This Hearty Seafood Stew is your passport to a coastal escape—without ever leaving your kitchen. Brimming with tender shrimp, flaky fish, and sweet shellfish simmered in a rich tomato broth infused with garlic, herbs, and white wine, this stew delivers warmth, depth, and comfort in every spoonful. It’s perfect for when you want something that feels special yet rustic, and it’s surprisingly simple to bring together. Serve it with crusty bread for the full experience.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Seafood Stew
Packed with fresh seafood: Customizable based on what’s in season or on sale.
Rich, warming broth: Tomato-based with aromatic herbs and a touch of wine.
Impressively easy: Looks gourmet, but comes together quickly.
Perfect for entertaining: A show-stopping main without the stress.
One-pot meal: Less mess, more flavor.
Ingredients for Hearty Seafood Stew
Don’t reach for the skillet yet—first, make sure these essentials are within arm’s reach.
Olive oil: This is your base for sautéing, adding a rich flavor to the stew.
Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a fragrant kick that elevates the overall taste.
Bell pepper: Diced bell pepper contributes color and a slight crunch.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add natural sweetness and a pop of color.
Celery: Diced celery provides a refreshing crunch and balances the flavors.
Diced tomatoes: A can of these adds acidity and richness to the stew.
Seafood stock or vegetable broth: This is the heart of your stew, infusing it with flavor.
Dried thyme and oregano: These herbs bring warmth and earthiness to the dish.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice kick if you like some heat.
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, shrimp are tender and cook quickly.
White fish fillets: Cod or haddock work well, providing a flaky texture.
Frozen peas: These add a burst of color and sweetness at the end.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley is perfect for garnishing, adding freshness.
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding scallops or mussels for extra flavor. You can find all the exact quantities for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Hearty Seafood Stew
Creating a Hearty Seafood Stew is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal ready in no time. Let’s dive into the cooking adventure!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. The smell will be heavenly! Next, add the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Cook these vibrant veggies for another 5-7 minutes until they soften. This step builds a flavorful base for your Hearty Seafood Stew.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
Now it’s time to layer in the flavor. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, including all the juice, and pour in the seafood stock or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich base for your stew.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
With the base ready, it’s time to add the star ingredients! Gently stir in the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the bite-sized pieces of white fish. Simmer the stew for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. The shrimp will turn pink, and the fish will flake easily. This is where the magic happens, transforming your stew into a seafood lover’s dream!
Step 4: Final Touches
To finish off your Hearty Seafood Stew, stir in the frozen peas and let them cook for another 2 minutes. This adds a lovely pop of color and sweetness. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, serve your stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that extra touch of brightness. Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting dish!
Tips for Success
Prep all your ingredients before starting to cook. It makes the process smoother.
Don’t rush the sautéing step; it builds a flavorful base.
Feel free to experiment with different seafood based on what’s fresh.
For a thicker stew, let it simmer a bit longer.
Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Equipment Needed
Large pot: A Dutch oven works great, but any heavy-bottomed pot will do.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accuracy, but you can eyeball it if you’re confident.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping veggies and seafood.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Creamy Delight: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk for a richer, creamier stew.
Vegetarian Option: Replace seafood with hearty vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and chickpeas for a satisfying vegetarian stew.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or basil for a unique flavor twist.
Grain Boost: Serve the stew over cooked quinoa or rice for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the stew.
Salad: Pair with a light green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Wine: A chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the seafood beautifully.
Presentation: Serve in deep bowls, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color.
FAQs about Hearty Seafood Stew
Can I use frozen seafood for this Hearty Seafood Stew?
Absolutely! Frozen seafood works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the stew for even cooking.
What can I substitute for seafood stock?
If you don’t have seafood stock, vegetable broth is a great alternative. It still provides a flavorful base for your Hearty Seafood Stew.
How can I make this stew spicier?
For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjust to your heat preference!
Can I prepare this stew in advance?
Yes! You can make the stew ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight!
What sides pair well with Hearty Seafood Stew?
Crusty bread or a light salad complements this stew beautifully. They add a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the seafood.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Hearty Seafood Stew is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in, sparking conversations and laughter. Each spoonful is a warm embrace, reminding us of family gatherings and cozy nights. This stew is versatile, allowing you to make it your own with different seafood or spices. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this dish brings comfort and joy. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into this culinary adventure, and savor the delightful flavors that await you!
A flavorful and hearty seafood stew packed with shrimp, fish, and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups seafood stock or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound white fish fillets (such as cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup frozen peas
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), seafood stock, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the shrimp and fish pieces to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque.
Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For a creamier stew, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk just before serving.
Feel free to customize the seafood by adding scallops or mussels, or use whatever fresh catch is available at your local market.
