Spanish-Style Fish Stew 🐟🌶🍷 Rustic Mediterranean Comfort With Garlic, Paprika, and Wine-Simmered Fish in a Rich Tomato Broth

ByKarl S

This is seaside comfort from the Iberian coast — a bold tomato-based stew layered with smoked paprika, olive oil, and garlic, then gently simmered with tender fish and potatoes. The flavors are deep and satisfying, with hints of wine, herbs, and just enough spice.

Best served with crusty bread, a drizzle of good olive oil, and maybe a splash of dry Spanish wine on the side.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the stew

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp sweet paprika (or use all smoked if you like it bold)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup dry white wine (Albariño, Verdejo, or dry sherry)
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups fish or seafood stock (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Pinch of saffron threads (optional but classic)
  • 1 medium waxy potato, peeled and diced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the fish

  • 1–1½ lbs firm white fish (cod, halibut, sea bass), cut into chunks
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: squeeze of lemon

To finish

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
  • Crusty bread or roasted potatoes for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Add onion and bell pepper and cook 5–7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sauté 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Add tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes. Pour in wine and let it reduce slightly. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, saffron (if using), and diced potatoes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Simmer

Bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender and the broth is rich and aromatic.

Step 4: Add the Fish

Season fish with salt and pepper. Gently nestle into the stew. Simmer uncovered 5–8 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a spoon. Squeeze in a little lemon if desired.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove bay leaf. Ladle into bowls. Drizzle with good olive oil and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with bread for dipping or roasted potatoes on the side.

Flavor Variations

  • Add sliced chorizo at the start for extra smoky depth
  • Use shellfish (mussels, clams, shrimp) for a mixed seafood version
  • Stir in chopped olives or capers near the end for briny punch
  • Finish with orange zest and fennel seed for Catalan flair
  • Sub in sweet potatoes or chickpeas for added texture and body

Pro Tips

  • Use firm fish that won’t fall apart — cod and halibut are ideal
  • Don’t overcook the fish — turn off heat when it’s just cooked through
  • Saffron adds a classic floral note — steep in hot broth before adding if possible
  • Let stew rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
  • Good olive oil at the end makes a big difference

Final Thoughts

Spanish-Style Fish Stew is rustic, hearty, and full of sun-drenched flavor — the kind of dish that feels ancient and homey in the best way. Simple ingredients, big returns, and a bowl you’ll mop clean every time.

Simmer it slow. Spoon it hot. Finish with oil and pride. 🐟🌶🍷🔥

🍲 Hearty Seafood Soups & Stews

From creamy chowders to fiery global fish stews, this is your deep-dive into warm, comforting, ocean-inspired bowls.

🦐 Seafood Soup Recipes (Main Hub) – Chowders, bisques, and brothy seafood soups from all over the globe.
🦞 Seafood Stew Recipes (Main Hub) – Bold, rustic stews loaded with shrimp, fish, crab, and global spices.

🍜 Seafood Soup Favorites

🌽 Shrimp & Corn Chowder – Creamy, sweet, and perfect for late summer or cozy nights.
🐟 Classic Fish Stew – Tomato-based and herb-laced, with hearty chunks of white fish.
🦀 Creamy Crab Bisque – Rich and luxurious with delicate crab flavor.
🌊 New England Clam Chowder – Creamy, briny, and loaded with clams and potatoes.
🍅 Spicy Tomato Seafood Soup – A fiery broth with shrimp and fish, kissed by chiles.
🥥 Thai Coconut Seafood Soup – Silky, spicy, and aromatic with lemongrass and lime.
🐟 Salmon Chowder – Creamy and smoky with big flakes of fresh salmon.
🫘 Portuguese Fish & Bean Soup – Earthy and savory, perfect with crusty bread.
🌶️ Mexican Caldo de Mariscos – Spicy, tomato-rich seafood soup with big Baja flavor.
🌿 Mediterranean Fish Stew – Olive oil, fennel, and tomatoes — simple and soulful.

🌍 Global Seafood Stews

🇧🇷 Brazilian Moqueca (Shrimp & Coconut Stew) – Coconut milk, lime, and dendê oil — totally unforgettable.
🇮🇹 Italian Cioppino – Tomato-wine base with crab, mussels, and white fish.
🇹🇭 Spicy Thai Seafood Stew – Deep, complex heat and umami in every bite.
🇪🇸 Spanish-Style Fish Stew – Saffron-laced and rustic, with tender fish and potatoes.
🦀 Crab & Corn Stew – Southern-style with sweet crab and hearty corn.
🦞 Lobster Stew (Maine-Style) – Creamy, luxurious, and surprisingly simple.
🇰🇷 Korean Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew) – Fiery red broth with tofu and tender white fish.

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

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