San Francisco Cioppino
A hearty and flavorful seafood stew brimming with fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish in a rich tomato and white wine broth. This San Francisco classic is perfect for a special dinner and best served with crusty sourdough bread.
For 4 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 fennel. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for another minute 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 browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the wine has reduced by about half.
- c.Add the crushed tomatoes, clam juice, oregano, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- d.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Seafood
- b.Uncover the pot and bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Add the clams and mussels, then cover the pot again.
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until most of the shells have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
- d.Gently nestle the fish chunks into the broth. Cook for 2 minutes.
- e.Add the shrimp and scallops. Stir gently and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the scallops are firm. Do not overcook.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves.
- c.Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- d.Gently stir in the fresh parsley.
- e.Ladle the cioppino into large, shallow bowls, ensuring each serving gets a variety of seafood. Serve immediately with crusty sourdough bread for dipping.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use the freshest seafood you can find. Visit a local fishmonger if possible.
- 2The tomato broth base can be made up to a day in advance. Reheat it gently before adding the seafood for a quick and impressive meal.
- 3Do not overcook the seafood. Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the shrimp and scallops are opaque, as they will continue to cook in the hot broth.
- 4It is crucial to discard any clams or mussels that do not open after cooking.
- 5For a richer, more complex flavor, add a splash of brandy or Pernod along with the white wine.
- 6The classic pairing for cioppino is crusty sourdough bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicier Version
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or add a finely chopped Fresno or jalapeño chili with the garlic.
Add CrabAdd Crab
For a truly authentic San Francisco experience, add 2-4 cooked Dungeness crab clusters to the pot during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking.
Herbaceous TwistHerbaceous Twist
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves or a few fresh basil leaves along with the parsley at the end.
No Wine VersionNo-Wine Version
Replace the white wine with an equal amount of fish stock or clam juice and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
The diverse array of seafood provides high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting satiety.
Excellent Source of Omega-3s
Seafood, particularly fish like halibut, is a prime source of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats are known to support brain health and reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease.
Packed with Antioxidants
The tomato base is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Garlic and onions also contribute beneficial compounds that support overall health.
Rich in Essential Minerals
Shellfish like clams and mussels are excellent sources of important minerals such as iron, zinc, and selenium, which play vital roles in immune function, energy production, and thyroid health.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Cioppino contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific types and amounts of seafood used.