1. Classic Tomato-Based Fish Stew (Mediterranean Style)
Flavor: Bright, savory, herby
Ingredients: White fish, tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, white wine, oregano, basil
How:
Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes and wine, simmer 15 minutes. Add fish chunks and herbs, cook until just done.
⸻
2. French Bouillabaisse-Inspired Stew
Flavor: Aromatic, complex
Ingredients: Mixed fish, fennel, onion, garlic, tomatoes, saffron, orange peel
How:
Build a fennel-garlic broth, add tomatoes and spices. Simmer fish heads/bones first, strain, then add fish pieces.
⸻
3. Coconut Fish Stew (Caribbean Style)
Flavor: Creamy, lightly spicy
Ingredients: Fish, coconut milk, onion, garlic, thyme, Scotch bonnet (optional), lime
How:
Sauté aromatics, add coconut milk and thyme. Simmer gently, add fish and finish with lime juice.
⸻
4. West African Fish Stew
Flavor: Bold, spicy, rich
Ingredients: Fish, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, chili, ginger, palm or vegetable oil
How:
Blend tomatoes, peppers, onion. Fry paste in oil, add fish and simmer until tender.
⸻
5. Thai Red Curry Fish Stew
Flavor: Spicy, fragrant
Ingredients: Fish, red curry paste, coconut milk, fish sauce, basil, lime leaves
How:
Fry curry paste, add coconut milk. Simmer briefly, add fish and herbs, finish with lime.
⸻
6. New England Fish Chowder
Flavor: Mild, comforting
Ingredients: Cod, potatoes, onion, butter, milk or cream
How:
Simmer potatoes and onions. Add milk and fish, cook gently until flaky. Don’t boil.
⸻
7. Spicy Korean Fish Stew (Maeuntang-Style)
Flavor: Hot, savory, deep
Ingredients: Fish, gochujang, gochugaru, garlic, radish, tofu
How:
Make a spicy broth, simmer fish heads/bones first, then add vegetables and fish pieces.
⸻
8. Portuguese Caldeirada
Flavor: Rustic, winey
Ingredients: Mixed fish, potatoes, onion, garlic, paprika, white wine
How:
Layer potatoes, onions, fish, and spices. Add wine and water, simmer gently without stirring.
⸻
9. Mexican Fish Stew (Caldo de Pescado)
Flavor: Clean, comforting
Ingredients: Fish, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime
How:
Simmer tomatoes and aromatics. Add fish and cook briefly. Serve with lime and tortillas.
⸻
10. Rustic Fisherman’s Fish Stew
Flavor: Simple, adaptable
Ingredients: Any fish, onion, garlic, potatoes, herbs, water or stock
How:
Everything in one pot. Simmer until tender. Season generously. Eat proudly.
⸻
🐟 Tips for Any Fish Stew
• Firm fish work best (snapper, cod, grouper, halibut)
• Add fish last to avoid overcooking
• Fish heads and bones = incredible flavor
• Stew tastes better the next day (somehow)