and store them in zip-top bags or containers. That way, making moqueca midweek is as simple as marinate, simmer, serve.

Low-carb meals often feel like a compromise — less flavor, more rules. But moqueca flips that script. It’s rich, vibrant, and deeply comforting, with ingredients that naturally fit into a lighter lifestyle. No gimmicks. No weird flours. Just real food done right.

Whether you’re exploring Brazilian flavors for the first time or just need a new weeknight go-to, this shrimp coconut stew delivers — every time. So bookmark it, share it, or better yet… cook it tonight and see for yourself.

And if you put your own spin on it? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear how you made it yours. 💬
here’s another style of this recipe here Moqueca de Camarão: THE BEST Brazilian Shrimp Coconut Stew
For more healthy low carb recipes check Healthy recipes