15+ Brazilian Recipes to Delight Your Taste Buds

Brazilian cuisine celebrates flavors and ingredients that reflect the country’s diverse culture. From tropical fruits to savory meats, the recipes showcase a variety of cooking styles and regional influences. Exploring these dishes can open up a world of delicious possibilities for your kitchen.

Whether you are looking for hearty meals or sweet treats, Brazilian recipes offer something for everyone. Many of these dishes are easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Discovering and cooking Brazilian food can be an exciting culinary adventure that brings a taste of Brazil right to your home.

1) Feijoada

Feijoada is a traditional Brazilian black bean stew. It is rich in flavor and often enjoyed for special meals. This dish typically features black beans, salted and smoked meats, often including pork and beef.

You’ll find it usually served with rice, collard greens, and farofa, which is toasted manioc flour. These sides really complement the hearty stew. If you try making feijoada, you’ll taste the warmth of Brazilian culture in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 pound black beans
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
• 8 ounces bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Collard greens and farofa, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the black beans and soak them overnight.
2. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy.
3. Add pork shoulder, sausage, onion, and garlic.
4. Stir and cook until the meat is browned.
5. Add soaked beans and water. Bring to a boil.
6. Lower heat and simmer for about 2 hours.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve with rice, collard greens, and farofa.

2) Pão de Queijo (Cheese Bread)

Pão de Queijo is a beloved Brazilian snack that is soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crispy outside. It’s made from tapioca flour, making it gluten-free and perfect for everyone.

To make this delicious treat, you will combine a few simple ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to whip these up in your kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups tapioca flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine milk, water, oil, and salt. Heat until boiling.
3. Remove from heat and add tapioca flour. Stir until smooth.
4. Let it cool slightly, then mix in eggs and cheese.
5. Form small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden. Enjoy!

3) Brigadeiro

Brigadeiro is a delightful Brazilian treat that you can easily make at home. These chocolate truffles are rich and creamy, making them a favorite for many.

To prepare brigadeiros, you’ll need just a few ingredients. You can roll them in sprinkles or cocoa powder to add extra flavor.

Making brigadeiros is a fun activity suitable for all ages. They are perfect for parties or as a sweet snack anytime.

Ingredients

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate sprinkles or jimmies for coating

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk, butter, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thick.
3. Once thick, let cool for a few minutes.
4. Grease your hands with butter and shape into small balls.
5. Roll the balls in chocolate sprinkles to coat. Enjoy!

4) Moqueca (Seafood Stew)

Moqueca is a delicious Brazilian seafood stew that brings the taste of the ocean to your table. Made with fresh fish and shrimp, it’s cooked in creamy coconut milk for a rich flavor.

This dish is often served with rice and topped with fresh cilantro and lime. You can add your favorite seafood, like fish, shrimp, or squid.

The stew is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. With its vibrant colors and aromas, Moqueca is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) of white fish (like cod or haddock)
• 1 pound (450 grams) of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 can (14 oz) of coconut milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of palm oil (or olive oil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat palm oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add the tomatoes and bell pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the fish and shrimp; cook until seafood is opaque.
6. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with rice.

5) Galinhada (Chicken and Rice)

Galinhada is a popular Brazilian dish that combines chicken and rice in a hearty stew. It’s comforting and full of flavor, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

This dish typically features chicken cooked with rice, vegetables, and spices. You can enjoy it with peas, carrots, garlic, and onions, making it a colorful meal.

To make Galinhada, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Once prepared, it cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) chicken pieces
• 2 cups (400 g) rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (300 g) peas and carrots mix
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
4. Stir in rice, peas, carrots, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is cooked.

6) Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff

Brazilian Chicken Stroganoff is a delicious twist on the classic dish. It features tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with mushrooms and a touch of tomato.

This dish is simple to make and perfect for a quick dinner. You can serve it over rice for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of flavors is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic (or Brazilian sofrito)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Lower the heat and mix in heavy cream. Cook until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice.

7) Farofa

Farofa is a beloved Brazilian dish made from toasted cassava flour. It adds texture and flavor to many meals and is often served as a side dish.

You can customize farofa with various ingredients. Common additions include bacon, onions, garlic, and herbs. These ingredients create a delicious, savory blend.

To make farofa, you will need:

• 2 cups cassava flour
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until softened.
3. Gradually stir in the cassava flour, mixing well.
4. Cook for about 10 minutes until the flour is golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.

8) Acarajé (Black-Eyed Pea Fritters)

Acarajé is a delicious Brazilian street food made from black-eyed peas. It is popular in the state of Bahia and often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. These fritters are typically deep-fried until golden brown.

To prepare acarajé, you start by soaking and blending black-eyed peas. Then, you shape the mixture into patties and fry them until they are crispy.

You can serve acarajé stuffed with sautéed shrimp, onions, and a spicy sauce. This adds great flavor and makes for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the black-eyed peas overnight.
2. Drain and blend the peas with onions and garlic until smooth.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (180°C).
5. Shape the mixture into small patties.
6. Fry the patties until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.

