Seafood cau cau (cau cau de mariscos) – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Peru Servings: Serves 6
Peru Servings: Serves 6Seafood Cau Cau is a vibrant and aromatic stew that hails from the coastal regions of Peru, where the abundance of fresh maritime ingredients meets the country’s rich culinary heritage. The dish is traditionally made with tripe, but this seafood version captures the zest of Peruvian flavors with a bounty of seafood and a spicy, fragrant flair. With its bold use of ají amarillo (yellow chili pepper) and a medley of tender seafood, Seafood Cau Cau is a dish filled with colorful explosions of taste, reflecting the country’s coastal charm and inventive spirit.
Ingredients
- olive oil – 3 tbsp / 45 ml
- onion, finely chopped – 1 large / 300 g
- garlic cloves, minced – 3 cloves / 15 g
- ají amarillo paste – 2 tbsp / 30 g
- seafood mix (e.g., shrimp, squid, mussels, clams) – 2 lb / 900 g
- potatoes, diced – 3 medium / 500 g
- fish stock – 4 cups / 960 ml
- frozen peas – 1 cup / 150 g
- fresh parsley, chopped – 1/4 cup / 15 g
- salt and pepper – to taste
- lime wedges – for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ají amarillo paste. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the seafood mix and cook until they’ve just started to turn opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the fish stock. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Substitutions
- ají amarillo paste -> sriracha or yellow bell pepper puree
- fish stock -> vegetable broth
- seafood mix -> sole or tilapia fillets, cubed
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Consider marinating the seafood with lime juice and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Garnish with finely chopped cilantro for an added burst of freshness.
- Incorporate diced bell peppers for additional color and sweetness.
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
