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cioppino recipe A beautiful bowl of cioppino seafood stew filled with shrimp, clams, and fish, swimming in a rich, flavorful tomato broth. Fresh parsley and a side of crispy garlic bread add the perfect finishing touch

Cioppino Recipe

This hearty Cioppino Recipe combines a variety of fresh seafood in a savory tomato-wine broth, capturing the true taste of the sea.
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: cioppino, fisherman's stew, italian stew, seafood recipes, seafood stew
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 575kcal
Cost: $20

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided, for cooking
  • ⅔ cup finely chopped shallots about 3 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup white wine for deglazing and flavor
  • 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes (provides the base of the broth)
  • 2 8-oz bottles clam juice (adds depth to the broth)
  • 2 teaspoons sugar to balance acidity
  • 1¾ teaspoons salt divided, for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano herbaceous note
  • 7 sprigs fresh thyme plus 1 teaspoon chopped for finishing
  • 1½ lbs firm-fleshed fish fillets such as halibut, cod, or salmon, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter for richness
  • 1½ lbs littleneck clams scrubbed and cleaned
  • 1½ lbs extra-large raw shrimp peeled and deveined
  • Fresh chopped Italian parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and place an oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
  • In a large pot, heat ¼ cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for an additional minute, being careful not to let it brown.
    Chopped shallots are gently sautéed in olive oil in a deep, black Dutch oven. The aroma of the shallots begins to fill the air as a splash of water is added to the pan, creating a sizzle. The base for a rich, flavorful seafood stew begins to take shape.
  • Pour in the white wine and increase the heat to high. Allow the wine to boil and reduce by half, around 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, clam juice, sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme sprigs, and 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.
    Chunks of butter are added to the deep red tomato broth, where they will melt and enrich the sauce, making it creamy and silky. The final step in preparing a luxurious seafood stew.
  • While the stew is simmering, coat the fish pieces with the remaining olive oil and ¾ teaspoon salt. Arrange the fish on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until just cooked through. Keep warm.
  • Once the broth has simmered, remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Stir in the butter until melted. Add the clams and bring the stew back to a simmer. Cover and cook for 6 minutes, or until the clams open up.
    Clams gently added to the simmering tomato broth, their shells partially open as they cook, releasing their briny essence into the rich sauce. A wooden spoon stirs the mixture, blending the flavors.
  • Gently stir in the shrimp, bring the stew to a simmer again, and cook for 5 minutes or until the shrimp are fully cooked and the clams have opened completely. Discard any clams that do not open. Add the chopped fresh thyme, then taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
    Shrimp simmering in a thick, spicy tomato broth, their texture softening as they absorb the flavors. The deep red of the sauce highlights the plump shrimp, making it an inviting dish.
  • Divide the warm fish pieces into bowls. Ladle the stew over the fish, ensuring each bowl has a fair share of clams and shrimp. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.

Notes

This stew bursts with rich seafood flavors and is perfect with a side of garlic bread or focaccia for dipping. Make it ahead for an easier meal when entertaining!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 575kcal (29%) | Carbohydrates: 20g (7%) | Protein: 69g (138%) | Fat: 23g (35%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Cholesterol: 287mg (96%) | Sodium: 1650mg (72%) | Fiber: 4g (17%) | Sugar: 9g (10%)
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