Brainerd Collectible Fisherman's Stew
A hearty seafood stew inspired by Minnesota fishing lures, featuring tender cod, fresh herbs, and a velvety tomato base. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 37 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes cod fillets, small, thinly sliced fennel bulb, medium, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes cod fillets
- 1 small, thinly sliced fennel bulb
- 2 medium, diced tomatoes
- 3 tbsp, chopped fennel fronds
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups fish stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add sliced fennel and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, then add white wine and simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 3: Add fish stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cod cubes and cook for 4-5 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and lemon zest, then simmer for 2 more minutes without boiling. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fennel fronds.
- Step 5: Serve hot in bowls, garnished with remaining fennel fronds and a lemon wedge on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brainerd Collectible Fisherman's Stew take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Brainerd Collectible Fisherman's Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brainerd Collectible Fisherman's Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brainerd Collectible Fisherman's Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brainerd Collectible Fisherman's Stew?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
