Heartwarming Savory Irish Seafood Stew Recipe for Cozy Nights

Seafood stew captures the rugged coastal essence of ireland’s culinary traditions.

Maritime ingredients dance with robust local flavors in this hearty dish.

Waves of comfort wash through each spoonful, blending oceanic freshness with rich, warming seasonings.

Fishermen’s wisdom elevates simple components into a deeply satisfying meal that speaks to generations of coastal cooking.

Rustic techniques merge with contemporary culinary approaches, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Passionate cooks can craft this recipe with intuition and skill, honoring maritime heritage.

You will feel connected to ireland’s soulful food culture through each carefully prepared bite.

Explore this delectable journey that celebrates the sea’s magnificent bounty.

What Makes Savory Irish Seafood Stew So Hearty

• Dive into a rich, creamy stew that blends tender fish, succulent shrimp, and perfectly cooked vegetables in a velvety broth that dances with flavor.
• Whip up this hearty meal in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.
• Easily customize the stew by swapping seafood types or adjusting seasonings, making it a versatile recipe that welcomes creativity and personal touch.
• Packed with protein-rich seafood and vibrant vegetables, this stew offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul with every spoonful.

Ingredients for Savory Irish Seafood Stew

• Fish, Shrimp: Key protein ingredients that add rich ocean flavors and tender texture. Fresh, high-quality seafood from local markets is recommended.

• Potatoes, Carrots, Onions, Celery: Classic vegetable blend providing hearty base and natural sweetness. Choose firm, fresh vegetables for best results.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor and enhances overall seasoning profile.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation and helps sauté vegetables smoothly. Unsalted butter provides better flavor control.
• Flour: Helps thicken stew and create smooth consistency. All-purpose flour works perfectly.
• Seafood Stock, Half and Half: Provide creamy, deep marine-like liquid base. Homemade stock offers superior flavor.

• Black Pepper: Adds warm, sharp flavor enhancement.
• Cilantro or Green Onions: Fresh garnish that brings bright, herbal notes to finish the dish.

Steps to Cook Savory Irish Seafood Stew

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables

• Peel potatoes and carrots
• Finely dice onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes
• Mince garlic cloves

Clean and organize your cutting board and ingredients before starting to make the process smoother.

Step 2: Prepare Seafood

• Remove fish skin and chop into bite-sized chunks
• Peel and devein shrimp
• Cut large shrimp in half lengthwise

Ensure seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before cooking.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

• Heat medium pot over medium heat
• Add butter and let it melt completely
• Add diced vegetables
• Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally
• Add minced garlic
• Cook for additional 30 seconds

Vegetables should become slightly translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Sprinkle flour over sautéed vegetables
• Add seasonings
• Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes
• Ensure flour coats vegetables evenly
• Eliminate any raw flour appearance

This step helps thicken the stew and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Add Liquid Components

• Pour seafood stock gradually
• Add half and half
• Stir mixture thoroughly
• Bring to boil over medium-high heat
• Reduce to simmer
• Cook for 6-7 minutes
• Check potato tenderness with fork

Liquid should start thickening during this process.

Step 6: Incorporate Seafood

• Gently fold seafood into stew
• Distribute evenly
• Cook for 3-5 minutes
• Ensure seafood is fully cooked
• Avoid overcooking seafood

Seafood should look opaque and tender.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle stew into serving bowls
• Grind fresh black pepper on top
• Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions
• Serve immediately with crusty bread

Add a side salad for complete meal experience.

Pro Tips for Irish Seafood Stew Flavor

• Dice with Precision: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Control Seafood Cooking Time: Monitor seafood closely to prevent overcooking, which can make fish and shrimp tough and rubbery.
• Layer Seasonings Strategically: Add garlic last during vegetable sautéing to prevent burning and maintain its delicate flavor profile.
• Thicken Wisely: Stir flour consistently when coating vegetables to create a smooth base without lumps and develop a rich, velvety consistency.
• Temperature Management: Maintain a gentle simmer when adding seafood to preserve delicate flavors and prevent breaking down protein structures.

