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Spanish Seafood Stew is a dish that captures the heart of Mediterranean coastal cuisine—rich, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. Packed with fresh seafood and infused with smoky spices, this one-pot wonder brings the warmth of Spain to your kitchen with every spoonful. Whether served on a cozy winter evening or a summer dinner party with friends, this stew is a stunning showcase of the sea’s freshest bounty.

Why You’ll Love This Spanish Seafood Stew

🌊 Bursting with fresh seafood flavor
🧄 Aromatic with garlic, paprika, and sweet bell peppers
🍅 Simmered in a tomato-based broth with white wine and herbs
🥖 Perfect with crusty bread or a glass of crisp white wine
🍋 Naturally nutritious, hearty, and low in carbs

Ingredients for Spanish Seafood Stew

To make this unforgettable seafood stew, you’ll need:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
½ cup dry white wine
1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
2 cups fish stock (or vegetable broth)
1 bay leaf
200g firm white fish (cod or hake), cut into chunks
200g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
150g mussels, scrubbed and debearded
150g squid rings
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Spanish Seafood Stew

1: Sauté the aromatics
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, bell peppers, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook another 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened.

2: Build the broth
Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, simmering for 2 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, fish stock, and bay leaf. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.

3: Add the fish
Gently add the chunks of white fish and cook for 5 minutes over low heat.

4: Add remaining seafood
Add shrimp, mussels, and squid. Cover the pot and cook 5–7 minutes, until shrimp are pink and mussels have opened. Discard any unopened mussels.

5: Season and serve
Season with salt and pepper, remove the bay leaf, and ladle the stew into warm bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and a generous squeeze of lemon.

What Makes Spanish Seafood Stew So Special?

This dish is a true celebration of Spanish culinary heritage—drawing influences from coastal regions like Catalonia, Galicia, and Andalusia. With humble roots in fishermen’s kitchens, Spanish Seafood Stew was traditionally made with the catch of the day and pantry staples. Today, it’s evolved into a beloved Mediterranean comfort food known for its smoky depth, zesty freshness, and soulful warmth.

Flavor Profile & Key Ingredients

Smoked Paprika: Adds a bold, smoky aroma signature to Spanish cuisine
Tomatoes & Wine: Balance acidity and sweetness for a bright, rich broth
Garlic & Onion: Aromatic backbone that deepens flavor
Seafood Mix: A medley of textures—flaky white fish, juicy shrimp, briny mussels, and tender squid

Every bite of this Spanish Seafood Stew offers a delicious contrast—silky broth, delicate seafood, and the unmistakable touch of garlic and spice.

Nutritional Highlights

Lean protein from seafood to support muscle and heart health
Omega-3 fatty acids for brain and joint function
Antioxidants from tomatoes and peppers
Low in carbs and calories, perfect for balanced eating
Olive oil delivers healthy fats with anti-inflammatory properties

This dish proves that hearty doesn’t have to mean heavy. It’s light, clean, and nourishing.

Customization Ideas

You can tailor this Spanish Seafood Stew to your taste or seasonal ingredients:

Add clams, scallops, or lobster for an elevated version
Stir in saffron threads for a luxurious golden hue
Add chorizo for a smoky-meaty twist
Swap fish stock with vegetable broth for a pescatarian-friendly option

Want to make it a fuller meal? Serve over rice, couscous, or boiled potatoes.

Expert Cooking Tips

✔️ Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor and texture
✔️ Sauté slowly—let your aromatics develop fully before adding liquids
✔️ Add seafood in stages to prevent overcooking
✔️ Clean mussels thoroughly and discard any unopened after cooking
✔️ Garnish with lemon and herbs just before serving to brighten the dish

What to Serve With Spanish Seafood Stew

This stew is a star on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired with:

Crusty bread or garlic toast (for soaking up that delicious broth)
Chilled white wine (Albariño or Verdejo pair beautifully)
A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette
Roasted baby potatoes or saffron rice

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Conclusion

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or hosting a dinner party, Spanish Seafood Stew is a showstopper that tastes as incredible as it looks. With layers of flavor and nutrition packed into every spoonful, it’s easy to see why this dish is a staple in Spanish kitchens.