Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe)

Discover this authentic Portuguese Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe) recipe — a satisfying weeknight dish that's an impressive dish that showcases your cooking skills. Made with onions, red pepper, coriander and 13 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 3 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 40 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this portuguese classic is sure to impress.

Hard
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

330

Calories/serving

Hard

Difficulty

Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe)

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 2 finely chopped Onions
  • 1 Diced Red Pepper
  • Small bunch Coriander
  • 1 small Red Chilli
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 400 ml Dry White Wine
  • Pinch Saffron
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 300 g Potatoes
  • 400 g Plum Tomatoes
  • 600 g Cod
  • 300 g Squid
  • 8 Tiger Prawns
  • 500 g Clams
  • 500 g Mussels
  • 1 sliced Baguette

Instructions

3 steps · ~35 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, deep-sided frying pan, and fry the onion and pepper on a medium heat until softened but not browned. Finely chop the coriander stalks (keep the leaves for later), and add to the pan with the chilli and chopped garlic. Fry for another few minutes. Add the wine, saffron and bay leaf and let it simmer until reduced by half.

    15 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  2. Step 2

    Add the potatoes, tomatoes, and 300ml water and bring to a gentle boil. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon on the side of the pan and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are just tender, and the tomatoes have broken down.

    15 minutes
    Use a large pot to prevent boiling over. Add salt to the water for extra flavor.
  3. Step 3

    Season well, then gently push the fish into the sauce, and arrange the squid, prawns, clams and mussels on the surface. Put the lid on and cook for 6-8 minutes until the mussel and clam shells have opened, the prawns are cooked and the fish is flaky. Toast the bread, rub lightly with the halved garlic clove and drizzle with olive oil. Serve the stew scatted with chopped coriander leaves, and the toasts for dunking.

    5 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Portuguese recipe for Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe) is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Portuguese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your portuguese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Portuguese fish stew (Caldeirada de peixe) is a beloved dish from Portuguese cuisine, originating in Portugal. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Portuguese cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated hard difficulty and uses 16 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Caldeirada de peixe, it's best to use a variety of firm white fish such as cod, haddock, or sea bass. Additionally, you can include shellfish like shrimp and clams for added flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories330kcal
Total Fat15g
Sodium461mg
Total Carbohydrates36g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein40g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePortuguese
CategorySoups
CountryPortugal