Quick Fish Stew Recipe

The Most Irresistible Quick Fish Stew Recipe Ever Created

When seafood lovers discover this quick fish stew recipe, they’ll fall head over heels for its rich, vibrant flavors.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire every delectable spoonful of this dish.

Fresh fish simmers gently in a fragrant tomato-based broth, releasing complex layers of taste.

Aromatic herbs and spices dance through the stew, creating a sensational meal that comes together in minutes.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions like this hearty stew.

Each bite delivers a burst of oceanic freshness balanced with robust seasonings.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this comforting, restaurant-worthy creation.

Quick Fish Stew Flavorful Highlights

  • This fish stew comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The recipe allows for flexible ingredient swaps and personal touches, letting you adapt the stew to your taste preferences or what's available in your pantry.
  • Packed with tender fish chunks and a rich, flavorful sauce, this stew delivers a restaurant-quality seafood experience right at your dining table.
  • Despite its gourmet appearance, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced home chefs who want to create a memorable meal.

Everything Needed for Quick Fish Stew

Main Proteins:
  • Fish: Fresh white fish that easily flakes and absorbs the stew's rich flavors.
Seafood Base:
  • Clam Juice: Creates a deep ocean-like foundation for the stew's liquid base.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a savory and fragrant foundation for the stew's depth of flavor.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Parsley, Hot Sauce, Salt, Pepper: Add fresh herbal notes and balanced seasoning to enhance the overall taste.
Liquid Components:
  • Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, White Wine: Build a complex, tangy sauce that supports the fish's delicate texture.

Tools for Making Fish Stew in a Flash

  • Large Pot: Essential for creating the stew base and cooking all ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions, garlic, and parsley.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
  • Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
  • Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps accurately measure liquids and seasonings.
  • Ladle: Useful for serving the hot stew into bowls.

Quick Fish Stew Cooking Directions

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat a spacious pot over medium flame.

Drizzle olive oil and toss in finely chopped onions.

Sauté until they become soft and slightly golden, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Drop minced garlic into the pot and stir quickly.

Let the garlic dance and release its intense fragrance.

Sprinkle fresh, vibrant parsley and continue cooking to build layers of flavor.

Step 3: Create A Robust Sauce Foundation

Pour in ripe, crushed tomatoes and rich tomato paste.

Allow the mixture to bubble gently, melding flavors and creating a deep, complex base for your stew.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Depth

Splash in clam juice and a splash of crisp white wine.

Let the liquids merge and simmer, creating a harmonious broth that will cradle the delicate fish.

Step 5: Gently Poach The Fish

Carefully slide fish chunks into the simmering liquid.

Cook delicately, watching the fish transform from translucent to opaque.

The fish should flake effortlessly when touched with a fork.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Enhance the stew with:
  • Dried herbs
  • Hot sauce
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Taste and adjust seasonings, allowing your palate to guide the final touches.

Fish Stew Pro Tips for the Home Cook

  • Choose firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass that won't break apart during cooking.
  • Watch fish closely and remove from heat immediately when it flakes easily to prevent overcooking and dryness.
  • Adjust clam juice and wine quantities to maintain a light, flavorful broth without overwhelming the delicate fish.
  • Use fresh parsley and add chopped herbs just before serving to preserve vibrant flavor and color.
  • Adjust hot sauce amount to match personal spice preference, adding gradually for controlled kick.

Flavor Variations for Fish Stew

  • Mediterranean Seafood Medley: Replace fish chunks with a mix of shrimp, mussels, and calamari for a rich seafood experience.
  • Vegetarian Tomato Stew: Swap fish with firm tofu or white beans, maintaining the robust tomato-based sauce and aromatic herbs.
  • Low-Carb Protein Boost: Use cauliflower as a base instead of traditional stew ingredients, keeping the fish and spicy tomato sauce intact.
  • Gluten-Free Coastal Classic: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking tomato paste and clam juice labels for hidden gluten sources.

How to Present Fish Stew at Dinner

  • Coastal Dinner Delight: Serve this fish stew over fluffy white rice to soak up the rich, tangy sauce and create a complete meal.
  • Fresh Mediterranean Spread: Accompany the stew with crusty sourdough bread for dipping, allowing guests to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful broth.
  • Bright Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the fish's delicate flavor.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Pour a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio alongside the stew to enhance the seafood's subtle taste and balance the tomato-based sauce.

Storage Instructions for Quick Fish Stew

  • Store leftover fish stew in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent odors from spreading.
  • Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer refrigerated stew to a microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • What type of fish works best for this stew?

White fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia are ideal because they’re mild-flavored and hold their shape well during cooking without falling apart.

  • Can I make this stew spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes to boost the heat level according to your personal preference.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check your specific ingredients like clam juice and wine to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.

  • How nutritious is this fish stew?

This stew is protein-rich from the fish, provides vitamin C from tomatoes, and offers antioxidants from herbs and garlic, making it a healthy meal option.

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Quick Fish Stew Recipe

Quick Fish Stew Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Moroccan-inspired fish stew blends Mediterranean seafood with robust spices for a hearty meal. Delicate white fish simmers in a fragrant tomato broth, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this comforting dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1.5 pounds white fish chunks (cod, halibut, or snapper)

Vegetables and Herbs:

  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1.5 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (or 14 ounces canned tomatoes)
  • 2/3 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2 teaspoons tomato paste

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup clam juice
  • 0.5 cup dry white wine
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.125 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Warm a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to coat the bottom. Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4 minutes.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the pot, stirring continuously for 60 seconds until aromatic. Sprinkle fresh parsley and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  3. Incorporate crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, allowing the mixture to gently bubble and meld flavors for 10 minutes, creating a rich, deep base.
  4. Stream clam juice and crisp white wine into the simmering sauce, creating a delicate liquid foundation for the stew.
  5. Carefully nestle fish chunks into the liquid, allowing them to poach gently. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the fish transforms from translucent to opaque and flakes with minimal pressure.
  6. Elevate the dish’s complexity by introducing dried herbs, a dash of hot sauce, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and fine-tune seasoning to personal preference, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.

Notes

  • Opt for firm white fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass to prevent breaking during cooking.
  • Enhance flavor by selecting fresh seafood and using high-quality dry white wine for depth.
  • Reduce cooking time by cutting fish into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even, quick cooking.
  • Accommodate dietary needs by substituting clam juice with vegetable broth for a lighter, pescatarian-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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