Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Stew

San Francisco Cioppino, at home! This seafood stew with Ingredients 1 hour 4 servings is ready in an hour. My secret? Perfect timing! Get the recipe now.

May 25, 2025
By Laura Tide.

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Okay, let's dive into this fisherman's wharf seafood stew. honestly, is there anything better than a big bowl of hearty seafood goodness on a cold evening? i think not! this recipe is all about bringing the taste of san francisco's famous cioppino right to your own kitchen.

A Taste of the Sea: Seafood Stew Recipe Introduction

This seafood stew recipe is inspired by the classic italian seafood stew called cioppino. it hails from san francisco's fisherman's wharf , a testament to the city's rich culinary history.

This is more than just a meal; it's a journey to the california coast. perfect for a fancy dinner party or a comforting weeknight meal.

Speaking of which you will need to set aside approximately ingredients 1 hour 4 servings .

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to make a restaurant-worthy seafood feast at home? this easy seafood stew recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and is surprisingly simple.

It boasts a rich, tomato-based broth with a delightful hint of white wine. it's definitely a treat for your tastebuds.

Brief Overview

This one-pot seafood meal is a classic san francisco seafood recipe . originating from italian-american fishermen, it's a celebration of fresh catches.

This recipe is of medium difficulty, requiring about 1 hour of your time. it yields 4 servings , making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering.

Main Benefits

This quick seafood stew is packed with protein and essential nutrients from the variety of mussels clams cod crab calamari shrimp .

It's an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, great for your heart and brain. serve this seafood dinner on a chilly night to warm up, or wow your guests at your next dinner party .

The best part? it’s a complete meal in one pot.

Right, let's move on to the Seafood stew ingredients .

Alright, let's dive into what you need for this amazing fisherman's wharf seafood stew! think of it as a cioppino recipe homage! this isn't just about throwing seafood in a pot.

It's about layering flavors.

Fisherman's Wharf Seafood Stew Recipe Card

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Preparation time:25 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 2 small yellow onions, coarsely chopped (approx. 250g)
• 4 oz (113g) sliced mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 2 large bay leaves
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
• 3/4 tsp garlic and herb hot sauce (like Frank's RedHot)
• 1 large can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes
• 12 fl oz (355ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce
• 1 1/4 cup (295ml) dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 4 chicken bouillon cubes
• 1 lb (454g) mussels, scrubbed and debearded
• 1 lb (454g) steamer clams, scrubbed
• 1/2 lb (227g) Alaskan cod, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 lb (454g) crab legs (king, snow, or Dungeness), pre-cooked and split, if large
• 1/2 lb (227g) calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
• 1/2 lb (227g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Juice of 2 large lemons
• 1/2 bunch Italian parsley, chopped

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a large stock pot over medium heat. Add onions, mushrooms, and garlic; sauté until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add bay leaves, oregano, salt, pepper, hot sauce, crushed tomatoes, water, fish sauce, white wine, and bouillon cubes to the pot. Bring to a hard boil.
• Add mussels, wait 1 minute, then add the clams, wait 1 minute, then add the Alaskan cod, wait 1 minute, then add the crab legs, wait 1 minute, then add the calamari, finally, add the shrimp.
• Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the shrimp are added. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley.
• Ladle into bowls and serve hot, with crusty bread (like Parmesan garlic bread) for dipping.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients 1 hour 4 servings

This easy seafood stew is ready in no time. We’re making an Italian seafood stew that will impress. Honestly , it will.

• Butter & Aromatics:
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter: Adds richness.
  • 2 small yellow onions (250g), chopped: Sweetness is important.
  • 4 oz (113g) sliced mushrooms: Adds earthiness.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don't skimp! Quality indicator: Fresh, firm cloves.
  • 2 bay leaves: Infuse subtle flavor.
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano: Adds that Mediterrean taste.
  • 1 tbsp sea salt: To taste.
  • 1/2 tbsp black pepper: Freshly ground is best.
  • 3/4 tsp garlic hot sauce: A little kick!
• The Broth:
  • 1 large can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the stew.
  • 12 fl oz (355ml) water: Balances the flavors.
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) fish sauce: Umami bomb.
  • 1 1/4 cup (295ml) dry white wine: Adds complexity. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great.
  • 4 chicken bouillon cubes: Adds depth.
• Oh My Gosh, The Seafood!:
  • 1 lb (454g) mussels, scrubbed: Look for tightly closed shells!
  • 1 lb (454g) steamer clams, scrubbed: Same as mussels. Discard any that are open before cooking.
  • 1/2 lb (227g) cod, cut into 1-inch pieces: Fresh, firm flesh is key. You could also try Haddock recipe .
  • 1 lb (454g) crab legs, pre-cooked: King, snow, or Dungeness – your choice!
  • 1/2 lb (227g) calamari, cleaned: Look for a clean smell.
  • 1/2 lb (227g) cooked shrimp, peeled: Easy peasy.

Seasoning Notes

You know, the right spice combination makes all the difference. think oregano and garlic. it's like a hug for your taste buds.

I like using fish sauce for that extra savory hit. if you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Only essentials here, folks. No need for fancy gadgets.

• Large stock pot: At least 6-8 quart . A stock pot recipe is perfect for this.
• Cutting board: For prepping veggies.
• Chef's knife: A good one makes life easier.
• Garlic press: Optional, but saves time. Honestly I just chop mine roughly.

