Monterey Bay Cioppino with Local Catch
A hearty seafood stew featuring Monterey Bay scallops, mussels, and tomatoes, simmered in a fragrant saffron-infused broth. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs Scallops, Mussels, halved Cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Scallops
- 1 lb Mussels
- 1 cup halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/8 tsp Saffron threads
- 1/2 cup Dry white wine
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 cloves minced Garlic
- 1/2 cup diced Onion
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped Fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Scrub mussels under cold water, remove beards, and discard any open or cracked shells. Rinse scallops and pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, wine, and saffron threads. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the mussels, cover tightly, and cook for 5 minutes until mussels open. Add the scallops, cover, and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque. Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and chopped parsley, then season with salt.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Monterey Bay Cioppino with Local Catch take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Monterey Bay Cioppino with Local Catch?
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 scallops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Monterey Bay Cioppino with Local Catch?
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 Monterey Bay Cioppino with Local Catch 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 Monterey Bay Cioppino with Local Catch?
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
- ★★★★★
My family loved this cioppino! The local catch really made it special, and the recipe was easy to follow.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a seafood night! My husband and I enjoyed it with crusty bread.
- ★★★★☆
Tasted great, but the tomatoes were a bit too sweet for my taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.