Cataplana de Marisco (Portugal)

An authentic recipe for traditional Portuguese Cataplana de Marisco, highlighting the steam-sealed cooking technique that infuses tender seafood with rich wine and tomato broth.

Level Medium Prep 25 min Cook 30 min Servings 4 Score 4.9/10

Ready in

55 min

Makes 4 servings

Prep 25m

Cook 30m

Level Medium

About this recipe

An authentic recipe for traditional Portuguese Cataplana de Marisco, highlighting the steam-sealed cooking technique that infuses tender seafood with rich wine and tomato broth.

A famous Algarve seafood stew steamed to perfection in a traditional copper clamshell vessel.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in the bottom half of a traditional cataplana (or a wide heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and bell pepper strips, sautéing until soft and translucent.
Add the chopped tomatoes, piri-piri sauce, and let simmer for 5 minutes until they break down into a rich sauce.
Layer the chunks of white fish, shrimp, and clean clams over the vegetable base.
Pour in the dry white wine, season with salt and pepper, and scatter fresh cilantro on top.
Clamp the cataplana shut (or cover tightly with a lid) and cook over medium-low heat for 20 minutes without opening, allowing the steam to cook the seafood perfectly.
20 min

Nutrition

Calories 340

Protein 38g

Carbs 10g

Fat 14g

Fiber 2g

Sugar 5g

Sodium 580mg

Serving Size 1 serving

Cooking Timeline

Prep 25 min

Cook 30 min

Total 55 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.4 /10

Expert 4.9 95% conf.

Taste 9.8
Presentation 9.6
Nutrition 9.0
Value 9.0
Instructions 9.4
Ingredients 9.5
Time Accuracy 9.2
Difficulty 7.5
Would Make Again 9.0

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

An exquisite coastal Portuguese classic that locks in incredible aromatic flavors and succulent seafood textures.

Pros

Brilliant steam-cooking method
Incredible aromatic broth
Fresh and healthy

Cons

Requires specialized cookware for authenticity

Overview

A famous Algarve seafood stew steamed to perfection in a traditional copper clamshell vessel.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic recipe for traditional Portuguese Cataplana de Marisco, highlighting the steam-sealed cooking technique that infuses tender seafood with rich wine and tomato broth.

Tips

Discard any clams that do not open after cooking
Serve the cataplana directly at the table so guests can experience the aroma when opened
Use crusty artisanal bread to absorb the rich garlic and wine sauce