Cioppino
A rich and hearty seafood stew, born in San Francisco. This Italian-American classic features a vibrant tomato and wine broth brimming with fresh fish, clams, mussels, and shrimp. It's a showstopper meal perfect for serving with crusty sourdough bread.
For 6 servings
4 steps. 40 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and sliced fennel. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Broth
- b.Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and cook until the wine has reduced by about half, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- c.Add the crushed tomatoes, clam juice, tomato paste, bay leaves, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a steady simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Seafood in Stages
- b.Uncover the pot and increase the heat to medium. Add the scrubbed clams and mussels, then cover the pot again.
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the clams and mussels have started to open. Give the pot a gentle shake occasionally.
- d.Gently nestle the cod chunks and shrimp into the broth among the shellfish. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- e.Finally, add the scallops. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque, the fish flakes easily, and the scallops are no longer translucent. Do not overcook.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve Immediately
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully discard any clams or mussels that did not open. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- c.Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt or red pepper flakes if desired.
- d.Ladle the cioppino into large, warmed bowls, ensuring each serving gets a variety of seafood. Garnish generously with fresh parsley and serve immediately with thick slices of crusty bread for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1The key to great cioppino is not overcooking the seafood. Add it in stages, from longest cooking time to shortest.
- 2Before cooking, scrub clams and mussels well under cold running water. Tap any open clams on the counter; if they don't close, they should be discarded.
- 3Crusty sourdough bread is the classic and best accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth.
- 4Cioppino is best enjoyed the day it's made. While leftovers can be stored for a day, the seafood texture may become tough upon reheating.
- 5To save time, you can prepare the broth (steps 1 and 2) a day in advance. Reheat it to a simmer before proceeding with step 3.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped fresh chili like a Fresno or jalapeño along with the garlic.
Add CrabAdd Crab
For a more traditional San Francisco Cioppino, add pre-cooked Dungeness crab legs or claws. Add them during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, along with the shrimp, just to heat through.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves or a few fresh basil leaves (torn) to the broth along with the parsley at the end for a different herbal note.
With SquidWith Squid
Add 1/2 pound of cleaned squid, cut into rings and tentacles. Add it along with the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until opaque.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
The diverse mix of fish, shrimp, scallops, and shellfish provides a high-quality source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Excellent Source of Omega-3s
Seafood is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting a healthy cardiovascular system.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This stew is a powerhouse of micronutrients. Shellfish provide zinc and selenium, crucial for immunity, while the tomato base offers lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Cioppino is quite healthy. It's packed with lean protein from the variety of seafood, which is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals like selenium and zinc. The tomato base provides antioxidants like lycopene. However, it can be high in sodium depending on the clam juice and canned tomatoes used, so look for low-sodium options if that's a concern.