Best Cioppino Seafood Stew Recipe

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Today we have a real treat to share with you! This delicious Cioppino Recipe was developed by Chef William Dissen -one of the world’s most sustainable chefs! Italian seafood stew, known as cioppino is a healthy and fisherman-friendly dish which is sure to become a family favorite that you can cook in your one-pot dutch oven!

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What Is Cioppino?

Cioppino is a traditional Italian seafood stew that is loaded with flavor and rich in nutrients. This hearty dish is typically made with a variety of fresh seafood, such as fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, Dungeness crab, clams and mussels. In addition to the seafood, cioppino also contains flavorful vegetables like tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs like basil and oregano.

San Francisco Cioppiono

Cioppino is a popular dish in many regions around the world, but it originated in San Francisco. Over time, this hearty stew has become a staple of Italian-American cuisine, and its popularity continues to grow as more people discover its savory flavors and the health benefits of Cioppino.

Cioppiono has become more popular as Italian restaurants proliferated in the United States. As a result, it is now widely available in most regions of the country and has become somewhat of a regional speciality in areas like San Francisco and New England.

How To Pronounce Cioppino

Wondering how to say cioppino correctly? Like many Italian dishes, cioppiono is quite easy to pronounce! Simply follow the same hard “c” sound that you would use in words like cat or cent and add an “eye” sound at the end. This will result in a pronunciation of roughly “ch-oh-pee-no”.

Why You’ll Love This Cioppino Recipe

If you love the taste of fresh seafood then Cioppino is a dish you are going to want to try. This one-pot stew is loaded with flavor and nutrition. Italian seafood stew is absolutely delicious.

Combine this seafood stew with crusty bread smothered in delicious saffron aioli and you’re in for a real treat! It’s simply good food!

Who Is Chef William Dissen?

Chef William Dissen is a talented and celebrated chef known for his delicious and authentic sustainable recipes. With over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, Chef Dissen has earned a reputation for his use of sustainable ingredients.

William Dissen was Awarded “Green Chef of the Year” two years in a row by FORTUNE Magazine and was Named “Most Sustainable Chef On the Planet” by Gordon Ramsay on National Geographic. Now that’s a pretty amazing achievement!

Is Cioppino Healthy?

Cioppino is a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. This Italian seafood stew is loaded with fresh seafood and veggies which are all packed with important vitamins and minerals.

Seafood stew has plenty of protein and healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling satisfied throughout the day. Additionally, seafood is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart health and improve brain function.

If you’re looking for a flavorful yet healthy meal idea then this Cioppino Recipe is perfect for you!

Ingredients For Seafood Cioppino

Here are the ingredients needed to make Cioppino seafood stew.

Cioppino Ingredients:

• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Diced Fennel Bulb
• 1 1/2 Cups Small Yellow Onion Diced
• 1/2 Cup Celery, Diced
• 2 Tablespoons Garlic, minced
• 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 Can San Marzano Crushed Tomatoes 1 – 28 oz.
• 4 Cups Fish Fumet Broth (You can also use Fish Stock or Seafood stock)
• 1/2 Cup Pernod
• 1 Cup Dry White Wine
• 2 Bay Leaves
• Kosher Salt
• Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Snapper, cut into large pieces
• 1 Large Shrimp
• 2 Dozen Littleneck Clams, steamed
• 4 Tablespoons basil, roughly chopped
• 4 Tablespoons Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped

Saffron Aioli Sauce Ingredients:

Ingredients for making Saffron Aioli Sauce

• 1 qt Dukes Prepared Mayo
• ¼ Cup Confit Garlic Puree
• Juice of One Lemon
• 1 Tablespoon Saffron
• 1 Cup White Wine

How To Make Cioppino

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Cioppino.

Step One: Heat Up Dutch Oven

In a large Dutch oven, heat 3 tbsps of olive oil over medium-high heat. Stir in the fennel, onion, and celery and cook until translucent and tender for 5 minutes.

Step Two: Add Garlic And Red Pepper Flakes

Stir in the garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant.

Step Three: Add Pernod And White Wine

Next, stir the Pernod and white wine, bring to a simmer and reduce by half. 

