Classic San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe

Name: Classic San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 cup white wine; 2 cups fish stock; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 pound mussels, cleaned; 1 pound clams, cleaned; 1 pound firm white fish (like cod), cut into chunks; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Crusty bread (for serving)

Highlighted under: Around World Recipes

Experience the rich flavors of the sea with this Classic San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew. A delightful blend of fresh seafood, tomatoes, and herbs, this dish is a true testament to the culinary heritage of San Francisco.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-06T17:22:54.537Z

This Cioppino recipe is inspired by the rich culinary traditions of San Francisco, where fresh seafood meets a robust tomato broth. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish brings the taste of the ocean right to your table.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A hearty mix of fresh seafood for an unforgettable taste
Rich, flavorful broth that warms the soul
Perfect for sharing with friends and family

      

A Taste of San Francisco

Cioppino is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of San Francisco’s rich maritime heritage. This seafood stew originated in the 1800s and was created by Italian fishermen who brought their culinary traditions to the Bay Area. Today, cioppino remains a beloved staple, showcasing the freshest catches from the Pacific. The combination of flavors and textures in this stew reflects the vibrant culinary scene that San Francisco is known for.

The beauty of cioppino lies in its versatility. While the traditional recipe calls for specific types of seafood, feel free to modify it based on seasonal availability or personal preference. Whether you prefer crab, scallops, or even calamari, this stew can easily adapt to your tastes, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.

A Hearty, Flavorful Broth

The heart of cioppino is undoubtedly its broth. Combining crushed tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock creates a rich and flavorful base that perfectly complements the seafood. The addition of dried oregano and red pepper flakes adds depth and a hint of spice, enhancing the overall experience of the stew. This broth not only serves as a cooking medium but also as a tantalizing sauce that begs to be sopped up with crusty bread.

Simmering the broth before adding the seafood allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that warms the soul. The key is to let it simmer long enough for the ingredients to infuse into each other, resulting in a robust flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Perfect for Gatherings

Cioppino is more than just a meal; it’s an experience best shared with friends and family. Its communal nature invites everyone to gather around the table, making it a perfect centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations. Serving this stew in a large pot encourages conversation and connection, as guests help themselves and share in the enjoyment of delicious food.

Pairing cioppino with a good loaf of crusty bread and a glass of white wine enhances the dining experience, transforming a simple meal into a memorable occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, cioppino is sure to impress and create lasting memories.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious Cioppino seafood stew.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 cup white wine
2 cups fish stock
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound mussels, cleaned
1 pound clams, cleaned
1 pound firm white fish (like cod), cut into chunks
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Crusty bread (for serving)

Make sure to have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a flavorful Cioppino seafood stew.

Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Build the Broth

Add the crushed tomatoes, white wine, fish stock, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Add the Seafood

Stir in the shrimp, mussels, clams, and white fish. Cover the pot and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels and clams have opened. Discard any that remain closed.

Season and Serve

Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Cioppino with family and friends!

Tips for the Best Cioppino

To ensure your cioppino is a hit, use the freshest seafood available. Visit your local fish market or grocery store and ask about the catch of the day. Fresh shrimp, mussels, and fish will elevate the dish and enhance its flavors significantly.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your seafood choices. While this recipe provides a classic combination, feel free to include your favorites or whatever is in season. The beauty of cioppino is its adaptability, allowing you to make it unique to your tastes.

Storing and Reheating Cioppino

If you have leftovers, store the cioppino in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days, but the flavors will continue to develop over time, making it even more delicious on the next day. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the seafood from becoming tough.

Freezing cioppino is also an option, but it’s best to freeze the broth separately from the seafood. This way, you can enjoy the stew fresh without compromising the texture of the seafood. Simply thaw and reheat the broth, adding fresh seafood to cook just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

When serving cioppino, consider pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the stew. For an added touch, offer a side of garlic aioli or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for guests to enjoy with their bread.

Don’t forget dessert! A light sorbet or a fruit tart can be a perfect ending to a hearty meal, cleansing the palate and leaving everyone satisfied. With these serving suggestions, your cioppino dinner will be a delightful experience from start to finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen seafood can be used, but fresh seafood will enhance the flavor and texture of the stew.

→ What can I serve with Cioppino?

Cioppino is often served with crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

→ How long does Cioppino last in the fridge?

Cooked Cioppino can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

→ Can I make Cioppino in advance?

While the stew is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth in advance and add the seafood just before serving.