Spicy Seafood Stew

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

This Spicy Seafood Stew is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and aromatic spices, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Ella

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-06T15:22:21.504Z

This Spicy Seafood Stew is inspired by coastal flavors and packed with the freshest seafood. Whether it's a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with flavor from fresh herbs and spices
  • A hearty, warming dish that brings the taste of the sea to your table
  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners

The Perfect Comfort Food

When the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like a warm, hearty stew to bring comfort. This Spicy Seafood Stew not only satisfies your hunger but also lifts your spirits with its rich flavors and inviting aroma. The combination of fresh seafood and savory spices creates a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing, making it the perfect choice for a cozy night in.

Seafood stews have a long history in culinary traditions around the world, often reflecting the local ingredients and flavors of coastal communities. This recipe pays homage to that tradition while infusing it with a modern twist through the use of coconut milk and spices. It's a dish that invites you to gather around the table and share a meal with loved ones, creating lasting memories.

Cooking Tips for Success

To ensure your Spicy Seafood Stew turns out perfectly, it's essential to use the freshest seafood available. Visit your local fish market or grocery store's seafood section to select shrimp, mussels, squid, and white fish that are as fresh as possible. Fresh seafood will enhance the flavor of your stew and provide that delightful texture that makes each bite a pleasure.

Don't shy away from adjusting the level of spiciness in your stew. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes, or omit them altogether. Conversely, if you love a good kick, feel free to add more spices or even a dash of hot sauce. Cooking is all about personal preference, so make this dish your own!

Pairing Suggestions

Ingredients

Seafood

  • 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200g mussels, cleaned
  • 200g squid, sliced
  • 500g white fish fillets, cubed

Vegetables

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1 carrot, sliced

Liquids & Spices

  • 4 cups fish stock
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Make sure all seafood is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Add the Spices

Stir in the chili flakes and smoked paprika, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Combine the Liquids

Add the diced tomatoes, fish stock, and coconut milk to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Cook the Seafood

Reduce the heat and add the shrimp, mussels, squid, and white fish. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Enjoy your hearty and spicy seafood stew!

Nutritional Benefits

This Spicy Seafood Stew is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining heart health, supporting brain function, and promoting overall well-being.

The inclusion of vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers boosts the stew's fiber content and adds a variety of vitamins. The combination of coconut milk provides healthy fats that can aid digestion and promote satiety, making this dish a wholesome choice for any meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, storing your Spicy Seafood Stew is easy. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

When reheating, be sure to do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, it’s best to thaw the stew overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This will help maintain the texture of the seafood and ensure that your stew is as delicious as when you first made it.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes, frozen seafood works well. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

→ What can I substitute for fish stock?

You can use vegetable stock or water, but fish stock enhances the flavor of the stew.

→ Can I make this stew ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the stew ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, it's best to add the seafood just before serving to keep it fresh.

→ What sides go well with this stew?

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

Spicy Seafood Stew

This Spicy Seafood Stew is a delightful combination of fresh seafood and aromatic spices, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Ella

Recipe Type: Global Flavors

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Seafood

  1. 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  2. 200g mussels, cleaned
  3. 200g squid, sliced
  4. 500g white fish fillets, cubed

Vegetables

  1. 1 onion, chopped
  2. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  3. 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  4. 2 tomatoes, diced
  5. 1 carrot, sliced

Liquids & Spices

  1. 4 cups fish stock
  2. 1 cup coconut milk
  3. 2 tbsp olive oil
  4. 1 tsp chili flakes
  5. 1 tsp smoked paprika
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  1. Fresh parsley, chopped
  2. Lemon wedges

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Stir in the chili flakes and smoked paprika, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 03

Add the diced tomatoes, fish stock, and coconut milk to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 04

Reduce the heat and add the shrimp, mussels, squid, and white fish. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.

Step 05

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 25g