Instant Pot Fish Stew with Mahi Mahi and Coconut Milk: A Quick and Healthy Tropical Escape

Discover how to create a remarkably delicious and incredibly easy Instant Pot Fish Stew featuring tender mahi mahi, creamy coconut milk, and a vibrant medley of chopped vegetables. This healthy dinner recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience in under 30 minutes, all thanks to the magic of your pressure cooker. It’s not just a meal; it’s a convenient, flavorful journey that brings a taste of the tropics straight to your kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something special without the fuss. Plus, the leftovers are just as delightful!

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Fish Stew Recipe

Cooking fish in the Instant Pot is a game-changer, and this coconut fish stew recipe perfectly highlights why it’s one of my favorite methods for preparing seafood. The pressure cooker ensures your fish is cooked to absolute perfection, remaining incredibly tender and moist without any risk of overcooking. Moreover, one of the unsung heroes of Instant Pot cooking is its ability to trap any “fishy” odors, preventing your kitchen from smelling like a seafood market. This means you can enjoy fresh, flavorful fish without any lingering smells.

Unbeatable Speed and Convenience

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a recipe that delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen is a true treasure. This Instant Pot Mahi Mahi stew is ready from start to finish in approximately 25 minutes, making it an ideal solution for last-minute dinners or when you simply want to maximize your precious time. The minimal prep and hands-off cooking of the pressure cooker allow you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meal comes together effortlessly.

Perfectly Cooked, Tender Fish Every Time

Pressure cooking is renowned for its ability to create exceptionally tender results, and fish is no exception. While other cooking methods can sometimes yield dry or rubbery fish, the Instant Pot locks in moisture, ensuring that every piece of mahi mahi in this stew is flaky, succulent, and melts in your mouth. You’ll be amazed at the consistent texture achieved with such little effort.

A Taste of the Tropics, Right at Home

This fresh fish recipe evokes fond memories of sun-drenched Hawaiian vacations, where vibrant flavors and fresh seafood are abundant. The combination of delicate mahi mahi, rich coconut milk, and sweet bell peppers creates a tropical symphony that transports you to an island paradise with every spoonful. It’s a wonderful way to bring a little bit of vacation bliss into your everyday routine.

Healthy and Wholesome Dinner Solution

Beyond its delicious taste, this Instant Pot Fish Stew is a powerhouse of nutrition. Mahi mahi is a lean protein source, rich in essential nutrients and omega-3 fatty acids. Paired with fiber-rich vegetables and the healthy fats from coconut milk, this stew is a balanced, wholesome meal that supports a healthy lifestyle. It’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for various dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for the health-conscious cook.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Coconut Fish Stew

Crafting an exceptional Instant Pot Fish Stew begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe truly special:

• Mahi Mahi Fillets: Mahi mahi is an excellent choice for this stew due to its firm, meaty texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a low-calorie, high-protein fish that holds up well during pressure cooking, resulting in tender, flaky pieces. While mahi mahi is ideal, you have flexibility here. Feel free to use other firm white fish like halibut, cod, or even a robust fish like salmon for a richer flavor profile.
• Bell Peppers & Onions: These naturally sweet vegetables are perfect partners for white fish. Bell peppers add a beautiful pop of color and a crisp-tender bite, while onions provide an aromatic foundation. For optimal sweetness and visual appeal, I highly recommend using colored bell peppers such as red, yellow, or orange over green bell peppers, which can be slightly more bitter.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is the heart of the stew’s creamy texture and tropical flavor. Full-fat coconut milk creates a luscious, rich broth that beautifully complements the delicate fish. The healthy fats in coconut milk also contribute to satiety and provide a luxurious mouthfeel. While light coconut milk can be used, expect a less creamy and slightly less flavorful result.
• Coconut Sugar: A touch of coconut sugar adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory and creamy notes of the broth, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. If you prefer to omit added sugars or are following a sugar-free, low-carb, or Whole30 diet, you can easily leave this out or substitute it with a sugar-free alternative.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides the necessary liquid for pressure cooking and adds another layer of savory flavor to the stew. Chicken broth or even water can be used as a substitute if vegetable broth is not available.
• Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste preferences.

For precise measurements and a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post.

