This hearty Chilean seafood stew brings together fresh shrimp, mussels, clams, and white fish in a fragrant tomato and white wine broth. Tender potatoes and fresh cilantro round out the dish, making it a comforting coastal classic from Chile's Pacific shoreline.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings6
Yield6 servings
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
- 310 kcalCalories
- 9 gFat
- 1.5 gSaturated Fat
- 26 gCarbs
- 3 gFiber
- 6 gSugar
- 28 gProtein
- 720 mgSodium
- 780 mgPotassium
- 95 mgCalcium
- 4.5 mgIron
- 28 mgVitamin C
- 150 mcgVitamin A
Ingredients
For the Broth Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp merkén or smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 6 cups fish or seafood stock
- 2 bay leaves
For the Seafood and Vegetables
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz white fish fillet (halibut, sea bass, or cod), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 oz mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 8 oz littleneck clams, scrubbed
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread, for serving
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, tomatoes, sweet paprika, and merkén. Cook for 4 minutes until the tomatoes break down and release their juices.
- Pour in the white wine and let it reduce by half, about 3 minutes. Add the fish stock, bay leaves, and potatoes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are nearly tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat to medium-low and gently add the white fish pieces. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the shrimp, mussels, and clams. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and the shellfish open. Discard any shells that remain closed.
- Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the fresh cilantro and parsley, taste, and adjust the seasoning.
- Ladle the stew into warm bowls and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over and crusty bread on the side.
Cook’s Notes
- Use the freshest seafood you can find for the brightest flavor; ask the fishmonger to clean the clams and mussels for you.
- Cook the seafood gently and only until just done so the fish stays flaky and the shellfish remain tender.
- Merkén is a traditional Chilean smoked chili spice that adds authentic smoky depth; substitute with smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne if unavailable.
- Add an extra splash of wine or stock at the end if the stew seems too thick after the seafood cooks.
- Serve with a chilled glass of the same crisp white wine used in the broth for a classic coastal pairing.










