Fish Stew

Picture a steaming bowl of fish stew, its aroma filling the kitchen with notes of garlic and herbs.

This Mediterranean delight is both simple to make and irresistibly comforting, perfect for a cozy evening.

As the fresh fish and shrimp mingle with savory tomatoes and spices, a transformation unfolds that promises warmth and flavor in every bite.

Let’s bring this delicious dish to life and savor the magic of the sea.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups fish stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound white fish fillets, cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Fish Stew, follow this timeline:

1. Reading & Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • 0-5 minutes: Chop the onion and red bell pepper, mince the garlic, and cut the white fish fillets into chunks.
   • 5-10 minutes: Measure out the fish stock, olive oil, and spices (thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper).
   • 10-15 minutes: Peel and devein the shrimp, and chop the fresh parsley.
3. Cooking (30 minutes):
   • 0-5 minutes: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • 5-10 minutes: Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
   • 10-12 minutes: Stir in minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, cooking for 2 minutes.
   • 12-15 minutes: Add diced tomatoes and fish stock to the pot, and season with thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper.
   • 15-25 minutes: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
   • 25-35 minutes: Add white fish chunks and shrimp to the pot, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
4. Resting (5 minutes):
   • 35-40 minutes: Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes.
5. Serving (5 minutes):
   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the stew.

Adjust the timeline as needed based on your personal cooking speed and kitchen setup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.

Stir in minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, cooking for 2 minutes.

Add diced tomatoes and fish stock to the pot.

Season with thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add white fish chunks and shrimp to the pot.

Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.

Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth and adding a satisfying crunch.
• Steamed Rice: A neutral base that complements the rich flavors of the stew.
• Lemon Wedges: A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish and enhance the seafood flavors.
• Green Salad: A fresh, light side to balance the heartiness of the stew.
• Roasted Vegetables: Add a variety of textures and flavors to the meal, making it more filling.

Storage

To store fish stew, allow it to cool completely.

Then, transfer it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze fish stew, allow it to cool completely.

Then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.

Label with the date.

Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat fish stew, gently warm it on the stove over low heat.

Stir occasionally. Avoid boiling to prevent overcooking the fish.

Optionally, reheat in the microwave on medium power.

Final Thoughts

Fish stew is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of the Mediterranean.

It’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

The stew is relatively easy to prepare, with a total time of about 50 minutes, including prep, cooking, and resting.

Make sure you use fresh ingredients and high-quality fish for the best results.

You can customize the stew by adjusting the seasonings or adding other seafood varieties.

Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavors of this Mediterranean delight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Fish and Shrimp in the Stew?

Yes, you can use frozen fish and shrimp. Thaw them thoroughly before cooking to guarantee even heat distribution. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery stew. Adjust the cooking time if needed for proper doneness.

What Can I Substitute for Fish Stock?

You can substitute fish stock with equal parts vegetable or chicken stock. Enhance the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of fish sauce or seaweed. This substitution maintains the broth’s depth while aligning with precise cooking techniques.

Is This Recipe Suitable for a Low-Sodium Diet?

You can adapt the recipe for a low-sodium diet by reducing salt to 1/4 teaspoon and using low-sodium fish stock. Make sure you taste and adjust flavors accordingly, perhaps enhancing with herbs or a splash of lemon juice.

How Can I Make This Stew Spicier?

Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or 1 finely chopped jalapeño to the pot with the garlic and bell pepper. For more heat, try 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Adjust according to your spice preference.

Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives for the Seafood?

Replace seafood with 1 pound firm tofu, cubed, and 1/2 pound sliced mushrooms. Sauté tofu until golden. Add mushrooms when adding garlic and bell pepper. Guarantee both are cooked through. Adjust seasonings to maintain balance and enhance flavor.

Fish Stew

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 sharp knife
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 measuring cup

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
• 2 cups fish stock
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound white fish fillets cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper, cooking for 2 minutes.
• Add diced tomatoes and fish stock to the pot.
• Season with thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add white fish chunks and shrimp to the pot.
• Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
• Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For the best flavor, choose a firm white fish like cod or haddock. Ensure your shrimp are fresh to avoid any fishy taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing finish.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.