How to Make Instant Pot Fish Stew: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Making this delightful Instant Pot Fish Stew is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by patting your mahi mahi fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better texture. Then, cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch chunks, for even cooking. Next, core and chop your bell peppers into similar 1-inch pieces, and dice your onion. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready makes the assembly process incredibly quick and efficient. This “mise en place” approach is key to an easy Instant Pot experience.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Instant Pot

Transfer all your chopped fish and vegetables directly into the inner pot of your pressure cooker. Pour in the can of full-fat coconut milk and add the vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the coconut sugar (if using), sea salt, and ground black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the ingredients are well distributed and submerged in the liquid. There’s no need to sauté anything beforehand, simplifying the process even further.

Dietary Note: If you are following a sugar-free, low-carb, or Whole30 diet, simply omit the coconut sugar or choose a compliant sugar-free sweetener. The stew will still be incredibly flavorful without it.

Step 3: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing vent is in the “Sealing” position. Set the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to build pressure before the cooking countdown begins. For delicate seafood like fish, a short cooking time is essential to prevent overcooking, ensuring that tender, flaky texture.

Step 4: Release Pressure and Serve

Once the cooking cycle is complete, immediately perform a quick release of the pressure. This is crucial for fish, as allowing it to naturally release for too long can lead to overcooked, dry results. Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the lid, stirring the ingredients gently. The fish will be perfectly cooked, and the vegetables tender-crisp. Serve your delightful Coconut Fish Stew hot over your favorite base – white rice, brown rice, or a low-carb alternative like sautéed cauliflower rice are all excellent choices. I often pair this dish with Instant Pot Basmati Rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

This mahi mahi recipe is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it as a stand-alone stew, or even use the flavorful fish and veggies as a filling for fish tacos for a fun twist.

Top Benefits of This Easy Instant Pot Fish Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I sincerely hope you try this incredible recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below to let us know what you think. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

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Print Recipe

Instant Pot Fish Stew Recipe

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Print Recipe

Here’s how to make a delicious Instant Pot Mahi Mahi Stew using fish, coconut milk, and chopped vegetables. This easy and healthy dinner recipe can be made in just 25 minutes. This is a great recipe for busy weeknights.

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  Total Time: 25 minutes
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  Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Units

Scale

• 2 Mahi Mahi fillets (about 10 ounces total), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 bell peppers, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 13.5–ounce can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 cup reduced sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Cooked rice or cauliflower rice, for serving

Cook Mode

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Instructions

1. In the bowl of a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot, combine the chopped fish, bell peppers, onion, coconut milk, vegetable broth, coconut sugar, sea salt, and black pepper.
2. Lock on the lid and set the time to 5 minutes at high pressure.
3. When the cooking time is up, use the quick-release to get rid of the pressure.
4. Carefully remove the lid and stir the ingredients.
5. Serve the Coconut Fish Stew hot, over your choice of cooked white rice, brown rice, or sautéed cauliflower rice. 

Notes

1. You can use whatever white fish you like for this recipe including Mahi Mahi, halibut, cod, or even salmon. 
2. You can use light coconut milk, if you prefer, but the stew will be less rich and creamy. 
3. Leave out the coconut sugar if you are on a low-sugar, low-carb, or Whole30 diet. 
4. Feel free to serve your cooked fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired, to brighten the flavors.
5. If you don’t have vegetable broth, feel free to use chicken broth or even a cup of water instead.
6. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.

• Author: Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Instant Pot pressure cooker
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 339
• Sugar: 9.7 g
• Sodium: 128.2 mg
• Fat: 21.7 g
• Saturated Fat: 18.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 15.7 g
• Fiber: 1.8 g
• Protein: 22.9 g
• Cholesterol: 74.5 mg

More Delicious Fish & Seafood Recipes

If you loved this Instant Pot Fish Stew, explore more of our easy and healthy seafood creations:

• Instant Pot Salmon & Vegetables: Another fantastic pressure cooker meal.
• Gluten-Free Shrimp Scampi: A quick and elegant pasta dish.
• Easiest Air Fryer Salmon: Perfect for crispy, flavorful salmon fillets.
• Instant Pot Salmon and Rice: A complete meal cooked in one pot.
• Keto Canned Salmon Salad: A quick, no-cook option.
• Air Fryer Mahi Mahi: For a different take on mahi mahi.

Or, dive into our entire collection of gluten-free fish recipes for endless inspiration.

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About the Author: Carrie Forrest is the esteemed author of the best-selling Instant Pot-authorized cookbook, The Healthy Meal Prep Instant Pot Cookbook. Holding a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition, Carrie is passionate about making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable. Her website attracts over 5 million annual visitors seeking delicious, clean eating solutions. Feel free to send Carrie a message through her contact form for any inquiries or culinary discussions.