9) Vatapá

Vatapá is a delightful Brazilian dish that combines shrimp and fish in a creamy sauce. It has a rich flavor, thanks to the use of coconut milk, peanuts, and spices.

This stew is often served with rice or as a filling for pão, a type of Brazilian bread. You can easily adapt it by adding your favorite vegetables or changing the type of fish.

The blend of ingredients creates an amazing taste that reflects the culinary traditions of Brazil. Cooking this dish at home is a great way to share a unique experience with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried shrimp
• 1/4 cup palm oil
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

10) Quindim (Coconut Egg Custard)

Quindim is a delightful Brazilian dessert made from eggs, sugar, and coconut. It has a rich, creamy texture and a sweet, chewy crust. This treat is not only tasty but also has a beautiful golden color.

Making quindim is simple and fun. You get to whip up a custard-like mixture and bake it until it sets. It’s perfect for parties or a cozy night at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1 large egg white
• 3/4 cup milk

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a muffin tin with butter.
3. In a bowl, mix the sugar, coconut, butter, egg yolks, and egg white.
4. Add the milk and stir until smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into the muffin tin.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
7. Let cool before removing from the tin.

11) Romeu e Julieta (Guava Paste and Cheese)

Romeu e Julieta is a delightful Brazilian treat that combines sweet guava paste with creamy cheese. It’s a simple yet tasty combination often enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

To prepare this classic dish, you need two main ingredients: goiabada, which is guava paste, and queijo minas, a mild cheese. Slice them into even pieces for the best taste.

This dish is popular for its contrast of flavors. The sweet guava pairs perfectly with the salty cheese.

Ingredients

• Guava paste (goiabada)
• Minas cheese (or another mild cheese)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the guava paste into thin pieces.
2. Cut the cheese into similar-sized slices.
3. Place a slice of guava paste on a slice of cheese.
4. Enjoy your Romeu e Julieta!

12) Coxinha (Chicken Croquettes)

Coxinha are delicious Brazilian chicken croquettes shaped like little teardrops. They are filled with a tasty, seasoned chicken mixture. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch from the breadcrumb coating.

To make coxinha, you first cook chicken in broth until tender. Then, shred the chicken and mix it with spices and sometimes cheese.

Next, prepare a dough using flour and broth. Once the dough is ready, you shape it around the filling. Finally, coat the coxinhas in breadcrumbs and fry them until golden brown. Enjoy them hot for a tasty snack.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 to 5 cups chicken broth
• 2 medium onions
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil chicken in broth with onions until cooked.
2. Shred the chicken and mix with spices.
3. Prepare dough using flour, broth, and butter.
4. Shape dough around chicken filling.
5. Coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) until golden.

13) Pastel (Brazilian Pastry)

Pastel is a popular Brazilian pastry that is loved for its crispy, flaky texture. It is often filled with various savory ingredients such as cheese, meats, or vegetables. You can find it sold by street vendors as a tasty snack or appetizer.

Making pastel at home is quite easy. You start with a simple dough, which you roll out and fill with your choice of filling. Then, you seal and deep fry the pastry until golden brown.

For a classic option, try the beef filling. It’s savory and complements the crispy dough perfectly. Other popular fillings include cheese and chicken, providing delicious variety.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Filling of your choice (e.g., ground beef, cheese, or chicken)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix flour and salt.
2. Add water and oil; knead until smooth.
3. Roll out the dough thinly.
4. Cut into circles and place filling in the center.
5. Fold over and seal edges.
6. Heat oil (350°F/175°C) in a pan.
7. Fry pastels until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

14) Churrasco (Brazilian Barbecue)

Churrasco is a popular Brazilian barbecue that features skewered meats. It’s often cooked over open flames, giving it a delicious smoky flavor. The meats usually include beef, chicken, and sausages.

To enjoy churrasco, you start by seasoning the meats, commonly with just salt. As you grill, the juices and flavors mix, creating a tasty meal. Pair it with sides like rice or a fresh salad for a complete experience.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) beef (like picanha or top sirloin)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 3 tsp salt
• Optional: garlic, black pepper, or spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the beef into large chunks.
2. Rub the olive oil and salt on the meat.
3. Skewer the meat onto barbecue sticks.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
5. Grill the meat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
6. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy!

15) Empadão (Brazilian Pot Pie)

Empadão is a delicious Brazilian pot pie, perfect for any meal. It features a flaky crust filled with savory chicken, vegetables, and spices. This dish brings warmth and comfort to your table.

To make it, you start by preparing a buttery crust. Then, you fill it with shredded chicken and vegetables, seasoned to perfection. The smell while it bakes is simply irresistible.

Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it by itself!

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp salt
• 2-3 tbsp water
• Filling: shredded chicken, vegetables, and seasonings

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix flour, baking soda, salt, and butter until crumbly.
3. Add egg yolk and water, then knead into a dough.
4. Roll out half for the base and place in a greased pie dish.
5. Fill with chicken and vegetables.
6. Cover with the remaining dough, sealing the edges.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.