Classic Italian Crab Cioppino
A hearty and flavorful Italian seafood stew featuring tender crab, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and white wine, perfect for seafood lovers seeking comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can peeled tomatoes, chopped with juice
- 1/2 tsp. ground oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced and divided ⓘ
- 2 cooked dungeness crabs, cleaned, jointed and cracked ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh basil ⓘ
- 1 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- crusty sourdough bread ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a deep, nonaluminum pot and sauté the chopped onion until it starts to soften.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes with juice, ground oregano, chopped basil, bay leaf, white wine, and half of the minced garlic.
- Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Add the remaining garlic, cooked crab, salt, and pepper, and cook until the crab is hot.
- Remove the bay leaf and serve the stew in warmed bowls with crusty sourdough bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. If you can't find Dungeness crabs, any sweet, tender crab meat will work, or you can use shrimp as a substitute. Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned if in season, but remember to adjust the cooking time for tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cioppino in warmed bowls alongside hearty, crusty sourdough bread for dipping. A fresh green salad or a side of garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish. For a complete Italian meal, consider following it with a light dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to avoid overcooking the crab. Add a splash of water or wine to loosen the stew if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Classic Italian Crab Cioppino contains roughly 870 calories, with 20g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (141% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (118% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 652mg per serving (28% 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 crab for this cioppino?
Yes, frozen crab is a great option! Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the stew to ensure even cooking. Check the cooking time, as frozen crab may take slightly longer to heat through.
What if I can't find fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn't available, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of dried basil. However, fresh herbs provide a vibrant flavor that enhances the dish, so use dried only as a last resort.
Is cioppino traditionally made with other seafood?
Absolutely! Cioppino is versatile and can include a variety of seafood like shrimp, clams, or mussels. Feel free to mix and match seafood based on your preference or what's available to you.
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).