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Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with bold flavors, a touch of smoky spice, and a comforting warmth, you’re going to absolutely love this Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe. This isn’t just any fish stew—it’s a celebration of classic Spanish ingredients that come together to create something rich, cozy, and downright unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this stew will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold and Balanced Flavors: The smoky chorizo perfectly complements the delicate white fish, making each bite a flavor fiesta.
  • Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic spices to make this shine—just a handful of quality staples.
  • Perfect Weeknight Meal: Ready in under an hour, it’s both hearty and quick enough for busy evenings.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can switch up the fish or tweak the herbs depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe is that the ingredients work in harmony to build layers of flavor. Using smoked Spanish chorizo adds a smoky heat that pairs beautifully with tender white fish and fragrant herbs. Make sure to choose fresh fish and quality chorizo for the best results.

Flat lay of a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil, a few chunks of smoked Spanish chorizo sausage, a small pile of finely chopped onion, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with chicken broth, one medium diced tomato, a tiny heap of dried thyme, a tiny heap of dried oregano, bite-size pieces of skinless white fish fillets, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small pile of coarse sea salt, and some freshly ground black peppercorns all arranged symmetrically in perfect balance, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo, Spanish fish stew, fish and chorizo recipe, Spanish seafood stew, flavorful fish stew
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and a fruity undertone; don’t skip on quality here.
  • Smoked Spanish chorizo sausage: Key to infusing the stew with that signature smoky spice and a little fat for flavor.
  • Onion: Provides sweetness and depth—finely chopped to blend seamlessly.
  • Garlic: Just a couple cloves; it wakes up the whole stew with its aroma.
  • Chicken broth: The stew’s savory base; homemade or store-bought works well.
  • Tomato: Fresh diced tomato adds a bright, slightly acidic balance.
  • Dried thyme and oregano: Classic Mediterranean herbs that bring an earthy, herbal note.
  • Skinless white fish fillets: Pollock, cod, or sea bass work great—cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green pop at the end—use generously!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe is. Over time, I’ve played around with adding different veggies and herbs to suit the season or our mood. Feel free to personalize it to your taste!

  • Vegetable Boost: Adding diced bell peppers or sliced fennel gives the stew an extra layer of texture and sweetness—my family goes crazy for it.
  • Spice It Up: If you like heat, toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or some red pepper flakes when cooking the chorizo.
  • Seafood Swap: Try swapping the white fish for firm shrimp or scallops for a different but equally delicious take.
  • Herb Variations: Fresh basil or cilantro can be great alternatives to parsley if you want a fresh twist.

How to Make Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Chorizo and Onion

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the smoky, flavorful chunks of chorizo and chopped onion—this pairing lays the foundation for your stew’s rich taste. Cook until the onion turns soft and translucent, about 8 minutes. You’ll start noticing that delicious aroma that only chorizo delivers. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and keep an eye to avoid burning the onion.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Build the Base

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant—about 30 seconds is plenty. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t wander off! Then, pour in the chicken broth while scraping the pan to loosen any caramelized bits stuck at the bottom. These browned bits add tons of flavor, so don’t miss this step.

Step 3: Simmer with Tomato and Herbs

Add the diced tomato along with the dried thyme and oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this step allows all the flavors to marry beautifully. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, which really concentrates the tastes and softens the tomato into a lovely, stewy texture. This slow simmer is what gives the stew that comforting depth.

Step 4: Cook the Fish Gently

Season your white fish pieces with salt and pepper, then add them carefully to your simmering stew. Turn the heat down to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the fish cook gently for around 5 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. This gentle simmer ensures your fish stays tender and doesn’t fall apart into a mushy mess.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Taste

Right before serving, stir in freshly minced parsley for a hit of color and freshness. Give the stew a taste and season with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Let the stew rest off the heat for a few minutes to let the flavors settle and intensify—that little waiting game seriously makes a difference.

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Pro Tips for Making Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe

  • Prep Ahead: I always chop and measure everything before heating the pan—this saves so much stress during cooking and helps everything come together smoothly.
  • Even Fish Pieces: Cutting your fish into uniform sizes guarantees an even cook so you don’t end up with some pieces overcooked and others undercooked.
  • Don’t Rush the Simmer: Giving the broth time to infuse with tomato and herbs makes a massive flavor difference—patience pays off!
  • Gentle Fish Cooking: Keep the heat medium-low once fish is added to avoid it breaking apart or drying out, resulting in tender, flaky bites.

