How to Make Giada’s Cioppino

How to Make Giada’s Cioppino is a medium Mediterranean recipe that serves 4. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Food Network on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 45 min

Cost: $41.39 total, $10.35 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Fennel Bulb (trimmed and thinly sliced)
  • 1 large Onion (diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 Shallots (minced)
  • 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (smooth, no added sugar)
  • 1 cup Dry White Wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 can (14 oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
  • 4 cups Fish Stock (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 Bay Leaf (whole)
  • 1 lb Mussels (scrub and debeard; discard any that stay closed)
  • 1 lb Clams (scrub; discard any that stay closed)
  • 8 oz Halibut Fillet (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 8 oz Salmon Fillet (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
  • 8 oz Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin for sautéing)
  • 1 tsp Salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (plus more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Vegetables

    Slice the fennel thin, dice the onion, mince the garlic and shallots. Set aside in separate bowls.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add fennel, onion, garlic, and shallots with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and translucent, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Add Heat and Depth

    Stir in red pepper flakes and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing the paste to darken slightly and the flavors to meld.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Deglaze with Wine

    Pour in the white wine, stirring to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Build the Broth

    Add the canned tomatoes (with juice), fish stock, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Simmer the Base

    Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors develop and the vegetables soften fully.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: low simmer

  7. Prep the Seafood

    While the broth simmers, rinse mussels and clams under cold water, discarding any that remain closed. Cut halibut and salmon into 1‑inch cubes. Pat shrimp dry. Set each type of seafood in separate bowls.

    Time: PT15M

  8. Cook Shellfish

    Add the mussels and clams to the pot, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, or until all shells have opened. Discard any that do not open.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  9. Add Fish and Shrimp

    Stir in the halibut, salmon, and shrimp. Sprinkle a little extra salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and the shrimp are pink.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  10. Finish and Serve

    Remove the bay leaf, give the soup a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of lemon juice.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
320
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
15g
Fat
10g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian

Allergens: Fish, Shellfish

Last updated: May 20, 2026

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How to Make Giada’s Cioppino

Recipe by Food Network

A comforting, aromatic fish soup perfect for holiday gatherings. Fragrant fennel, sweet tomatoes, white wine, and a medley of seafood (mussels, clams, halibut, salmon, shrimp) create a rich broth that’s both elegant and easy to make.

MediumMediterraneanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
1h 13m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 41m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$41.39
Total cost
$10.35
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté vegetables until soft to develop base flavor
  • Simmer broth for 30 minutes for depth
  • Ensure all mussels and clams open before adding fish
  • Do not overcook the fish and shrimp (only 5 minutes)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw seafood with clean hands and separate cutting boards to avoid cross‑contamination
  • Discard any mussels or clams that remain closed after cooking to prevent foodborne illness
  • Cook the soup to a rolling simmer to ensure any bacteria are killed

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fish soup in Mediterranean cuisine during the holidays?

A

Mediterranean coastal cultures have long celebrated seafood soups as festive dishes, especially during winter holidays when fresh catches are abundant. The combination of fennel, tomatoes, and white wine reflects the region’s love for bright, aromatic flavors that warm the body and bring families together around the table.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of fish soup in Mediterranean cuisine?

A

In Italy, a similar dish is called "zuppa di pesce" and often includes saffron and crusty bread. In Spain, "sopa de mariscos" adds smoked paprika and chorizo. The version presented here emphasizes fennel and a clean white‑wine broth, typical of French Provençal seafood soups.

cultural
Q

How is fish soup traditionally served in Mediterranean coastal regions?

A

It is usually served hot in shallow bowls, accompanied by crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping. A garnish of fresh herbs such as parsley or fennel fronds and a lemon wedge are common to add brightness at the table.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fish soup traditionally associated with in Mediterranean culture?

A

Fish soups are popular at Christmas Eve feasts, New Year’s celebrations, and local saint’s day festivals where seafood is a symbol of prosperity and abundance. The hearty broth also makes it a comforting choice for cold winter gatherings.

cultural
Q

What makes this Hearty Holiday Fish Soup special in Mediterranean cuisine?

A

The use of sweet fennel alongside a blend of firm white fish, oily salmon, and shellfish creates a balanced mouthfeel, while the white‑wine and tomato‑paste base adds depth without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors. It’s a festive yet approachable take on classic coastal soups.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Hearty Holiday Fish Soup?

A

Over‑cooking the seafood, not discarding unopened mussels or clams, and adding too much salt early are the biggest pitfalls. Keep the final seafood cooking time short and taste the broth before final seasoning.

technical
Q

Why does this fish soup recipe use fennel and white wine instead of a heavier cream base?

A

Fennel provides a clean, anise‑like aroma that pairs perfectly with the briny seafood, while white wine adds acidity and depth without the richness of cream. This keeps the soup light enough for a holiday starter yet flavorful enough to stand on its own.

technical
Q

Can I make Hearty Holiday Fish Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the broth a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently, then add the fresh seafood and finish cooking for 5 minutes. Store the broth in airtight containers; seafood should be added just before serving for optimal texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Hearty Holiday Fish Soup?

A

The broth should be a rich ruby‑red color from the tomatoes, slightly thickened by the paste, and clear of cloudiness. The vegetables should be soft, and the seafood should be tender, opaque, and evenly distributed throughout the soup.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Food Network specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Food Network specializes in a wide range of cooking shows, recipe demonstrations, and culinary tips from professional chefs, covering everything from quick weeknight meals to elaborate holiday feasts, with a focus on approachable home cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Food Network's approach to Mediterranean cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Food Network often blends classic Mediterranean techniques with modern, accessible twists, emphasizing fresh ingredients and clear step‑by‑step visuals. Compared to niche regional channels, Food Network provides broader context and variations suitable for a general American audience.

channel

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