Fish Stew

This Fish Stew Recipe is made with halibut, mahi mahi and cod, tomatoes, white wine, parsley and red wine vinegar.

Fish stew is a delicious and comforting dish that can warm you up from the inside out. This hearty stew is filled with tender pieces of fish and a variety of vegetables, simmered together in a flavorful broth. It's a great way to incorporate more seafood and vegetables into your diet and is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or special occasion. Fish stew is also a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking, so you can add your favorite ingredients or use whatever is in season. Overall, fish stew is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Now this is comfort food! This is a typical Italian Fishermans fish stew back in the day. There is no need to make a fish stock. It is an easy, fast recipe that is full of flavor. You will want to use a white fish that will hold its shape like halibut, cod, or mahi mahi. This white wine tomato sauce is absolutely to die for. I would highly suggest serving with some crusty bread as well.

Check out my Pan Seared Halibut Piccata and my Mexican Spicy Crab.

Jump to:

• What is Fish Stew?
• Why you will love this recipe
• Fish Stew Recipe Ingredients
• How to store Fish Stew
• What to serve with Fish Stew
• Substitutions
• Fish Stew Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Fish Stew
• Fish Stew Recipe Top tips
• Fish Stew Recipe
• Food safety

What is Fish Stew?

Fish stew is a hearty and flavorful dish made by cooking fish, vegetables, and various seasonings in a broth or sauce. It is a popular dish in many coastal regions around the world and can be made with a variety of different types of fish and seafood. Fish stew recipes can vary greatly depending on the region and the ingredients available, but they often feature a combination of tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. Some versions of fish stew may also include potatoes, peppers, or other vegetables, and may be served with bread or rice.

Why you will love this recipe

• Nutritious: Fish is a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a range of important vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile: Fish stew can be made with a wide range of different fish and seafood, allowing for a variety of flavors and textures.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh fish, fragrant herbs and spices, and other ingredients in fish stew creates a rich and complex flavor profile that is hard to resist.
• Comforting: Fish stew is a hearty and warming dish that is perfect for cold weather or when you need a comforting meal.
• Easy to prepare: Fish stew is a one-pot meal that can be made with just a few simple ingredients, making it an easy and convenient dish to prepare.

Fish Stew Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• White fish
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Parsley
• Tomatoes
• White wine
• Red wine vinegar
• Basil
• Salt and pepper

See recipe card for Fish Stew Recipe quantities.

How to store Fish Stew

What to serve with Fish Stew

• Crusty bread: A loaf of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth in fish stew.
• Rice or couscous: Serve fish stew over a bed of rice or couscous for a filling meal.
• Salad: A simple side salad can provide a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of fish stew.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and fennel can make a tasty and colorful side dish.
• Wine: A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, pairs well with fish stew and can complement its flavors.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavors of fish stew and provide a nice acidity to balance out the richness of the broth.

Substitutions

• White fish: You can use any firm white fish such as cod, haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Alternatively, you can use salmon or shrimp for a different flavor and texture.
• Olive oil: You can substitute olive oil with other types of oil such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil.
• Garlic: If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder or garlic paste.
• Parsley: You can use other fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil. Alternatively, you can use dried herbs such as Italian seasoning or Herbes de Provence.
• Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are not available, you can use canned tomatoes, tomato paste, or tomato sauce.
• White wine: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of white wine.
• Red wine vinegar: You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lemon juice.
• Basil: If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or other fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or oregano.
• Salt and pepper: You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking. Alternatively, you can use other spices and seasonings such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder.

Fish Stew Recipe Variations

• Cioppino: This Italian-American stew is made with a mix of seafood, such as shrimp, mussels, and crab, along with white fish, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs and spices.
• Bouillabaisse: A traditional French fish stew that typically includes a mix of fish, shellfish, and vegetables, along with a flavorful broth made with saffron and other spices.
• Thai-style fish stew: This version of fish stew incorporates Thai flavors, such as lemongrass, ginger, and chili peppers, along with coconut milk and fish sauce.
• Portuguese fish stew: This hearty stew features white fish, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and peppers, along with a flavorful broth made with garlic and spices.
• Brazilian moqueca: A flavorful Brazilian fish stew made with coconut milk, tomatoes, peppers, and fish, along with a variety of herbs and spices.
• Check out my Maine Lobster Bisque.

Equipment

1. A large pot or Dutch oven to cook the stew.
2. Cutting board and a sharp knife to chop vegetables and fish.
3. Wooden spoon or spatula to stir the stew.
4. Measuring cups and spoons to measure the ingredients accurately.
5. Can opener to open the canned tomatoes.
6. Grater or microplane to grate garlic.
7. Serving bowls or plates to serve the stew.
8. Optional: immersion blender or regular blender to puree the stew.

How to store Fish Stew

To store fish stew, allow it to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. When reheating the stew, make sure to do so gently over low heat to prevent the fish from becoming tough or overcooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Fish Stew Recipe Top tips

• Use fresh ingredients: Since fish stew relies heavily on the flavor of the seafood, it's important to use fresh fish and shellfish for the best results.
• Don't overcook the fish: Fish cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it, or it will become tough and rubbery.
• Let the flavors meld: Fish stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld, so consider making it a day ahead of time if possible.
• Adjust seasoning carefully: Be careful when adding salt, since fish stock and seafood can be naturally salty. Taste the stew as you go along and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Serve with crusty bread: A hunk of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the delicious broth.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.