If you’re craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, this Cioppino recipe is your answer! Originating from San Francisco, Cioppino is a classic Italian seafood stew packed with fresh shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish, all simmered in a rich tomato broth. It’s the perfect meal for seafood lovers, and I’m excited to share my go-to San Francisco Cioppino recipe that’s both easy and bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this iconic dish at home. Cioppino, often called San Francisco Cioppino, is a seafood stew that Italian immigrant fishermen created in the late 1800s. The name comes from “ciuppin,” a Genoese word for a fish stew, and it reflects the dish’s roots in using the day’s catch. Unlike other seafood stews, a Cioppino recipe is known for its bold tomato base, often spiked with white wine and fragrant herbs like basil and oregano. According to a 2023 survey by the National Fisheries Institute, seafood stews like Cioppino have seen a 15% rise in popularity as people seek comforting, restaurant-style meals at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavors: The combination of fresh seafood, tomatoes, and herbs creates a rich, savory broth in this Italian seafood stew.
  • Customizable: Use whatever seafood you have—shrimp, clams, or even crab.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: This dish impresses guests and pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for 4–6 servings:

  • 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 lb clams (scrubbed)
  • 1 lb mussels (scrubbed and debearded)
  • 1 lb firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 2 cups fish or seafood stock
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crusty bread (for serving)

For more on sourcing sustainable seafood, check out Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. More information The Ultimate Seafood Buying Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of your San Francisco Cioppino.

Build the Tomato Broth

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, fish stock, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld in this Cioppino recipe.

Add the Seafood to Your Recipe

Add the clams and mussels to the pot, cover, and cook for 5 minutes until they start to open. Then, add the shrimp and fish, cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the fish is flaky. Discard any clams or mussels that don’t open.

Serve

Ladle the Italian seafood stew into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. Pair it with a glass of white wine for the ultimate experience.

Tips

Freshness Matters: Use the freshest seafood you can find for the best flavor in your Cioppino recipe.

Adjust the Heat: Add more red pepper flakes if you like a spicier San Francisco Cioppino.
Make It Ahead: The broth tastes even better the next day, so prepare it in advance and add the seafood just before serving.

Love seafood dishes? Try our Shrimp Scampi Recipe for another easy weeknight meal. For more seafood cooking tips, visit National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

I first tried this recipe at a small San Francisco eatery during a trip in 2023, and I was hooked. The balance of tangy tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender seafood was unforgettable. After experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve perfected this recipe to bring those same flavors to your table. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make—perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. Check Seafood Stew – TableandDish.

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