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Quick Easy Fish Stew

Featured in Cozy Bowls of Comfort.

Experience the flavors of a coastal kitchen with this quick-cooking fish stew that's both elegant and comforting. Fresh white fish is gently cooked in a savory tomato broth enriched with white wine and aromatic herbs. The result is a light yet satisfying dish that tastes like it's been simmering all day. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, this stew brings restaurant-quality seafood to your table with minimal effort. Serve it with crusty bread or a side of rice to soak up every drop of the flavorful broth.
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Updated on Wed, 15 Jan 2025 23:35:03 GMT
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A bowl of tomato-based seafood stew with pieces of fish and mussels, garnished with parsley. Pin it
A bowl of tomato-based seafood stew with pieces of fish and mussels, garnished with parsley. | cookingkeys.com

Let me share my favorite quick dinner that tastes like it's been simmering all day! After discovering this fish stew recipe during a busy week it's become our go-to meal when we want something cozy but don't have hours to cook. The combination of tender fish tomatoes and that hint of smoky paprika creates pure magic in just 30 minutes. The first time I made this my family couldn't believe it wasn't from a restaurant!

Why This Stew Is Special

This isn't your average fish soup! Something amazing happens when you combine fresh fish with those rich tomatoes and just a touch of spice. Last week when I made this for my friend who says she doesn't cook fish at home she immediately asked for the recipe. Even my kids who usually only eat fish as sticks clean their bowls especially with some crusty bread for soaking up that amazing broth!

What You'll Need

  • For The Base:
    • Good olive oil
    • Fresh onion and garlic
    • Sweet carrots
    • Rich crushed tomatoes
    • Clam juice or fish stock
    • Smoky paprika
    • Red pepper flakes if you like heat
  • The Stars:
    • Fresh firm white fish
    • Maybe some shrimp or scallops
    • Fresh parsley for brightness
    • Your best crusty bread for serving

Let's Start Cooking

Building Our Base
First we get those vegetables going in plenty of olive oil. The kitchen starts smelling amazing as soon as the onions hit the pan! When we add that garlic and paprika it's like creating instant comfort.
Creating The Broth
In go the tomatoes and clam juice watching it all come together into this beautiful rich base. While it simmers the whole house fills with the most incredible aroma my family always drifts into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready!
Adding Our Fish
This is where the magic happens! Gently nestling those pieces of fish into the hot broth they cook so quickly and perfectly. I love watching them turn from translucent to perfectly flaky.
A bowl of soup filled with chunks of white fish, vegetables, and garnished with fresh herbs in a savory broth. Pin it
A bowl of soup filled with chunks of white fish, vegetables, and garnished with fresh herbs in a savory broth. | cookingkeys.com

Making It Perfect

Want my secrets for the best fish stew? Use the freshest fish you can find and cut the pieces nice and big they'll stay more tender. Don't overcook the fish it only needs a few minutes. And here's my favorite tip add just a splash more clam juice if you want extra broth for bread dunking!

Serving It Up

I love serving this in big shallow bowls with plenty of fresh parsley on top. Crusty bread is absolutely essential for soaking up all that amazing broth! For dinner parties I'll add some extra seafood like shrimp or scallops makes it feel extra special. Sometimes we serve it over rice to catch every last drop of that delicious sauce.

Quick Fixes

This stew is best fresh but you can make the base ahead of time! Just prepare everything except the fish store it in the fridge then reheat and add fresh fish when you're ready to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don't have much time.

Mix It Up

Don't be afraid to make this recipe your own! Sometimes I'll add different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. My spice-loving son adds extra red pepper flakes to his bowl. Once I made it with mussels and clams instead of fish absolutely amazing! The fun part is finding your perfect combination.

A bowl of flavorful tomato-based stew features pieces of white fish, clams, diced tomatoes, and vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs. Pin it
A bowl of flavorful tomato-based stew features pieces of white fish, clams, diced tomatoes, and vegetables, garnished with fresh herbs. | cookingkeys.com

Why This Recipe Matters

This stew has become our busy day hero! There's something so satisfying about creating something this delicious in such a short time. My kids are learning that good food doesn't have to take hours and fresh fish isn't scary to cook. The best part isn't just how delicious it is it's seeing everyone's surprised faces when they learn how quickly it came together! Whether you're making it for a quick family dinner or wanting to impress guests this stew never disappoints. And showing people that cooking fish can be easy and delicious? That's what makes sharing recipes so rewarding!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of fish works best in this stew?
Any firm white fish like halibut, cod, red snapper, or sea bass works well. Choose fish that won't fall apart easily during cooking.
→ Can I use frozen fish?
Yes, just make sure it's completely thawed before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
→ What can I substitute for white wine?
You can use fish stock or additional clam juice instead of wine. A splash of lemon juice will help add brightness to the flavor.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Make the broth base ahead, but add the fish just before serving. Fish can become tough if reheated.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish.

Quick Easy Fish Stew

A Mediterranean-style fish stew that's both quick and delicious. Made with white fish, fresh herbs, and a flavorful tomato broth.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
19 Minutes
Total Time
34 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
02 1 medium onion, chopped (1 1/2 cups).
03 3 large garlic cloves, minced.
04 2/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped.
05 1 1/2 cups fresh tomatoes or 1 can (14 oz) tomatoes.
06 2 teaspoons tomato paste.
07 1 bottle (8 oz) clam juice.
08 1/2 cup dry white wine.
09 1 1/2 pounds white fish fillets, cut in chunks.
10 1 pinch dried oregano.
11 1 pinch dried thyme.
12 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce.
13 1 teaspoon salt.
14 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in large pot. Cook chopped onion until soft, about 4 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in minced garlic and cook one minute. Add parsley and cook 2 minutes more.

Step 03

Add tomatoes and paste. Cook gently for 10 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 04

Pour in clam juice and white wine. Bring to gentle simmer.

Step 05

Add fish chunks and simmer until just cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 06

Add herbs, Tabasco, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Notes

  1. Can add shellfish like mussels or shrimp.
  2. Shellfish stock can replace clam juice.
  3. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot.
  • Sharp knife.
  • Cutting board.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish.
  • Shellfish (clam juice).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 389
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 33 g