Name: Seafood Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 leek, white and light green parts only; 1 fennel bulb, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced, fronds reserved; 1 small white onion, chopped (1 cup); 2 large celery ribs, diced (¾ cup); 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, or 1 ½ teaspoons dried; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1 ½ teaspoons dried; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; ¼ cup chopped parsley; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil + more for serving; 1 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon blanc; 4 cups low-sodium seafood stock or chicken broth; 8 ounces bottled clam juice; 1 pound firm white fish, cut into 1-inch chunks; 1 pound medium (41-50 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 pound scallops, feet removed; 1 pound mussels or clams; Kosher salt and black pepper; 2 dried bay leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Croutons; Extra butter or olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 61 reviews

If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that bursts with fresh flavors from the sea, this Seafood Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant medley of tender seafood, aromatic herbs, and a savory broth that comes together effortlessly to create a dish that warms the heart and excites your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this recipe blends simplicity and sophistication in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy seafood soup placed on a white marbled surface with scattered bread pieces around it. The soup has three dark mussels with a shiny black shell, several light pink cooked shrimp, and smooth, pale scallops. Floating in the soup are golden toasted bread cubes and green herbs, giving a fresh touch. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, holding a piece of white fish. There are small drops of olive oil on the soup’s surface that add a bright yellow color. The scene looks warm and inviting with the rustic background and the textures of soft seafood, crunchy bread, and smooth broth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this soup truly sing. Each component plays a crucial role, from the sweetness of the leeks and fennel to the briny freshness of the seafood, creating layers of flavor and texture that make this dish unforgettable.

1 leek, white and light green parts only: Adds gentle onion-like sweetness and subtle texture to the base of the soup.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil + more for serving: Provides a rich, silky foundation to sauté aromatics and finish the dish.
1 fennel bulb, trimmed, halved and thinly sliced, fronds reserved: Offers a mild licorice flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood.
1 small white onion, chopped (1 cup): Lends depth and a touch of earthiness to the broth.
2 large celery ribs, diced (¾ cup): Gives a crisp, fresh crunch that balances the softness of the seafood.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all flavors.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Infuses the broth with warm, aromatic notes.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, or 1 ½ teaspoons dried: Brings a hint of herbal brightness.
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1 ½ teaspoons dried: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Introduces a gentle, warm heat that wakes up the palate.
1 cup dry white wine, such as Sauvignon blanc: Provides acidity and depth, helping to marry the flavors.
4 cups low-sodium seafood stock or chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the soup without overpowering the seafood.
8 ounces bottled clam juice: Intensifies the oceanic flavor for a truly authentic seafood experience.
2 dried bay leaves: Impart a subtle woodsy fragrance to the broth.
1 pound firm white fish, cut into 1-inch chunks: The hearty centerpiece, its mild flavor absorbs the broth’s goodness.
1 pound medium (41-50 count) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: Adds sweetness and tender bite.
1 pound scallops, feet removed: Give a luxurious, soft texture that melts in your mouth.
1 pound mussels or clams: Their briny essence complements the other seafood beautifully.
¼ cup chopped parsley: Freshens and brightens the finished dish with color and flavor.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Balances the flavors with a zesty tang.
Croutons, for serving: Provide a satisfying crunch and soak up the flavorful broth.

How to Make Seafood Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Aromatics

Start by melting the butter or warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced leek, fennel, white onion, and celery. Season lightly with kosher salt and black pepper to help draw out moisture and flavor. Cook gently until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 8 to 10 minutes. This aromatic base is the heart of your soup and sets up a rich, flavorful broth.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the garlic, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let them toast briefly so their aromas release fully, about 1 minute. This explosive aroma will start filling your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the soup to finish!

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Let the wine reduce by half to concentrate its flavor, which usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. Then, add the seafood stock or chicken broth, bottled clam juice, and bay leaves. Bring this to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer for 15 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Seafood in Stages

Start by adding the firm white fish chunks, scallops, and shrimp to the simmering broth. Cook for about 5 minutes before adding the mussels or clams. Continue cooking until all the shellfish have opened, typically 5 to 7 minutes more. Discard any unopened mussels or clams. This careful timing ensures every piece of seafood is perfectly cooked and tender.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Remove the bay leaves, then stir in the chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice to brighten the soup. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Your Seafood Soup Recipe is now ready to serve, tasting fresh, vibrant, and just like a day at the coast!

How to Serve Seafood Soup Recipe

The image shows six white bowls and a metal measuring cup placed on a white marbled surface. The largest white bowl at the top left is filled with light green, chopped leeks with a soft texture. Below it, there is a medium-sized white bowl filled with pale yellow, thinly sliced onions that have a slight shine. To the right of the onion bowl, a smaller white bowl contains a mix of dried herbs and red pepper flakes, showing different textures and dark green, brown, and red colors. Above and slightly to the right, a small white bowl holds finely chopped garlic in a creamy white color with a moist look. Next to it, a medium white bowl is filled with white, cubed potatoes that appear firm. At the bottom center, a metal measuring cup contains small, bright green celery pieces with a fresh and crisp look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle more chopped parsley or fennel fronds on top for a fresh herbal note and pretty presentation. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add a luscious finish, while freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice can elevate each bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crispy croutons or crusty artisan bread to sop up every last drop of broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast, making the meal feel balanced and special.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in deep bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a fancy touch. For a rustic vibe, use a bread bowl to impress guests and add a playful edible container. Offering an array of infused olive oils or chili oils on the side invites everyone to customize their bowl with bold finishing flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because seafood is delicate, enjoy leftovers quickly to savor freshness and safety.

Freezing

Freezing seafood soup is not always ideal since the texture of cooked fish and shellfish can change, becoming rubbery. If you must freeze, remove the seafood and freeze the broth separately. Reheat the broth fresh and add freshly cooked seafood when ready to serve for best results.

Reheating

Warm the soup gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid reheating at high heat to protect the tender seafood pieces. Add an extra splash of broth or water if it seems too thick after resting.

FAQs

Can I substitute different seafood in this recipe?

Absolutely! This Seafood Soup Recipe is very adaptable. You can swap in crab, lobster, or different shellfish according to your preference or availability. Just adjust cooking times to ensure all seafood is perfectly tender.

Do I have to use white wine in the soup?

While white wine adds brightness and depth, you can substitute with more seafood stock or a splash of lemon juice . It will still be delicious but slightly less complex in flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

For a vegetarian twist, replace seafood stock and clam juice with vegetable broth and omit all seafood. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and tofu for protein. However, keep in mind the signature oceanic flavor will be different.

How spicy is this Seafood Soup Recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can adjust or omit them according to your spice tolerance, making the soup as mild or lively as you like.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover soup tastes great reheated gently on the stove, served with fresh bread or a salad. You can also transform it into a pasta sauce or use the broth to cook a flavorful risotto.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Soup Recipe truly captures the essence of a cozy kitchen and the refreshing taste of the sea in every spoonful. Whether it becomes your go-to for weeknight dinners or a special occasion showstopper, I encourage you to dive in and make it your own. There’s something so rewarding about crafting this vibrant, hearty soup that comforts and delights all at once!