San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich Italian-American seafood stew simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and San Francisco Bay catch for a coastal classic. This italian-american-inspired seafood ready in about 55 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 3.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 diced red bell pepper, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant and vegetables are softened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Step 4: Add 14 oz can diced tomatoes, 2 cups fish stock, 1/2 cup white wine, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and 2 chopped plum tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 cups scrubbed clams, 2 cups scrubbed mussels, 8 oz cut salmon pieces, and 8 oz peeled shrimp. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes until clams and mussels open and shrimp turn pink.
  6. Step 6: Discard any unopened clams or mussels. Remove bay leaf and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 San Francisco Cioppino Seafood 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in San Francisco Cioppino Seafood 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 San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew 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 San Francisco Cioppino Seafood Stew?

Italian-American 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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