If you’re craving a dish that bursts with oceanic flavor and rustic charm, this Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining an array of fresh seafood with fragrant herbs, ripe tomatoes, and a splash of white wine, it’s the perfect meal for bringing people together around a cozy table. This stew’s rich, comforting broth and tender bites of cod, shrimp, scallops, mussels, and clams will transport you straight to a seaside kitchen, making every spoonful a celebration of the sea.

Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe is simpler than it seems, thanks to a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that each play a vital role. From the aromatic vegetables to the fresh seafood and flavorful liquids, every component adds depth, texture, and color to the final bowl.

Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base that gently sautés the vegetables and infuses the stew with richness.
Fennel bulb (white part only, diced): Adds a subtle anise-like sweetness and a nice crunch when softened.
Yellow onion (large, diced): Builds a savory backbone that mellows and sweetens as it cooks.
Garlic cloves (pressed or minced): Infuses the stew with deep, aromatic warmth.
Whole fennel seeds: Elevates the stew’s flavor with a delicate spice and enhances the fennel’s presence.
Red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle, lively heat to balance the tomato’s acidity.
Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): Forms the luscious, vibrant base of the stew with natural sweetness and tang.
Seafood stock: Intensifies the overall seafood essence and enriches the broth’s savory character.
Dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio): Adds brightness and subtle acidity, lifting the flavors beautifully.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every other ingredient.
Cod fillets (skin removed, diced): Provides tender, flaky texture and delicate flavor that absorbs the broth.
Large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Adds a satisfying firmness and sweet brininess.
Sea scallops (halved crosswise): Bring a silky texture and hint of sweetness to the stew.
Mussels (scrubbed): Introduce briny juiciness and depth with their opened shells revealing tender meat.
Littleneck clams (or other small clam): Contribute a tender chew and mild, salty finish.
Anise flavored liqueur (such as Pernod or Pastis): Adds a fragrant licorice note that harmonizes with the fennel and seafood.
Parsley (minced): Offers freshness and bright green color as a garnish.

How to Make Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating the olive oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced fennel and yellow onion, cooking them gently for about 10 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This slow sauté helps bring out their natural sweetness and lays the flavor foundation for the stew.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Next, stir in the garlic, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for 2 minutes so those wonderful aromas come alive without burning the garlic. This step elevates the stew’s complexity by infusing warmth, slight heat, and a hint of spiced anise.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, and dry white wine along with kosher salt and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully into a rich, vibrant broth that tastes like the very essence of the sea.

Step 4: Add the Seafood in Order

This is where the magic happens. Add the seafood in stages: first the cod, followed by the shrimp, then the scallops, and finally the mussels. It’s important not to stir after adding the shellfish, allowing the flavors to stay distinct and the delicate seafood to cook gently. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until the fish flakes easily and the shellfish open up.

Step 5: Finish with Liqueur and Rest

Carefully stir in the anise flavored liqueur, which adds an unexpected but perfectly balanced licorice note that ties everything together. Cover the pot and let the stew rest for about 3 minutes to blend the flavors fully. Make sure to discard any mussels that haven’t opened, ensuring the dish is safe and delicious.

How to Serve Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly minced parsley over the top adds a lovely burst of color and freshness that cuts through the stew’s richness. Some zest or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the final presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve this stew alongside slices of crusty sourdough baguette or rustic bread to soak up the amazing broth. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables with a light vinaigrette also complement the hearty seafood stew beautifully, providing a balance of textures and temperatures on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe in large individual bowls with a cluster of seafood artfully arranged on top. Adding grilled lemon halves alongside not only looks inviting but lets guests squeeze bright acidity onto their portions. A rustic wooden board with bowls of garlic butter for dipping your bread can turn the whole meal into a memorable feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe keeps nicely when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just be sure to reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Freezing

Freezing this stew is possible, but it’s best to do so before adding the seafood to maintain optimal texture. Freeze the broth and vegetable base in a sealed container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw and then add fresh seafood before cooking as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to warm the seafood without breaking it apart. Avoid microwaving, which can toughen delicate fish and shellfish. A splash of wine or seafood stock during reheating can refresh the flavor and consistency.

FAQs

What makes cioppino different from other seafood stews?

Cioppino originates from San Francisco and features a tomato and wine-based broth enriched with a variety of fresh seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and firm white fish. Its robust, slightly spicy flavor and the combination of shellfish set it apart from other regional seafood stews.

Can I use frozen seafood for this stew?

While fresh seafood delivers the best texture and flavor, frozen seafood can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw it thoroughly and add it at the same stages as indicated in the recipe to avoid overcooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe?

Traditional cioppino relies on seafood for its signature taste, but a vegetarian version can be made using vegetable stock, tomatoes, fennel, and hearty vegetables like artichokes, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a similarly rich and comforting stew.

What wine pairs well with Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe?

A crisp and acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with cioppino. These wines complement the seafood’s delicate flavors and the stew’s tomato broth without overpowering it.

Can I make this stew spicier?

Absolutely! The recipe includes red pepper flakes for mild heat, but you can increase the amount or add fresh chopped chili peppers to suit your spice tolerance. Just add gradually while cooking to control the level of heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around a steaming bowl of Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe—it’s a feast for the senses and the soul. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and a celebration of fresh seafood to your table. Give it a try and let yourself fall in love with its rich, hearty flavors that feel like a seaside hug in every spoonful.