Description
Bouillabaisse Recipe is a classic French seafood stew made with saffron infused broth, fresh fish, mussels, shrimp, and aromatic herbs. This easy version comes together in about 30 minutes and serves 8, making it perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal at home.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 fennel bulb, finely chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
8 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup dry white wine
4 cups clam juice or seafood stock
14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
2 bay leaves
1 pound halibut, cut into chunks
Salt and black pepper to taste
12 ounces mussels, cleaned and debearded
1 pound sea scallops, cleaned
8–10 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Toasted baguette slices for serving
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium high heat, then cook fennel and onion until softened
2. Add garlic, thyme, paprika, saffron, and cayenne and cook until fragrant
3. Pour in white wine and deglaze the pot, then add clam juice, tomatoes, and bay leaves
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly reduced
5. Season halibut with salt and pepper, then add to the broth and cook briefly
6. Add mussels and scallops, cover and cook until mussels begin to open
7. Add shrimp last and cook until pink and fully cooked
8. Remove from heat, discard bay leaves and any unopened mussels
9. Stir in basil and parsley, then adjust seasoning to taste
10. Serve hot with toasted baguette slices and optional red pepper flakes
Notes
You can replace wine with broth plus a splash of vinegar or mustard for acidity
Add tomato paste for deeper flavor or citrus zest for brightness
Use a mix of seafood depending on availability
Some fish may break down slightly and enrich the broth
Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days
Freeze up to 3 months after removing shells
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking seafood
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Seafood Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