Step Four: Add Fish Fumet And Tomatoes

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, bay leaf and fish fumet (fish stock). Bring to a simmer and allow to cook uncovered for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step Five: Blend Your Ingredients

Use an immersion blender, and puree to a rustic consistency, then season the cioppino with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

Step Six: Add Snapper, Shrimp And Clams

Add the snapper and shrimp and bring to a simmer again. Lower to medium heat. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through. Stir in the steamed clams. Adjust the seasoning as needed and serve immediately.

Step Seven: Serve And Garnish Cioppino

Ladle the cioppino into large, shallow bowls, drizzle with some extra olive oil and garnish with the chopped basil and parsley. Serve with toasted sourdough smeared with saffron aioli.

How To Make Saffron Aioli

Here are the instructions for making saffron Aioli.

Step One: Simmer Saffron And Wine

In a small pot, simmer the white wine until the wine is deeply colored and reduce to 2 oz.

Step Two: Add Ingredients To Bowl

Strain your cooking wine into a mixing bowl. Add the mayo, garlic puree and lemon juice. Stir until combined.

Step Three: Serve Saffron Aioli

Your saffron aioli sauce is ready to be served on a crusty baguette.

Using A Dutch Oven For Seafood Stew

A Dutch oven is an excellent cooking tool for making seafood stew because it heats evenly and retains heat well, which helps you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your dish. Additionally, the dutch oven is easy to use and is quick to clean.

If you want to invest in a dutch oven check out the new electric Dutch Oven from the makers of the Instant Pot. Alternatively, you can buy a fantastic enamel dutch oven from Le Creuset.

What To Serve With Cioppino?

So what can you eat with cioppino fish stew? Cioppino is a hearty, rich dish that pairs well with crusty bread or baguette. You might also enjoy it with a glass of dry white wine or some light beer. For something crunchy and savory, serve cioppino with cheese straws or roasted garlic fries. To make your cioppino meal complete.

Can You Serve Cioppino Over Pasta?

Cioppino can be served over a bed of pasta. the best pasta to use with this seafood stew recipe would be fettucine or linguine. Simply cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then toss it with a little olive oil so that it doesn’t stick together. Serve cioppino over the pasta and enjoy!

What Wine Pairs Well With Cioppino?

As a hearty, seafood-based stew, cioppino pairs best with dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines are light and refreshing, which help to balance the rich flavors and spice in your Italian dish.

Can You Freeze Cioppino?

Wondering if you can freeze cioppino? Yes, you can! To freeze cioppino, let the stew cool slightly to room temperature. Then transfer it to an airtight container or bags and store in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cioppino, simply thaw and reheat in your dutch oven.

What Are Littleneck Clams?

wondering what littleneck clams are? Littleneck clams, also known as Little Neck Clams, are a species of hardshell clam that is often served in seafood dishes like cioppino. They have a mild flavor and tender texture, and they can be cooked in numerous ways.

Where To Buy Littleneck Clams Near Me?

If you are looking to buy littleneck clams near you, try checking your local grocery store or seafood market. Alternatively, you can order them online from a variety of seafood delivery services and speciality food stores. Just be sure to check the quality and freshness of your clams before cooking, as this will help ensure that they taste great. The same goes for the shrimp shells and snapper.

Seafood Stew Variations

Whilst this fantastic West Coast dish is perfect as is, you may want to make a few alterations or add in some of your favorite ingredients. Here are a few suggestions:

• Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste for a little more sweetness.
• Add bell pepper and mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• Swap the white wine for red wine for your soup base.
• Add Mussels and clams and even a few tablespoons of clam juice.
• Be sure to strain seafood stock or broth if it’s homemade.
• You can add sea bass or halibut in place of the snapper.
• Add crab legs for variation.

More About Chef William Dissen

Chef William Dissen is an executive chef and restauranteur based in North Carolina. Dissen is the founder of The Market Place Restaurant in Asheville, and the upscale farm-to-table, Charlotte eatery: Haymaker.

Willaim Dissen is a multi-award winning chef who is devoted to ocean conservation. He volunteers his time at events around the world: including, Sustainable Foods Institute in California, World Food Summit in Copenhagen, and Qatar-USA Food Festival, where he educates world leaders and culinary educators on age-old practices and modern ways to incorporate sustainable food practices into their processes.  

More Seafood Recipes

For more seafood recipes check out the following:

• Instant Pot Lobster Rolls
• Instant Pot Shrimp Eggs
• Shrimp Boil in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi
• Instant Pot Fish Tacos
• Instant Pot Terriyaki Salmon