And that's it! this seafood stew recipe can be easily adapted to your palate or use with the available seasonal produce.

So easy! . time to turn this into something epic, a san francisco seafood recipe .

Right then, let's whip up some magic in the kitchen! we're diving into a fisherman's wharf seafood stew , a proper taste of the ocean.

Think san francisco cioppino, but made easy peasy for a weeknight dinner. honestly, after a long day, there's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of this.

It's proper lush.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized

First things first, mise en place , darling! chop your 2 onions , slice those 4oz of mushrooms , and mince the 4 cloves of garlic .

Give those 1 lb of mussels and 1 lb of clams a good scrub – we don't want any sandy surprises.

Chop the 1/2 bunch of italian parsley . cut your 1/2 lb of cod in proper chunks! pro tip: prepping everything before you start cooking isn't just for posh chefs.

It saves time and stops you from flapping about like a headless chicken when things get heated. safety reminder: seafood is delicate! keep it chilled until you're ready to throw it in the pot, yeah?

Step-by-Step Process: Cooking Like a Boss

Ingredients 1 hour 4 servings

1. Sauté the good stuff: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a big pot over medium heat. Chuck in the onions, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook 'em till they're soft and translucent. About 5- 7 minutes should do it.
2. Broth Time: Stir in 2 bay leaves , 1 tbsp oregano , 1 tbsp salt , 1/2 tbsp pepper , 3/4 tsp hot sauce , 1 large can crushed tomatoes , 12 fl oz water , 1/4 cup fish sauce , 1 1/4 cup white wine , and 4 bouillon cubes . Bring it all to a proper boil.
3. Seafood Drop: This is where timing is key, or your seafood dinner ideas will be ruined!
   • Mussels first.
   • After 1 minute , throw in the clams.
   • 1 minute later, the cod goes in.
   • Another 1 minute , it's crab legs time!
   • 1 minute again, chuck in the calamari.
   • Finally, the shrimp joins the party.
4. Finishing Touches: Take the pot off the heat as soon as the shrimp are in! Stir in the juice of 2 lemons and the chopped parsley.
5. Serve it Up: Ladle that gorgeous seafood stew recipe into bowls. Serve with crusty bread, like Parmesan garlic bread, for proper dunking.

Pro Tips: Secret Agent Cooking

• Don't be a Seafood Serial Killer: Overcooked seafood is grim! Keep an eye on it and don't let it turn rubbery. This is one of the most common mistakes.
• Up Your Broth Game: For a deeper, richer flavour, use a homemade seafood broth recipe.
• Make Ahead? Sort Of: You can chop the veg and prep the broth in advance. But the seafood needs to be cooked just before serving.

There you have it, my friend! a quick seafood stew that's sure to impress. it's a hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you fancy a bit of fisherman's wharf stew without the trip to san francisco.

This easy seafood stew is a banger and you can try some mussel recipe, or clam recipe with it. get stuck in and enjoy! remember to try it with parmesan garlic bread.

Honestly, you won't regret it.

Alright, let's talk about the secret sauce – well, not literally! i'm talking about recipe notes for this amazing seafood stew recipe , your new go-to one-pot seafood meal .

After mastering this you can try your hand in a cioppino recipe and serve 4 servings in 1 hour .

Recipe Notes for a Perfect Seafood Symphony

So, you've got your Ingredients 1 hour 4 servings ready. Awesome! But before you dive in, let's chat about some things that'll take this dish from "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is the best thing I've ever eaten!"

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Listen, we eat with our eyes first, you know? think about plating this fisherman's wharf stew like a pro. ladle it into bowls, making sure each serving has a bit of everything: mussels , clams , cod , crab legs , calamari , and shrimp .

Don't be shy with the broth! garnish with a generous sprinkle of that chopped italian parsley .

What about sides? honestly, this stew is a meal in itself! but, a hunk of crusty bread – especially parmesan garlic bread – is essential for soaking up all that delicious tomato-based seafood stew broth.

A light, green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. and to drink? a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio is always a winner.

Storage Tips: Keeping the Flavor Alive

Okay, so you somehow have leftovers. I'm impressed! Here's the lowdown on storage:

• Refrigeration: let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll be good for 1-2 days.

  Just know that the seafood might get a little tougher the longer it sits.

• Freezing: Freezing is an option, but honestly, the texture of the seafood will change. If you must freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within a month or two.

• Reheating: gently reheat the stew on the stovetop over medium-low heat. watch it carefully so the seafood doesn't overcook. you can also microwave it, but be warned: it might get a bit rubbery.

Variations: Make it Your Own!

This easy seafood stew is super versatile. Want to switch things up?

• Gluten-free: This seafood dinner ideas is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your fish sauce and seafood broth recipe don't have any hidden gluten.

• Seasonal Swap: In the summer, try adding some grilled corn or zucchini. In the winter, heartier root vegetables like carrots or parsnips would be amazing.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist, but this quick seafood stew is packed with goodness!

• It's a great source of protein from all that delicious seafood . Hello, muscles!

• Seafood is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain. Boom!

• And all those veggies in the seafood stew ingredients provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Win-win-win!

So, there you have it! all the extra bits and bobs to make this best seafood stew a total success.

Now get cooking and prepare homemade seafood stew . don't be afraid to experiment and have fun, you got this!