
Brazilian Baked Fish with Brazil Nut-Passion Fruit Crust over Creamy Coconut Cilantro Rice
An original recipe inspired by Brazilian flavors: baked fish fillets with a golden Brazil nut, coconut, and passion fruit crust, served over creamy rice cooked with coconut milk, garlic, onion, and fresh cilantro. It balances acidity, sweetness, and crunch.
Ingredients
- 600 g firm white fish fillets (como tilapia, mero or bacalao fresh)
- 8 g salt (divided)
- 2 g black pepper (freshly ground, divided)
- 1 unit lime (2 tbsp de jugo)
- 12 g garlic (chopped, divided)
- 30 ml olive oil (divided)
- 70 g Brazil nuts (chopped finely)
- 35 g unsweetened shredded coconut (for the crust)
- 80 ml passion fruit pulp (with or without semillas)
- 15 ml honey (for equilibrar the acidez)
- 120 g onion (finely chopped, divided)
- 200 g long-grain white rice (enjuagado)
- 400 ml coconut milk (without sugar)
- 240 ml water (for cocinar the arroz)
- 20 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 30 g scallions (sliced finas)
- 100 g red bell pepper (diced small)
Nutrition facts
per serving
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
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Lightly grease a baking tray or baking dish with a little of the olive oil.
- 2
Season the fish fillets with 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, 1 g (1/2 tsp) black pepper, the lime zest, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) of the lime juice. Add half of the chopped garlic and let rest for 10 minutes.
- 3
In a bowl, mix the Brazil nuts, shredded coconut, passion fruit pulp, honey, 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, and 30 g (1/4 cup) of the chopped onion. Add a pinch of salt and stir until a moist, crumbly topping forms.
- 4
Place the fillets on the prepared tray and spread the Brazil nut and passion fruit crust over the top of each one, pressing gently so it adheres.
- 5
Bake the fish for 14 to 18 minutes at 220 °C / 425 °F, until cooked through and the crust looks golden. For extra color, broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
- 6
Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining olive oil and sauté the remaining onion, red bell pepper, and scallions for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
- 7
Add the rest of the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the white rice and cook for 1 minute to lightly toast it.
- 8
Pour in the coconut milk and water. Season with the remaining 4 g (3/4 tsp) salt, the rest of the black pepper, and the remaining lime juice. Bring to a gentle boil.
- 9
Reduce the heat, cover, and cook the rice for 15 to 18 minutes until tender and creamy. Turn off the heat, fold in the fresh cilantro, and let it rest covered for 5 minutes.
- 10
Serve a bed of creamy coconut rice on each plate and place a crusted fish fillet on top. Spoon over any juices from the baking tray before serving.
Chef tips
For a crunchier crust, chop the Brazil nuts by hand instead of over-processing them. If your passion fruit pulp has many seeds, you can partially strain it for a smoother texture.
Substitutions
You can substitute the Brazil nuts with cashews if you do not need to avoid tree nuts. Cilantro can be replaced with fresh parsley, and the white fish can be swapped for firm salmon, adjusting the cooking time based on thickness.
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 imageCosori 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
Illustrative imageTempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer
Checking doneness of meat and chicken
- Checks doneness of meat and chicken
- Quick reading
- Clean the probe after each use
Illustrative imageT-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
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