Serious Monkfish & Tomato Bouillabaisse

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful Provençal stew featuring sustainably sourced monkfish, sun-ripened tomatoes, and saffron-infused broth—crafted for thoughtful dining. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 65 minutes pairs monkfish, olive oil, large, thinly sliced fennel 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.

★ 3.8 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the 12 oz monkfish dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the monkfish for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown—do not overcrowd the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large sliced fennel bulb and 2 diced medium carrots to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cups diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they begin to break down.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/2 cup white wine and simmer until reduced by half, about 3 minutes. Add 1/4 tsp saffron threads and 3 cups fish stock, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained cannellini beans and the seared monkfish, nestling it into the liquid. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes until the monkfish is tender and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 3 tbsp chopped parsley, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Serious Monkfish & Tomato Bouillabaisse take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 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 Serious Monkfish & Tomato Bouillabaisse?

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 monkfish from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Monkfish & Tomato Bouillabaisse?

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 Serious Monkfish & Tomato Bouillabaisse 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 Serious Monkfish & Tomato Bouillabaisse?

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.

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