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4.9 from 30 votes

Classic Cioppino (San Francisco-Style Seafood Stew)

This Classic Cioppino is a true favorite Italian seafood stew originating in the incredible city of San Francisco. It is beautiful, and actually quite easy to make. You just need a couple hours from start to finish. Plus, you can tweak to you own tastes. Enjoy!!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
1 hr 30 mins
Total Time
2 hrs
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 280 kcal
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 medium yellow onions chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ red bell pepper cored, seeded, chopped (about ½ cup)
  • ½ cup celery chopped
  • ¼ flat-leaf parsley chopped
  • 1 28 oz. can whole tomatoes San Marzano are excellent, with juice
  • 2 8 oz bottles clam juice
  • 1 cup dry white wine Sauvignon blanc is good
  • 2 bay leafs
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flake
  • ½ teaspoon salt more to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon about 2 teaspoons
  • 12 small hard-shell clams in shell
  • 12 mussels in shell
  • 1 lb extra-large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 lb bay scallops
  • 1 lb firm white fish fillets cod, halibut, haddock are all good choices
  • 2 lbs fresh steamed crab legs

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large soup pot, or preferably large Dutch oven, over medium-low heat, heat olive oil, then add butter and let melt. Add onions, garlic, bell pepper, celery and parsley. Cook until soft, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add tomatoes (break them up with your hands as you add them to the pot), and add the juice from the can.
  3. Add the clam juice, wine, bay leaf, basil, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and lemon juice; bring to just a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. NOTE: At this point, stock may be refrigerated, covered and kept up to 2 days before serving. Just bring the stock back to a boil about 20 minutes before serving, lower the heat, and progress with the recipe.
  5. Scrub the clams and mussels with a small stiff brush under cold running water; remove beards from mussels.
  6. Discard any open clams or mussels. Let cold water run over shells for 5 minutes (shaking every minute, or so).
  7. Gently stir into the sauce the clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, and fish fillets. Cover the dish and let simmer for 7 - 8 minutes, until the clams and mussels open. Discard any shells that have not opened.
  8. Add the crab legs and steam until heated through, another 2 - 3 minutes.
  9. Try not to stir too much (it will break up the fish), and don't overcook!!
  10. Remove the bay leaves. Adjust seasonings
  11. Ladle sauce and seafood into large bowls and serve with toasted bread.

Nutrition Information

Calories 280kcal (14%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 280

% Daily Value*

Calories 280kcal 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.