Creamy seafood stew
Nothing beats a warm, creamy seafood stew when you’re craving comfort, luxury, and deep ocean flavors in one spoonful! Whether you're looking for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests, this stew will have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds!).
In this post, we’ll break down how to make the ultimate creamy seafood stew, answer your top questions, and give you delicious variations to suit your style. So grab a spoon, because we’re diving in! 😋🔥
Table of contents
What Is Creamy Seafood Stew?
Picture this: tender shrimp, scallops, mussels, and flaky fish swimming in a rich, garlicky, and buttery broth, infused with herbs, white wine, and a touch of cream. It’s like a luxurious seafood chowder, but lighter and packed with fresh flavors!
This creamy seafood stew takes inspiration from French bisques, New England chowders, and Mediterranean seafood broths, blending the best of all worlds into one irresistible dish.
Best Seafood for Creamy Seafood Stew 🦐🐟🦀
You can mix and match seafood to fit your taste, but here are some of the best options:
✅ Shrimp – Plump and juicy, a must-have!
✅ Scallops – Sweet and buttery, they melt in your mouth.
✅ Mussels or Clams – Briny and packed with umami.
✅ White Fish (Cod, Halibut, Haddock) – Flaky, tender, and absorbs flavors beautifully.
✅ Lobster or Crab – For an extra indulgent touch!
Pro Tip: Use a combination of shellfish and firm fish for the best texture and taste!
How to Make the Ultimate Creamy Seafood Stew
Ingredients You’ll Need:
🔹 2 tbsp butter – For a rich, velvety base.
🔹 1 small onion, diced – Adds sweetness to the broth.
🔹 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because garlic makes everything better!
🔹 1 cup white wine – Enhances depth and aroma.
🔹 2 cups seafood stock – Brings out ocean flavors.
🔹 1 cup heavy cream – For that dreamy, creamy consistency.
🔹 ½ cup diced tomatoes – A hint of acidity to balance richness.
🔹 ½ tsp paprika – Adds warmth and color.
🔹 Salt & pepper to taste – Always season well!
🔹 ½ tsp thyme or Old Bay seasoning – For extra depth.
🔹 1 lb mixed seafood – Your choice of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and fish.
🔹 Fresh parsley & lemon zest – The final touch for brightness!
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:
🔥 Step 1: Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
🍷 Step 2: Deglaze with wine – Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to enhance flavor.
🍅 Step 3: Build the broth – Add seafood stock, tomatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
🥄 Step 4: Stir in the cream – Slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously for a silky broth.
🦐 Step 5: Cook the seafood – Add shrimp, scallops, fish, and mussels. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until seafood is just cooked.
🍋 Step 6: Garnish & serve! – Finish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and an extra drizzle of cream. Serve hot with crusty bread!
Creamy seafood stew recipe
This Creamy Seafood Stew is a luxurious, comforting dish packed with shrimp, scallops, mussels, and flaky fish, all simmered in a garlic-infused, buttery broth with white wine and cream. It’s the perfect one-pot seafood recipe, ideal for cozy nights or special occasions. Serve with crusty bread or rice, and pair with a glass of white wine for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
- Cooking pot
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 lb Mixed seafoods (Your choice of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and fish.)
- 1 small Onion chopped
- 5 cloves Garlic chopped
- 1 small Tomatoes diced
- 1 cup White wine
- 2 cup Seafood stock
- 1 cup Cooking cream
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- To taste Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp Thyme
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Sauté the aromatics – In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Deglaze with wine – Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Build the broth – Add seafood stock, tomatoes, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cream – Slowly add heavy cream, stirring continuously for a silky broth.
- Cook the seafood – Add shrimp, scallops, fish, and mussels. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until seafood is just cooked.
- Garnish & serve! – Finish with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and an extra drizzle of cream. Serve hot with crusty bread!
✅ Seafood Selection: Use a mix of shrimp, scallops, mussels, and white fish for the best flavor and texture.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free twist.
✅ Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne if you like a bit of heat.
✅ Make-Ahead Tip: The broth can be made ahead of time, but add fresh seafood when reheating for the best texture.
✅ Thicker Stew: Want it extra thick? Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) before adding the seafood.
✅ Best Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a side of rice. Pair with white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Best Pairings for Creamy Seafood Stew
🍞 Crusty Bread – Sourdough, baguette, or garlic toast for soaking up every drop!
🍚 Steamed Rice – A great option for a heartier meal.
🥗 Light Salad – A simple arugula or citrus salad balances the richness.
🍷 White Wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
Delicious Variations to Try! 🍲
✨ French-Style: Add a pinch of saffron and swap heavy cream for crème fraîche.
✨ Italian-Inspired: Skip the cream and use more tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.
✨ Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a tropical twist!
✨ Spicy Cajun: Add andouille sausage, Cajun seasoning, and a little heat for a Southern kick.
✨ Smoky & Rich: Use smoked paprika and a touch of bacon for extra depth.
Your Creamy Seafood Stew Questions Answered!
1. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? 🥛
Yes, but your stew won’t be as rich! If using milk, mix it with cornstarch (1 tsp per cup) to help thicken the broth. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk is a great alternative!
2. Is paprika compulsory? 🌶️
Nope! Paprika adds warmth and color, but you can swap it with:
🔹 Smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky taste.
🔹 Cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
🔹 Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood twist.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat gently to avoid overcooking the seafood.
4. Can I freeze seafood stew?
Not really! Cream-based stews don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the broth separately and add fresh seafood when reheating.
5. How do I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat!
Final Thoughts – Dive Into Creamy Goodness! 😋
If you love rich, comforting, and flavor-packed dishes, this Creamy Seafood Stew is a must-try! Whether you're enjoying it on a cozy winter night or serving it at a dinner party, it’s guaranteed to impress.
So grab your favorite seafood, a good loaf of bread, and let’s make some bowl-licking deliciousness! 🍲🔥
Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments or forum! What’s your favorite seafood combo? 😊👇
