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Shellfish Bouillabaisse

Shellfish Bouillabaisse recipe image
This classic Shellfish Bouillabaisse is a hearty, aromatic stew that captures the essence of the Mediterranean coast. Layered in a Dutch oven, it combines firm white fish, lobster, soft-shell crabs, shrimp, mussels, and clams with a savory base of chorizo, onions, peppers, and potatoes. The broth is infused with saffron, white wine, and fresh tomatoes, creating a complex, golden-hued liquid that is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a special dinner party or a cozy weekend meal, this dish serves four generously. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping and a side of garlic aioli for an extra kick of flavor.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 33.1
Description
This classic Shellfish Bouillabaisse is a hearty, aromatic stew that captures the essence of the Mediterranean coast. Layered in a Dutch oven, it combines firm white fish, lobster, soft-shell crabs, shrimp, mussels, and clams with a savory base of chorizo, onions, peppers, and potatoes. The broth is infused with saffron, white wine, and fresh tomatoes, creating a complex, golden-hued liquid that is both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a special dinner party or a cozy weekend meal, this dish serves four generously.
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1/2 pound Chorizo, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 3 cups Onions, julienned
  • 2 cups Potatoes, diced and blanched
  • 1 cup Red peppers, julienned
  • 1 cup Yellow peppers, julienned
  • 1/4 cup Garlic, minced
  • 4 cups Tomatoes, chopped, peeled, and seeded
  • 6 leaves Bay leaves
  • 1 pound Lobster, split
  • 2 whole Soft-shell crabs, cleaned
  • 1/4 pound Shrimp, peeled and tail on
  • 1/4 pound Mussels
  • 1/4 pound Clams
  • 1 cup White wine
  • Few threads Saffron
  • 1/4 cup Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 pound Oysters, shucked
  • To taste dash Salt and pepper
  • 1 cup Garlic aioli
  • 2 tablespoons Green onions, chopped
  • 1 loaf Crusty bread
Directions
  1. 1
    Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Add the chorizo and render for 2 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
  3. 3
    In a mixing bowl, toss the julienned onions, blanched potatoes, red peppers, yellow peppers, and minced garlic together.
  4. 4
    Season the vegetable mixture with salt and pepper.
  5. 5
    Place one-third of the vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom of the Dutch oven.
  6. 6
    Layer one-third of the chopped tomatoes and 2 bay leaves over the vegetables.
  7. 7
    Lay the split lobster meat side down and the soft-shell crabs on top of the tomato layer.
  8. 8
    Sprinkle half of the cooked chorizo over the lobster and crabs.
  9. 9
    Layer another one-third of the vegetable mixture and tomatoes over the seafood.
  10. 10
    Season the shrimp with Essence (or salt and pepper) and lay them over the tomatoes.
  11. 11
    Add the remaining one-third of the vegetable mixture and tomatoes over the shrimp.
  12. 12
    Sprinkle the remaining half of the chorizo over the vegetable layer.
  13. 13
    Lay the mussels and clams over the top layer of tomatoes.
  14. 14
    Pour in the white wine, add the saffron threads, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  15. 15
    Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes.
  16. 16
    Remove the lid and gently nestle the shucked oysters into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  17. 17
    Carefully ladle the bouillabaisse into an oversized serving platter or individual bowls.
  18. 18
    Garnish with dollops of garlic aioli, chopped green onions, and serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 33.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.8g6%
Saturated Fat 0.5g3%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 0.0mg0%
Total Carbohydrate 0.0g0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 0.0g0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid overcooking the shellfish.

Ingredient Substitutions: If soft-shell crabs are unavailable, you can substitute with additional lobster tails or firm white fish fillets such as cod or halibut. Ensure any fish added is cut into large chunks to hold up during simmering.

Preparation Tip: Blanching the potatoes beforehand ensures they cook evenly with the delicate seafood. Make sure to purge mussels and clams thoroughly before cooking to remove any sand.

Keywords: bouillabaisse, shellfish, seafood stew, lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams, chorizo, saffron, mediterranean, dutch oven, fish stew, provençal, garlic aioli
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/shellfish-bouillabaisse/