Skip to main content

Fish and Yuca Stew with Pickled Onions

This vibrant fish and yuca stew is a nourishing, high-protein dish inspired by traditional coastal flavours. The recipe combines meaty white fish, such as tuna or mackerel, with the earthy, satisfying texture of yuca, all brought together in a light tomato and cumin-scented broth. The contrast between the warm, savoury stew and the bright, zesty pickled onions provides a professional finish that elevates the entire meal.

Perfect for a wholesome midweek dinner, this one-pot style dish is both comforting and naturally lean. By using fresh lime juice and coriander, the flavours remain clean and punchy, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a healthy yet filling meal. Serve in large warmed bowls with extra lime wedges on the side to allow everyone to adjust the acidity to their liking.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Fish and Yuca Stew with Pickled Onions

  • 675g fresh or frozen yuca (1 large), cut crosswise into 2-inch sections for pickled onions

  • 1 medium red onion, halved lengthwise, then thinly sliced

  • 60ml fresh lime juice

  • 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 725ml water

  • 450g tomatoes, coarsely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

  • 900g skinless tuna, bluefish, or mackerel fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces

  • Accompaniment: lime wedges

  • Garnish: chopped fresh coriander

How to make Fish and Yuca Stew with Pickled Onions

If using fresh yuca, remove peel and pink flesh using a vegetable peeler. Cover fresh or frozen yuca with salted cold water in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer, covered, until yuca begins to split, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer yuca with a slotted spoon to a cutting board, reserving water in pan. Cut into 1-inch wedges, pulling out and discarding tough core. Return yuca to cooking water and simmer, covered, until tender and completely translucent, 15 to 25 minutes more.

Cover onion with boiling-hot water in a heatproof bowl and let stand 15 minutes. Drain onion and return to bowl. Add lime juice and salt, tossing to coat, and let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.

Bring water, tomatoes, coriander, cumin, and 3/4 teaspoons salt to a boil in a 3- to 4-quart heavy saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 5 minutes. Toss fish with remaining 3/4 teaspoons salt and stir into broth. Cook, uncovered, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until fish is just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. 3Drain yuca and divide among 4 large soup bowls. Ladle fish stew over yuca and top with some of pickled onions.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.