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Bouillabaisse Recipe

4.7 from 592 reviews

Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew originating from the port city of Marseille, France. This hearty and aromatic dish combines a variety of seafood like shrimp and mussels with a flavorful broth enriched by tomatoes, garlic, saffron, and fresh herbs. Perfect for seafood lovers, this recipe offers a comforting and elegant meal that showcases Mediterranean flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 onion, minced
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 1 leek, minced
  • 8 tomatoes, cubed
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Seafood and Meat

  • 1 lb beef or chicken, cubed
  • 1 lb pink shrimp
  • 1 lb black mussels, washed

Liquids and Seasonings

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • 1 teaspoon harissa seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon miso paste
  • Shrimp shells (from the 1 lb pink shrimp)
  • Clam juice (approx. 1 cup)
  • Water (approx. 4 cups)

Herbs

  • Fresh tarragon
  • Fresh thyme
  • Fresh chives
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion, shallots, and leek, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the thinly sliced garlic, cubed tomatoes, saffron, harissa seasoning, and miso paste. Sauté the mixture briefly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften.
  3. Prepare Broth: Add the cubed beef or chicken to the pot along with the shrimp shells, clam juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 30-45 minutes to develop a rich broth.
  4. Strain Broth: Remove the pot from heat and strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into another pot to remove solids, ensuring a clear and flavorful base.
  5. Cook Seafood: Return the strained broth to the heat. Add the washed mussels and pink shrimp to the broth. Cover and cook until the mussels open and the shrimp turn opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Discard any mussels that do not open.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot bouillabaisse into bowls and garnish generously with fresh tarragon, thyme, chives, and parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich and rustic seafood stew.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood for the best flavor; if using frozen, thaw fully before cooking.
  • Discard any mussels that remain closed after cooking to ensure safety.
  • The broth can be made a day ahead to deepen the flavors; reheat gently before adding seafood.
  • Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of harissa seasoning.
  • Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious broth.

Keywords: Bouillabaisse, French seafood stew, Mediterranean recipe, seafood soup, fish stew, saffron broth, mussels, shrimp