The broth is the whole dish, so a real San Marzano can and shellfish bought that same day decide everything. Build the tomato-wine base and let it simmer a full 20 minutes before any seafood goes near it. Then add each type in order of how long it cooks, so nothing turns to rubber.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook40 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineItalian-American
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains fish · shellfish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Canned whole tomatoes
A good San Marzano crushed by hand gives the broth its backbone; watery diced cans thin it out.
Build the baseSweat onion, fennel, and a lot of sliced garlic in olive oil 8 minutes until soft, then add chili flakes and a splash of dry white wine and cook off the alcohol.
Simmer the brothAdd the crushed tomatoes and 3 cups fish stock or water; simmer uncovered 20 minutes so it reduces and the flavors marry.
Add the shellfishDrop in clams and mussels, cover, and steam 4 minutes until they start to open.
Finish with fishAdd fish, shrimp, and cracked crab, cover, and cook 5-6 more minutes until the fish flakes and every shell has opened.
ServeDiscard any shellfish still closed, drizzle with olive oil, and serve with grilled bread to mop the broth.
Can you make Cioppino in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Cioppino? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Cioppino ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Cioppino gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Cioppino vegan? — No
No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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