Brazilian Shrimp, Corn and Coconut Cuscuz with Lime Vinaigrette and Brazil Nuts
Brazilian Food
Intermediate

Brazilian Shrimp, Corn and Coconut Cuscuz with Lime Vinaigrette and Brazil Nuts

An original savory Brazilian cuscuz inspired by coastal flavors: cornmeal steamed with broth and coconut milk, sautéed shrimp, sweet corn, tomato, bell pepper, and a fresh lime vinaigrette with Brazil nuts. Unmolded and served warm as a main dish.

25 minPrep
30 minCook
55 minTotal
4Servings
Dairy-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 240 g flaked cornmeal for cuscuz (tipo nordestino or similar)
  • 300 ml vegetable or seafood broth (hot)
  • 200 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
  • 8 g salt (divided)
  • 450 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (without cola if preferred)
  • 45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed, divided)
  • 12 g minced garlic (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (divided)
  • 45 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 120 g white onion, chopped
  • 120 g red bell pepper, chopped
  • 180 g seeded tomato, diced
  • 150 g sweet corn kernels (fresh or congelado)
  • 20 g chopped cilantro (divided)
  • 40 g chopped green olives
  • 4 g sweet paprika
  • 2 g ground turmeric
  • 35 g toasted Brazil nuts, chopped
  • 4 g brown sugar (for equilibrar the vinagreta)
  • 2 g lime zest

Nutrition facts

per serving

496 kcal
Calories
25 g
Protein
39 g
Carbs
27 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
35 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Tree NutsShellfishSulfites

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. In a large bowl, combine the flaked cornmeal with the hot broth, coconut milk, and 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt. Stir well and let rest for 10 minutes so the grains can hydrate.

  2. 2

    2. In another bowl, season the shrimp with 15 ml (1 tbsp) lime juice, half of the minced garlic, 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, and 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt. Let stand for 10 minutes while you prepare the sautéed base.

  3. 3

    3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil and sauté the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until pink and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and roughly chop once slightly cooled.

  4. 4

    4. In the same skillet, add another 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and remaining garlic. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring, until softened.

  5. 5

    5. Add the tomato, sweet corn, green olives, sweet paprika, turmeric, 2 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and the remaining black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomato loses some of its moisture.

  6. 6

    6. Stir the chopped shrimp and half of the cilantro into the sautéed mixture. Mix for 1 minute, then add the hydrated cornmeal. Cook over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring, until you have a moist but firm mixture that pulls slightly away from the pan.

  7. 7

    7. Lightly grease a 20 cm (8-inch) round mold or loaf pan with a few drops of oil. Transfer the mixture to the mold, press gently with a spoon, and let rest for 5 minutes. If you prefer to finish it in the oven, bake for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) so it sets more firmly.

  8. 8

    8. Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette: in a small bowl, mix the remaining lime juice, remaining olive oil, brown sugar, lime zest, chopped Brazil nuts, remaining cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Stir until combined.

  9. 9

    9. Unmold the cuscuz onto a serving platter. Serve warm, topped with or alongside the lime and Brazil nut vinaigrette.

  10. 10

    10. If you want to reheat before serving, cover the cuscuz and warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.

Chef tips

For a clean unmolding, let the cuscuz rest for 5 minutes after packing it into the mold. Do not overcook the shrimp; they will finish gently with the residual heat of the mixture.

Substitutions

You can use cooked shredded chicken instead of shrimp, though it will no longer be a seafood recipe. Brazil nuts can be replaced with toasted cashews. If you do not have cilantro, use parsley, though the flavor will be less distinctly Brazilian.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Chef’s knifeIllustrative image

    Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef’s Knife

    Chopping, slicing and cutting strips

    • The knife I use most when cooking
    • Chops, slices and cuts into strips
    • Keep it sharp and hand-dry it
    View on Amazon

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