Cioppino (Seafood Stew) is made with tender seafood, and delicious coastal flavors. A tasty dish ready in an hour perfect for lunch or dinner.
I love Seafood Dishes, and if you’re a fan too, don’t forget to try my Spicy Louisiana Shrimp Dip and Baked Shrimp Scampi.
Why You’ll Love This Cioppino (Seafood Stew)?
- Loaded with clams, mussels, shrimp, and cod giving you a delicious variety of flavors and textures in every bowl.
- An impressive one pot meal that’s ready in about an hour, great for a cozy dinner in the comfort of your home.
Sabrina’s Cioppino (Seafood Stew) Recipe
Cioppino (Seafood Stew) is an Italian-American recipe with an amazing combination of seafood, simmered in a savory and richly seasoned broth. This comforting dish is quite satisfying with a special feel, without being complicated to prepare. Ready in about an hour, it pairs great with a Wedge Salad, and some Crostini to dip in the delicious broth. For the best results, check out my Tips and Tricks section below for helpful advice on preparing and getting the most flavor out of your stew.
Recipe Card


Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion , chopped
- 2 large shallots , chopped
- 1 fennel bulb , thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves , minced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 2 vine tomatoes , chopped
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups white wine
- 4 cups fish stock , or clam juice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound clams , scrubbed clean
- 1 pound mussels , scrubbed and debearded
- 1 pound uncooked shrimp , 13-15 peeled and deveined
- 1 pound cod , cut into 2" chunks
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and butter to a large dutch oven on medium heat with the onion, shallots, fennel, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are cooked down but not browning.
- Add in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste and stir and cook and additional 2 minutes before whisking in crushed tomatoes, white wine, fish stock, and bay leaf bringing to a simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add the clams and mussels, cover and cook for 5 minutes until they start to open then add the shrimp and cod and stir gently for 3-4 minutes to cook them through.
- Throw away any clams or mussels that have not opened by this point and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Chef’s Note
Be careful not to overcook the seafood once you add it to the simmering broth. Clams and mussels take a little longer to cook, which is why they go in first, followed by the shrimp and cod. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer so the shrimp stays tender, and the fish doesn’t fall apart.
Table of contents
Can this be made ahead of time?
For this recipe, make the broth up to a day in advance which will add a more developed flavor. Don’t cook the seafood until you’re ready to serve. Reheat the broth to simmering, then add the seafood as directed in the Recipe Card.
How to Store
- Serve: Don’t leave this out for longer than 2 hours.
- Store: Wait till it cools completely, then store in the refrigerator. It will last 2-3 days in an airtight container. I will note that the texture of the seafood will become a bit rubbery upon reheating.
- Freeze: I do not recommend freezing, because shellfish has a tendency to overcook when reheated and develop a tough texture. Freeze just the broth for 2-3 months, and use with fresh seafood or serve over pasta.
Tips and Tricks
- Clean the shellfish thoroughly: Scrub the clams and mussels removing their beards under cold running water. Discard any cracked shells, or ones that remain open when gently tapped.
- Give the broth time to develop: Don’t rush the 30 minute simmer before adding the seafood. This allows the ingredients to blend into a rich, flavorful broth.
- Discard unopened shellfish after cooking: The shellfish should open their shells during cooking. If any still remain closed, throw away, and don’t attempt to open them. It’s a simple food safety precaution that helps ensure you’re serving properly cooked seafood.
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