Fiery Coastal Seafood Stew
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbling pot of seafood stew on the stove—especially when it’s loaded with bold spices, tender fish, juicy shrimp, and sweet scallops. This Fiery Coastal Seafood Stew brings together smoky paprika, warming cumin, bright lemon, and fresh parsley for a dish that tastes like it came straight from a seaside kitchen.
As someone who loves big flavors and simple techniques, this recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something impressive but effortless. It’s hearty enough for a chilly evening and vibrant enough to feel special year-round.
Let’s dive into what makes this stew so irresistible.
Why I Love This Recipe
- One pot, minimal fuss – Everything comes together in a single pot.
- Layered flavor – Smoky, spicy, citrusy, and savory notes all working together.
- Versatile seafood – Easily adaptable to what’s fresh or on sale.
- Ready in about 40 minutes – Perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.
It reminds me of the depth of flavor in This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort, but with a brighter coastal twist and lighter broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 pound white fish fillets (cod or halibut), cut into chunks
- ½ pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ pound scallops
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Fish Options: Cod, halibut, snapper, or even tilapia work well. Choose firm white fish that won’t fall apart.
- Heat Level: Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Broth Choice: Seafood broth adds depth, but chicken broth works beautifully.
- Extra Richness: Add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy finish.
- No Scallops? Double the shrimp or add mussels instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook another 3–4 minutes until tender.
2. Infuse with Spices
Add smoked paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, and thyme. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. This step builds the stew’s signature bold flavor.
3. Blend Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and the broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Cook the Seafood
Add chunks of white fish, shrimp, and scallops. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, just until seafood is opaque and cooked through. Stir in corn and cook 2–3 more minutes.
5. Finish with Freshness
Add chopped parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the seafood. It cooks quickly—keep the heat gentle.
- Cut fish into large chunks. Smaller pieces may break apart.
- Let it rest. A 5-minute rest off heat allows flavors to settle.
- Taste and adjust. A little extra lemon or pinch of salt can brighten everything.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This stew shines alongside:
- A warm baguette or sourdough loaf
- A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette
- A refreshing glass of This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- For a cozy dinner party starter, serve with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
If you’re planning a full coastal-inspired meal, finish it off with something sweet like These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert.
For pasta lovers, you could even follow this stew with a smaller portion of Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce for a hearty feast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: Varies by broth used
This dish is naturally high in protein and relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to seafood texture changes.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat to prevent overcooking the seafood.
Leftovers can also be transformed into a seafood pasta sauce—simply reduce slightly and toss with linguine.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If bold flavors are your thing, check out:
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce
- This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests
- These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
Final Thoughts
This Fiery Coastal Seafood Stew delivers bold spice, tender seafood, and bright citrus in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that feels both rustic and refined—perfect for cozy family dinners or hosting friends who appreciate vibrant, flavor-forward food.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you dial up the heat? Swap in different seafood? Leave a comment and share your spin on it.
And if you’re hungry for more approachable, flavor-packed recipes, be sure to follow along at Chef Maniac—there’s always something delicious simmering.
— Jason Griffith
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