Cioppino
Cioppino is a flavorful seafood stew with a rich tomato base, featuring tender fish, shrimp, and clams. Its vibrant flavors are enhanced by garlic, herbs, and red wine, making it perfect for seafood lovers. Served hot, it pairs beautifully with salad and warm bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh or frozen fish fillets ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red wine ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. snipped parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can minced clams ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can shrimp, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Thaw fish if frozen.
- Cut fish into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large saucepan, cook green onion, onion, and garlic in hot oil until tender.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to boiling, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add fish, shrimp, and undrained clams.
- Bring just to boiling, then reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. You can substitute the fish with any firm white fish or even mix in some squid for added texture. If you don't have clams, feel free to use mussels instead. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can also enhance the dish. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cioppino in deep bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. A light salad can complement the dish nicely, while a glass of white wine enhances the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes that feature seafood, making it a versatile choice for entertaining or a cozy dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the cioppino on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the seafood.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cioppino contains roughly 1408 calories, with 18g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (192% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1967mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen seafood for this cioppino recipe?
Yes, frozen seafood works well in cioppino. Just make sure to thaw the fish fillets and shrimp beforehand. You can also use a mix of frozen seafood, like scallops or squid, to add variety and flavor to your dish.
What can I serve with cioppino?
Cioppino is hearty enough to be a main dish, but it pairs well with sides like garlic bread, a simple green salad, or a light pasta. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside a glass of white wine or a refreshing Mediterranean salad.
How do I know when the fish is cooked properly?
The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in color. Be careful not to overcook it, as seafood can become tough if left on the heat too long. Generally, simmering for 5 to 7 minutes is sufficient after adding the fish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).