How to Serve Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe

This image shows a white bowl filled with a thick, dark red soup. Inside the soup, there are chunks of white fish, round slices of brown sausage, and pieces of tomato giving pops of red. The soup looks rich with visible herbs sprinkled on top for some green color. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to a red and white checkered cloth. Another bowl with the same soup is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo, Spanish fish stew, fish and chorizo recipe, Spanish seafood stew, flavorful fish stew

Garnishes

I swear by finishing the stew with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley—it brightens the whole dish and adds a lovely green contrast. Sometimes I also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few thin slices of roasted red pepper for extra color and zing. It’s these little touches that take it from good to memorable.

Side Dishes

This stew is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I love serving it alongside crusty rustic bread to soak up every drop of that luscious broth. A simple green salad dressed in sherry vinegar or a side of roasted potatoes also pairs wonderfully for a full Spanish-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this stew in individual rustic bowls with a few edible flowers or microgreens on top—makes it feel fancy but still cozy. Another idea that’s a hit is layering the stew over creamy saffron-infused rice to add a golden color and extra comfort factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Because the fish is delicate, I like to gently reheat it so it doesn’t toughen up—more on that below.

Freezing

Freezing this stew is possible, but I’ve found that the texture of the fish can change slightly after thawing. I recommend freezing only if you’re okay with a softer fish texture, or you can freeze it without fish and add fresh fish when reheating for the best results.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the stew on low heat rather than boiling it again. This keeps the fish moist and tender. Stir frequently and add a splash of water or broth if the stew seems too thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other types of sausage instead of Spanish chorizo in this stew?

    Yes, you can substitute with other smoked sausages like kielbasa or andouille if you don’t have Spanish chorizo, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will shift. Spanish chorizo brings a distinctive smoky paprika flavor that’s signature to this stew.

  2. What kind of fish works best in the Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe?

    Firm, white, flaky fish like cod, pollock, halibut, sea bass, or red snapper are ideal. They hold up well during simmering and absorb flavors without falling apart too quickly.

  3. Is this stew spicy?

    It has a gentle smoky heat from the chorizo, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the heat level by choosing milder chorizo or adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

  4. Can I make this stew in advance?

    Absolutely! The stew tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat gently to maintain the fish’s texture.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients could come together to make such an indulgently comforting dish. I love sharing it because it feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and it’s super approachable for cooks of all levels. Give it a try—you’ll find that it’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Trust me, once you make this stew, it’ll become one of those recipes you turn to again and again.

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Spanish Fish Stew with Chorizo Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Spanish-inspired

Description

This hearty and flavorful Fish Stew combines tender white fish fillets with smoky Spanish chorizo, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs in a savory chicken broth base. Perfect for a cozy meal, this stew is both easy to prepare and rich in taste, making it a delightful comfort food option.


Ingredients

Scale

Stew Base

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 ounces smoked Spanish chorizo sausage, cut into ½-inch chunks
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/16 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/16 teaspoon dried oregano

Fish and Garnish

  • 12 ounces skinless white fish fillets (pollock, halibut, cod, sea bass, or red snapper), cut into bite-size pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: In a medium saucepan, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering to prepare for sautéing the ingredients.
  2. Sauté the chorizo and onion: Add the smoked Spanish chorizo and finely chopped onion to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 8 minutes, allowing the chorizo to release its smoky flavor.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  4. Deglaze with chicken broth: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan with a spoon to lift any browned bits, enhancing the stew’s depth of flavor.
  5. Simmer with tomato and herbs: Stir in the diced tomato, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for approximately 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  6. Cook the fish: Season the fish pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add them gently to the simmering stew. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the saucepan, and cook until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes.
  7. Finish and season: Stir in the minced fresh parsley to brighten the stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • White fish options suitable for this stew include pollock, halibut, cod, sea bass, and red snapper.
  • Preparing all ingredients ahead of time by chopping and measuring helps streamline the cooking process and prevent rushing.
  • Cut the fish into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and an appealing presentation.
  • Let the stew rest a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and intensify.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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