If you're looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul, this Quick Seafood Stew with Mussels and Fish is just the ticket. I remember one rainy evening when my son, Jake, declared he was 'starving' and wanted something special for dinner. This stew quickly became our go-to recipe, combining fresh seafood and hearty flavors for a delightful family dinner.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with flavor from fresh ingredients, it’s a dish everyone will love.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite seafood.
Pure Comfort
There’s something about a steaming bowl of seafood stew that feels like a warm hug. The combination of mussels, fish, and spices creates a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table.
What You Need
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – For aromatic flavor.
- 1 1 bell pepper, diced – Any color works; adds crunch.
- 1 can 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Use fire-roasted for extra flavor.
- 2 cups 2 cups seafood stock – Homemade or store-bought.
- 1 lb 1 lb mussels, cleaned – Fresh is best; can substitute with clams.
- 1 lb 1 lb white fish fillets, cubed – Cod or haddock works well.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme – For herbal notes.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust to taste for heat.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Season as you like.
- for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh finish.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 25 minutes | Total: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prep the ingredients a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes until the peppers soften. You’ll see the colors brighten up beautifully.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes and seafood stock to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
- Carefully add the cleaned mussels to the pot. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until they start to open. This is when the stew begins to look inviting.
- Next, add the cubed fish fillets, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly before serving. The colors should be vibrant and the broth fragrant.
Make It Perfect
- For a richer flavor, use homemade seafood stock if possible.
- Don’t overcook the mussels; they’re done when they open up.
- Feel free to add shrimp or scallops for extra seafood goodness.
Mix It Up
- Try adding potatoes or corn for a heartier stew.
- Use different types of fish based on what you have available.
- For a creamy version, stir in a cup of heavy cream at the end.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a light salad for a refreshing contrast.
- A glass of white wine complements the flavors beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients a day in advance and cook it when you’re ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze this seafood stew?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I substitute for mussels?
You can use clams or even shrimp if you prefer.
What makes this a Maine seafood stew recipe?
It features fresh seafood commonly found in Maine, like mussels and white fish, capturing the essence of coastal flavors.
Conclusion
This Quick Seafood Stew with Mussels and Fish is not just a meal; it’s a family tradition in the making. With its delightful flavors and comforting warmth, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too. So gather your loved ones and enjoy a bowl of this delicious seafood stew tonight.
Quick Seafood Stew with Mussels and Fish for Dinner Tonight
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced, any color
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, fire-roasted recommended
- 2 cups seafood stock homemade or store-bought
- 1 lb mussels cleaned; can substitute with clams
- 1 lb white fish fillets cubed, cod or haddock
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to taste for heat
- to taste salt and pepper season as desired
- for garnish fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced bell pepper; cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes and seafood stock; bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cleaned mussels; cover and cook for 5 minutes until they start to open.
- Add cubed fish fillets, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes; simmer for 5-7 minutes until fish is cooked and flakes easily.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; stir and let stew sit a minute before serving.