Charleston Seafood Cioppino

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich tomato-based seafood stew with plump shrimp, tender mussels, and flaky fish in a savory saffron-infused broth. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs shrimp, mussels, firm white fish for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 3.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Clean mussels by scrubbing and removing beards. Remove shells from shrimp and cut fish into 1-inch cubes. Dice 1 medium onion, 1 cup carrots, and 1 cup celery into 1/4-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and simmer for 2 minutes until alcohol evaporates. Add 2 cups fish stock, 1/4 tsp saffron threads, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then add shrimp and fish cubes. Cook for 4 minutes, then add mussels and fresh basil. Cover and steam for 6-8 minutes until mussels open and seafood is cooked through. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charleston Seafood Cioppino take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Charleston Seafood Cioppino?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charleston Seafood Cioppino?

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 Charleston Seafood Cioppino for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Charleston Seafood Cioppino?

Italian 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.

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