Hearty Cioppino Recipe: A Cozy Seafood Stew for Chilly Evenings

Crafting a delectable cioppino recipe brings together the vibrant flavors of coastal Italian-American cuisine in a single, steaming pot.

Generations of fishermen along San Francisco’s waterfront have perfected this hearty seafood stew.

Waves of aromatic herbs and rich tomato broth dance with tender chunks of fresh fish and shellfish.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully selected ingredient.

Salt-kissed memories emerge from this classic dish that celebrates ocean’s bounty.

Comfort and adventure merge in every spoonful, promising a culinary journey you won’t soon forget.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a seaside escape.

Why Cioppino Is A Seafood Lover’s Dream

• Unleash Seafood Variety: Dive into a delightful mix of clams, mussels, white fish, shrimp, and squid that creates an exciting ocean-inspired feast.
• Master One-Pot Wonder: Simplify cooking with a single pot that builds rich flavors through strategic layering of ingredients and easy simmering technique.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Elevate your culinary skills with a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated yet requires minimal professional cooking experience.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping seafood types or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.

What You’ll Need To Make Hearty Cioppino

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing vegetables and enhancing flavor.
• Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic: Create a classic aromatic foundation for the seafood stew.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Offer a robust, tangy base that adds depth to the cioppino.
• White Wine: Introduces a subtle acidic note that brightens the overall dish.
• Seafood Stock: Delivers a concentrated marine flavor that intensifies the seafood essence.
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide classic Mediterranean herbs and a gentle heat to the sauce.

• Clams, Mussels: Bring a briny, oceanic taste and tender texture to the stew.
• White Fish, Shrimp, Squid: Offer a variety of seafood flavors and textures, creating a diverse and satisfying meal.
• Salt, Pepper: Help to balance and enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish that complements the rich stew.

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and enjoying every last drop.

Cooking Cioppino The Easy And Delicious Way

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

In a spacious cooking pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, diced green bell pepper, and minced garlic.

Stir and cook these veggies until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, splash of white wine, rich seafood stock, and sprinkle in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and allow the flavors to mingle and develop for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add Shellfish First

Gently drop the clams and mussels into the simmering sauce.

Cover the pot and let them steam, waiting for their shells to slowly crack open, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Introduce Remaining Seafood

Slide in the white fish, succulent shrimp, and tender squid.

Carefully fold the seafood into the sauce without breaking the delicate pieces. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until each piece turns opaque and is perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Taste the cioppino and season with salt and pepper to your preference. The flavors should be bold and harmonious.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming cioppino into warm bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Place a chunk of crusty bread on the side for dipping into the rich, flavorful broth.

Savvy Tips For Rich, Flavorful Cioppino

• Select fresh, high-quality seafood for the most flavorful cioppino, ensuring each type of seafood is at its peak freshness.
• Discard any clams or mussels that do not open during cooking to prevent potential food safety issues.
• Use a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the broth's depth without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
• Control the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes; start with a small amount and add more for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Serve immediately after cooking to maintain the seafood's tender texture and prevent overcooking, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.

Ways To Tweak Cioppino For Any Taste

• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Kick up the heat by adding jalapeños and increasing red pepper flakes for a fiery version that packs extra punch.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and fennel seeds to create a more complex, aromatic seafood stew with Mediterranean undertones.
• Asian-Inspired Seafood Soup: Swap white wine for rice wine, add ginger, lemongrass, and a splash of soy sauce to transform the traditional recipe into an East Asian-style seafood broth.
• Light Summer Version: Reduce tomato base, increase fresh herbs, and use lighter seafood like sole and bay scallops for a bright, refreshing summer edition of the classic dish.

Perfect Pairings With Cioppino Bowls

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood's delicate flavors and cuts through the tomato's richness.
• Serve Rustic Sourdough Bread: Crusty, tangy bread provides perfect dipping opportunity to soak up the flavorful broth and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Match Zesty Side Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette creates a fresh contrast to the hearty seafood stew, balancing its robust Mediterranean profile.
• Select Citrus-Infused Water: Chilled water with lemon or orange slices refreshes the palate between bites and cleanses the taste buds during this seafood feast.

How To Store Cioppino Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cioppino in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Seafood tastes best when consumed quickly to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Freezing: Carefully transfer cooled cioppino to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Avoid freezing shellfish like clams and mussels as they may become rubbery.
• Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm the cioppino in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of seafood stock or water to prevent drying out. Heat until steaming and seafood is warmed through.
• Microwave Tip: Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

Everything You Need To Know About Cioppino FAQs

• What is the origin of Cioppino?

Cioppino is a classic seafood stew that originated in San Francisco, created by Italian fishermen who would combine the day’s catch into a communal pot.

• Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding to the stew to prevent excess water.

• How do I know when the seafood is fully cooked?

Seafood is done when it turns opaque and firm. Shrimp will curl and turn pink, fish will become white and flake easily, and shellfish like clams and mussels will open.

Cioppino Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty San Francisco Cioppino brings Mediterranean-inspired seafood magic to dinner tables with rich tomato broth brimming with fresh catch. Hungry souls will savor this classic Italian-American fisherman’s stew that delivers complex ocean flavors in every spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1/2 pounds clams, scrubbed
• 1/2 pounds mussels, scrubbed
• 1 pounds white fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into chunks
• 1/2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pounds squid, cut into rings

Aromatics and Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 2 cups seafood stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Crusty bread, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium-high temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, chopped green peppers, and minced garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Pour crushed tomatoes, white wine, seafood stock, and sprinkle dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes into the pot. Allow mixture to simmer steadily for 10 minutes, developing rich, layered flavors.
3. Carefully introduce fresh clams and mussels into the bubbling liquid, covering the pot and allowing shellfish to steam for 5-7 minutes until shells gradually begin to part.
4. Gently fold white fish chunks, raw shrimp, and sliced squid into the aromatic broth, stirring delicately to ensure even cooking. Continue simmering 5-7 minutes until seafood transforms to opaque white and becomes fully cooked.
5. Taste the cioppino and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, balancing the maritime flavors.
6. Distribute the vibrant, steaming seafood stew into individual serving bowls, generously garnishing with chopped fresh parsley and accompanying with rustic, crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality seafood for the most authentic and flavorful cioppino experience.
• Remove any clams or mussels that do not open during cooking to ensure food safety and prevent potential illness.
• Customize the seafood mix based on local availability or personal preferences, swapping in different types of fish or shellfish.
• Prepare bread ahead of time and toast it lightly to create the perfect crispy accompaniment for soaking up the rich, aromatic broth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg