Description
Classic San Francisco Cioppino is a hearty and flavorful seafood stew that combines a rich tomato broth with an assortment of fresh fish, shrimp, crab, and mussels. The stew is simmered with aromatic herbs, white wine, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, making it a perfect comforting dish for seafood lovers. Traditionally from San Francisco, this easy-to-make recipe captures the essence of coastal American cuisine and is perfect served with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb mixed seafood (fish, shrimp, crab, mussels)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasonings
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups seafood or fish stock
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to create a flavorful base.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, seafood or fish stock, white wine, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Broth: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let cook uncovered for 15 minutes to develop a rich, balanced broth.
- Add Seafood: Add the mixed seafood starting with the firm fish pieces first to ensure even cooking. Follow with shrimp and finally shellfish like mussels and crab.
- Cook Seafood: Continue to cook just until the seafood is opaque, cooked through, and the mussels have opened, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any unopened mussels.
- Season: Taste and season the stew with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Notes
- Use the freshest seafood available to ensure the best flavor and quality.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping to enjoy every bit of the delicious broth.
- Always discard any mussels or shellfish that do not open during cooking for safety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
