This Asian-Style Seafood Stew is a comforting and flavorful dish for seafood lovers. The broth is a balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, with ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and garlic providing depth. It’s simple to prepare and uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for those new to cooking Asian dishes.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients (for four people)
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g mussels, cleaned
- 200g squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (15 ml)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (15 ml)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml)
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sambal oelek (optional, for heat)
- 1 liter fish or vegetable stock
- 200g baby bok choy, halved
- Fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Preparation Method
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Add the red bell pepper slices and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes. Pour in the fish or vegetable stock, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and chili paste (if using). Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Add the shrimp, squid, and mussels to the pot. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until the mussels open, the shrimp turn pink, and the squid is tender. Add the baby bok choy in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Serve
Ladle the seafood stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Seafood Freshness: Use the freshest seafood available to ensure the best flavor. Discard mussels or clams that don’t open during cooking.
- Customize the Heat: Add more or less chili paste, depending on your spice preference. You can also add sliced fresh chili for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice or Noodles: Serve the stew over steamed jasmine rice or alongside a bowl of rice noodles for a more filling meal.
Wine Pairing
- For an Asian-style seafood Stew, wines like Riesling or Gewürztraminer are excellent. They offer a balanced sweetness and acidity that complements the dish’s spicy and umami-rich flavors.
- Bulgarian wines: Try a Tamianka or a Riesling from Bulgaria’s Thracian Valley; both provide the floral notes and acidity needed to harmonize with the complexity of the stew’s Asian-inspired flavors.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the stew gluten-free.
About the Asian-Style Seafood Stew
This Asian-Style Seafood Stew combines fresh seafood with a savory broth of Asian-inspired flavors. It’s light yet satisfying, with a delicate balance of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and fish sauce. The broth’s depth of flavor makes this dish comforting and perfect for any seafood lover.
Cultural Context
Inspired by flavors found in Southeast Asian cuisine, this stew is a simplified version that’s easy to prepare at home. Fresh seafood, soy sauce, and chili paste reflect the bold and balanced flavors typical in Asian coastal regions. While traditionally enjoyed with rice or noodles, this version adapts well for home kitchens worldwide.
