Cioppino(San Francisco Style)
San Francisco-style Cioppino is a hearty, flavorful seafood stew featuring a rich tomato base infused with herbs and white wine. Loaded with lobster, fish, shrimp, and vegetables, it's perfect for seafood lovers seeking a comforting, aromatic dish that captures the essence of coastal cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 leek, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium green pepper, seeded and chopped
- 5 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 4 medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped garlic
- 1 large can Italian type tomatoes, coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups dry white wine ⓘ
- fresh thyme ⓘ
- oregano ⓘ
- rosemary ⓘ
- bay leaf ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy large pot with a lid, heat the olive oil over high heat until a light haze begins to form over it.
- Add the chopped onions, leeks, green pepper, garlic, celery, and carrots.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are wilted, but not brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, white wine, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, bay leaf, thyme, oregano, and rosemary.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat; partially cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding fresh seafood like shrimp or crab to the cioppino. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can substitute some of the white wine with clam juice. Fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the dish. If you don’t have dry white wine, a light vegetable broth works as a suitable alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cioppino with crusty bread or over a bed of rice to soak up the flavorful broth. A fresh green salad pairs nicely as a side. For a delightful twist, try pairing it with Crab Newburg for a seafood-themed meal. This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of the same dry white wine used in cooking.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the cioppino over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this may overcook the seafood. For best results, enjoy the dish fresh, as seafood can lose its texture upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cioppino(San Francisco Style) contains roughly 888 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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?
Yes, frozen seafood can be used in cioppino. Just ensure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding it to the pot. This helps maintain the texture and prevents excess water from diluting the broth.
What types of seafood work best in cioppino?
Common seafood choices for cioppino include shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish like cod or snapper. Feel free to mix and match based on availability or personal preference, keeping in mind that each type may require different cooking times.
Can I make cioppino ahead of time?
While cioppino is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time. Just add the seafood right before serving to ensure it stays tender and flavorful. The flavors will deepen if made a few hours in advance.
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).