How to Make the Perfect Simple Italian Seafood Cioppino
Italian · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
This rich and flavorful Italian-American seafood stew is a surprisingly kid friendly introduction to seafood with its sweet tomato broth and tender pieces of fish and shrimp. Even children who think they do not like fish often come back for seconds when served this comforting and fragrant stew.
Why this recipe works
This Simple Italian Seafood Cioppino recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 310 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 pound white fish fillets such as cod cut into chunks
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups seafood or vegetable broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Build the Tomato Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth
Let the tomato broth simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to come together and creates a rich deeply flavorful base for the seafood to cook in.
Step 3: Add the Seafood
Add the fish chunks first and cook for 3 minutes. Then add the shrimp and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Do not overcook or the seafood becomes rubbery.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the broth and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into deep bowls making sure each bowl gets plenty of seafood. Serve with thick slices of crusty Italian bread for soaking up the incredible tomato broth.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cod fillets → tilapia or salmon which are mild and widely available at most grocery stores
- shrimp → scallops or clams for a different but equally delicious seafood experience
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the seafood which makes it rubbery and unpleasant to eat
- Adding all seafood at once instead of staggering additions based on cooking time needed
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 310 calories, 32g protein, 18g carbs, 11g fat, 3g fiber.
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