Italian Cioppino 🐟🦐🍅 Rustic Tomato-Wine Seafood Stew With Mussels, Fish, Shrimp, and Bold Garlic-Herb Flavor

ByKarl S

Originally born in San Francisco from Genoese fishermen, Cioppino is a true Italian-American classic — a hearty stew simmered in garlicky tomato-wine broth and loaded with fresh seafood. It’s rustic, brothy, and brimming with Mediterranean character.

Perfect for a shared table, a loaf of crusty bread, and a generous pour of red or white.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Seafood mix (about 2 lbs total):

  • ¾ lb firm white fish (cod, halibut, or sea bass), cut into chunks
  • ½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • ½ lb mussels or clams, cleaned
  • ¼ lb squid or scallops (optional)

Stew base:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 fennel bulb or 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1½ cups seafood stock or fish broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Zest of ½ lemon (optional)

To finish:

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • Crusty bread, for serving
  • Lemon wedges or extra olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a Dutch oven or deep pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and fennel, sauté 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute more.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Add tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes until darkened. Pour in white wine and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 3: Add Seafood

Add fish and squid/scallops first — simmer 3–4 minutes. Add shrimp and mussels last, cover, and cook 3–5 minutes until shrimp are pink and mussels open. Discard any unopened shells.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir in lemon zest (if using) and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into warm bowls with plenty of broth.

Serve with toasted sourdough or baguette for soaking — non-negotiable.

Flavor Variations

  • Add chopped anchovies or pancetta at the start for savory base
  • Use saffron or orange zest for a Ligurian twist
  • Finish with a spoonful of basil pesto or chili oil for extra punch
  • Include crab legs or lobster for a luxe version
  • Add olives or capers for a briny touch

Pro Tips

  • Clean mussels and clams thoroughly — discard any cracked or open ones that don’t close
  • Use fresh, firm fish that holds its shape — avoid flaky fillets
  • Simmer gently once seafood is in — don’t overcook
  • Make the broth a day ahead for even deeper flavor
  • Keep extra bread warm in the oven — you’ll need it

Final Thoughts

Cioppino is rustic elegance in a bowl — spicy, garlicky, rich with tomato and wine, and generous with the ocean’s best. It’s built for sharing and best eaten messy with both hands wrapped around a hot bowl.

Sauté it slow. Ladle it deep. Mop every drop. 🐟🦐🍅🔥

🍲 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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