Reheating and Storage Guide for Irish Seafood Stew

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover stew to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the stew completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of seafood stock or water to restore moisture and prevent seafood from becoming tough. Heat until the stew reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Freeze: Pour cooled stew into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Savory Irish Seafood Stew

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay cuts through the stew's richness, complementing the seafood's delicate flavors with bright, citrusy notes.
• Match with Crusty Irish Soda Bread: Traditional bread provides perfect texture contrast, soaking up the stew's creamy broth while offering a hearty, rustic companion to the seafood.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Light, zesty greens like arugula or mixed herbs dressed in lemon vinaigrette balance the stew's creamy profile, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the rich seafood.
• Complement with Irish Wheat Beer: A smooth, slightly wheaty beer like Kilkenny or Smithwick's enhances the stew's maritime character, providing a smooth, malty backdrop to the delicate seafood flavors.

Twist Ideas for Irish Seafood Stew

• Spicy Coastal Fusion: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Replace half the seafood stock with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical undertone that complements the seafood perfectly.
• Mediterranean Herb-Infused Version: Swap out cilantro for fresh chopped dill and parsley. Incorporate white wine instead of half and half, and add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood stew that transports your taste buds to the Greek coastline.
• Smoky Atlantic Rendition: Introduce smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke during the seasoning stage. Use a mix of smoked salmon and regular white fish to enhance the depth of flavor. Finish with crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top for an extra layer of richness and crunch.
• Nordic-Inspired Light Stew: Replace butter with olive oil and use lighter cream. Add diced fennel to the vegetable mix and incorporate fresh dill. Include arctic char or cod for a Scandinavian-style seafood experience that's both delicate and satisfying.

FAQs for Savory Irish Seafood Stew

• Can I use frozen seafood for this stew?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before adding to the stew to prevent excess water.

• How long can I store leftover seafood stew?

Store the stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to prevent overcooking the seafood.

• What type of fish works best in this recipe?

Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut are excellent choices. They hold up well during cooking and provide great flavor.

• Can I make this stew dairy-free?

Substitute the half and half with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative to create a dairy-free version of the stew.

Savory Irish Seafood Stew Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Irish Seafood Stew embodies coastal comfort with rich layers of Atlantic treasures. Robust potato-laden broth mingles with tender fish, whisking palates through Ireland’s culinary landscapes while warming hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Seafood:

• ½ pound salmon, cut into chunks
• ½ pound white fish (sea bass, cod, halibut, tilapia), cut into chunks
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup peeled and diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 2 cups peeled and diced russet potatoes
• 3 cloves minced garlic

Liquids, Seasonings, and Thickeners:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups seafood stock
• 2 cups half and half
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly clean and prepare all vegetables by peeling potatoes and carrots, then creating uniform, small dice for onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Finely mince garlic cloves to ensure even flavor distribution.
2. Carefully process seafood by removing fish skin and cutting into consistent bite-sized pieces. Meticulously peel and devein shrimp, halving larger specimens to create balanced portions.
3. Activate a medium-sized cooking vessel over moderate heat. Introduce butter and allow complete melting before adding diced vegetable medley. Sauté ingredients, stirring periodically, until vegetables transition to a softened state, approximately 5-6 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional half-minute.
4. Dust vegetables with flour and selected seasonings, continuously stirring to ensure complete coating and eliminate any raw flour appearance within 1-2 minutes.
5. Methodically integrate seafood stock and half and half, creating a smooth liquid base. Elevate temperature to generate a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. Allow mixture to thicken and develop depth, confirming potato tenderness through fork testing, roughly 6-7 minutes.
6. Delicately incorporate seafood, ensuring even distribution throughout the stew. Maintain gentle heat, cooking 3-5 minutes until seafood reaches perfect doneness.
7. Transfer stew into serving vessels, enhancing final presentation with freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of vibrant cilantro or green onions. Accompany with crusty bread or preferred side dishes for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Seafood Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality fish and shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this Irish-inspired stew.
• Vegetable Prep Tip: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Flour Coating Technique: Properly coating vegetables with flour helps thicken the stew and creates a rich, smooth base.
• Cooking Seafood Carefully: Add seafood last and cook just until done to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy pieces.
• Flavor Enhancers: Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions brighten the stew and add a final layer of freshness.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair with crusty bread to soak up the delicious, creamy broth for a complete and satisfying meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Irish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg