Birthday Sale Up to 40% off! Shop now

Cioppino (seafood stew)

Cioppino made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring a flavorful seafood stew with tomatoes, herbs, and spices.
PT7M PT9M

Prep Time

7 mins

Cook Time

9-10 mins

Free Time

to hum your favorite tune

Need help?

Cioppino (seafood stew)

Be the first to review this recipe!

This easy cioppino recipe brings the bold flavors of San Francisco’s famous seafood stew to your kitchen—without the stovetop hassle. Made in the microwave, it gently steams shrimp, mussels, and fish in a rich tomato broth with garlic, fennel, and herbs. The Anyday dish’s lid locks in flavor while keeping your kitchen free of strong seafood smells.

Want to prep ahead? Make the broth in advance, freeze it in Anytime Freezer Trays, and defrost when you're ready to add fresh seafood. Perfect for the Feast of the Seven Fishes or a cozy weeknight meal!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

Recommended Products

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
  • 1-2
  • 2-4
  • 4-6
✕

Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
  • 700w
  • 800w
  • 900w
  • 1000w
  • 1100w
  • 1200w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup (30g) diced yellow onion
  • ½ cup (60g) fennel bulb, cored and diced
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pinch of chili flakes
  • ½ cup (120ml) crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable stock
  • ½ cup (120ml) clam juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 clams, scrubbed
  • 2 mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
  • 1 4oz cod or halibut filet, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • 2 shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving (optional)
  • Crusty Sourdough bread, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Add the butter, onion, fennel, garlic, tomato paste, oregano, and dry chili flakes to an Anyday dish, then stir to combine and cover with lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook the vegetables for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add the crushed tomato, clam juice, vegetable stock, and black pepper and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, or until the liquids come to a boil and the vegetables are fully cooked.
  4. Add the salt and pepper and stir well, then add the cleaned seafood and stir to combine. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, or until the clams and mussels open up and the rest of the fish is cooked through. Note: If the mussels and clams do not open, add more time in 30-second intervals. Any unopened ones should not be consumed.
  5. Sprinkle some parsley and enjoy with some sourdough bread, if desired.

Suggestions

  • Brighten with citrus: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish just before serving to enhance the flavors with a zesty finish.
  • Serve with crusty sourdough: Enjoy it with a slice of sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
  • Swap out fennel: If you’re not a fan of fennel’s anise-like flavor, use chopped leeks instead for a milder, subtly sweet alternative.
  • Make it vegan: Substitute the seafood with tofu for a plant-based take that still soaks up the rich, flavorful broth.

Recipe Notes

  • Use any seafood you have on hand—crab, scallops, lobster knuckles, or whatever’s available.
  • Want to prep ahead? Make the broth without the seafood, then freeze it in Anytime Freezer Trays for easy use later.
  • Love this idea? Try our Seafood Medley with couscous for another quick seafood dish.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Cioppino in the Microwave

What is Cioppino?

Cioppino is a classic Italian-American seafood stew originating from San Francisco. It's made with a tomato-based broth and a mix of fresh seafood like clams, mussels, shrimp, and white fish.

Can I make Cioppino in the microwave?

Yes! Use an Anyday dish to make Cioppino in the microwave while preserving the texture of the seafood. The gentle steam ensures the seafood cooks evenly without becoming rubbery. This microwave method is a quick and easy alternative to stovetop cooking.

How do I know when the seafood is fully cooked?

You can tell when clams and mussels are cooked when they open. Make sure to discard any that remain closed after cooking. Shrimp should be pink and opaque, while white fish like cod or halibut should flake easily with a fork. If needed, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until all ingredients are fully cooked.

Can I use different types of seafood in Cioppino?

Absolutely! You can swap or add ingredients based on availability. Scallops, crab, or squid make great additions. Be mindful of varying cook times—delicate seafood like scallops or squid may require shorter cooking times.

How long can I store leftover Cioppino?

Store leftovers in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seafood is best enjoyed fresh, so try to eat it as soon as possible. Reheat in the microwave on medium power in 30-second increments to avoid overcooking the seafood.

What should I serve with Cioppino?

Cioppino is best enjoyed with crusty sourdough bread to soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it over cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal. A simple green salad makes a great fresh side to balance the richness of the stew.

More soup recipes?

More soup recipes

What Customers Are Saying

© 2025 Anyday Meyer Corporation, U.S. 2023. 
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
  • Visa