Cioppino Recipe (San Francisco Seafood Stew with Crab, Shrimp & Clams)

This San Francisco Cioppino recipe is a classic Italian-American seafood stew loaded with crab, shrimp, clams, and fish simmered in a rich tomato and wine broth. Inspired by the famous Fisherman’s Wharf dish, this cozy seafood soup is perfect for special dinners or weekend comfort cooking. Serve it with crusty bread and pair it with Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad, Greek Orzo Salad, or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This

• A restaurant-style seafood stew inspired by San Francisco’s famous cioppino

• Loaded with crab, shrimp, clams, and tender white fish

• Rich tomato, garlic, and white wine broth

• Perfect for holiday dinners, date nights, or seafood lovers

• Surprisingly simple to make in one pot

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 6

Nutrition Information

• Calories: ~320 per serving

• Protein: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fat: 12 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Sodium: ~700 mg

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)

• 1 small onion, diced (150 g)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small fennel bulb, finely chopped (optional but traditional)

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 cup dry white wine (240 ml)

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (800 g)

• 3 cups seafood or fish stock (720 ml)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Seafood

• 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (225 g)

• 8 oz white fish such as cod or halibut, cubed (225 g)

• 8 oz mussels, cleaned (225 g)

• 8 oz clams, cleaned (225 g)

• 6–8 oz cooked crab meat or crab legs (170–225 g)

For serving

• fresh parsley, chopped

• lemon wedges

• crusty sourdough bread

Instructions

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and fennel and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 30 seconds.

2. Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

3. Build the broth: Add crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.

4. Simmer the base: Let the broth simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors develop.

5. Add the seafood: Add the fish pieces and cook for 3 minutes.

6. Add shellfish: Stir in the shrimp, clams, and mussels. Cover and cook for about 5–7 minutes until the shellfish open.

7. Finish with crab: Gently add the crab meat and simmer for 1–2 minutes just until heated through.

8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with crusty sourdough bread for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Restaurant-style cioppino: Add a splash of clam juice for deeper seafood flavor.

• Extra seafood: Lobster or scallops make the stew even more luxurious.

• Spicier broth: Increase red pepper flakes.

• Simpler version: Use shrimp, fish, and mussels only.

• Authentic San Francisco touch: Serve with toasted sourdough bread rubbed with garlic.

Make-Ahead & Storage

The tomato broth base can be made 1 day ahead, which actually deepens the flavor. Store the broth in the refrigerator and add the seafood just before serving.

Leftover cioppino can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid overcooking the seafood.

Freezing is not recommended; the shellfish's texture can change.

FAQ for Cioppino Recipe

What makes cioppino different from seafood soup?

Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew that traditionally includes several types of shellfish and fish.

What seafood is best for cioppino?

A mix of shrimp, crab, clams, mussels, and firm white fish like cod or halibut works best.

Is cioppino Italian or American?

Cioppino is considered Italian-American, created by Italian fishermen in San Francisco.

What should I serve with cioppino?

Crusty sourdough bread is traditional. It also pairs well with Mediterranean salads or light vegetable sides.

Final Thoughts

San Francisco cioppino is one of the most iconic seafood stews in the United States. With its rich tomato broth, tender seafood, and aromatic herbs, it delivers bold coastal flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this seafood stew always feels a little special.

If you enjoy hearty soups and comforting seafood dishes, you might also love Mediterranean Lentil Soup, Classic Chicken and Dumplings, or Restaurant-Style Broccoli Cheddar Soup from Cozy Home Recipes.

For even more cozy bowls, explore our Best Soup Recipes roundup, or discover lighter meals in our Mediterranean Diet Recipes collection.