Indulge in the ultimate Italian seafood experience with this restaurant-worthy Cioppino — a luxurious tomato and white wine-based seafood stew featuring shrimp, clams, fish, and more. This one-pot wonder is bursting with coastal flavors and perfect for an elegant dinner, romantic date night, or elevated family meal.
Pair it with toasted sourdough or rustic artisan bread to soak up every drop of its savory, rich broth. Ideal for seafood lovers and home chefs seeking a flavorful, satisfying, and wholesome meal.
🛒 Ingredients List
For the Flavorful Tomato-Wine Broth:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup tomato paste
- 1½ cups dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
- 4 cups seafood or fish stock (or low-sodium chicken broth)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Fresh Seafood Mix:
- 1 lb clams, cleaned
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb firm white fish (cod, halibut, etc.), cubed
- ½ lb lump crab meat (optional, but highly recommended for extra richness)
For Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh chopped parsley and chives
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty sourdough or artisan bread, toasted
🍽️ How to Make Seafood Cioppino (Step-by-Step)
🔹 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, fennel (if using), and red bell pepper. Sauté for 8–10 minutes until soft and fragrant.
🔹 Step 2: Build the Broth
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, and stock. Stir in oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to let flavors develop.
🔹 Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Add clams first. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to open.
Then add shrimp, white fish, and crab meat (if using). Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until the seafood is fully cooked and the clams have opened.
🦪 Discard any clams that remain closed.
🔹 Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot with lemon wedges and crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- Swap in mussels, scallops, or calamari to customize your seafood medley.
- For a bolder flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes and a dash of smoked paprika.
- Add a splash of fresh lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
📊 Recipe Summary
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 4–6 |
| Calories | ~450 per serving |
