Cioppino: “Fisherman’s Stew”

Cioppino is an Italian-American seafood stew that originated in San Francisco in the late 1800s. Created by Italian immigrants who worked as fishermen along the California coast, the dish was a way to use the day’s fresh catch—typically a mix of fish, crab, shrimp, and shellfish. Cooked in a rich tomato-based broth with garlic, wine, and herbs, it was often made in large pots and served family-style, reflecting both the fishermen’s resourcefulness and their culinary traditions.

I typically use whatever seafood I have in the freezer at the time, but it can be an amazing dish to plan to serve guests at any time of the year, and a great way to get to know your local grocer’s seafood department!

Cioppino: “Fisherman’s Stew”

A mix of fish, crab, shrimp, and shellfish—cooked in a rich tomato-based broth with garlic, wine, and herbs.

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Course: Main Course

Keyword: dinner, soup

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp old bay seasoning
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups clam juice
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 lb musselfs fresh or frozen
• 1 lb tilapia filets or haddock, halibut, other white flesh fish
• 1 lb shrimp peeled & deveined
• 1 lb bay scallops
• fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter until frothy and add onions. Sauté until tender, then add garlic and seasonings. Cook for 1 min. Add tomato paste and stir to coat, let caramelize and stick to the pan, about 5 mins.
• De glaze with white wine, then add canned tomatoes, clam juice, chicken broth & bay leaves. Let simmer for about 15 mins. Season w S&P to taste.
• Stir in mussels and cover with a lid until they open, about 6 mins. Discard any unopened mussels.
• Stir in tilapia, shrimp, & scallops and cover to let cook throughout, about 5-6 minutes. Test to make sure seafood has all been thoroughly cooked through. Top with fresh parsley and lemon zest if desired.
• Ladle into bowl and enjoy with garlic toast or crusty bread.

Video

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Notes

Customize with your favorite seafood! Add clams, crab legs, lobster tail + more!

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