Description
This seafood chowder recipe is the perfect blend of rich, creamy flavors and fresh seafood. Loaded with shrimp, fish, scallops, and hearty vegetables, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare. The creamy broth, infused with herbs and a touch of lemon juice, makes every spoonful irresistible. Whether served as a starter or a main course, this chowder is sure to impress family and guests alike!
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
Seafood
- 8 ounces white fish (cod, haddock, or tilapia), cut into chunks
- 8 ounces sea scallops
- 12 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6.5 ounces chopped clams (canned, drained)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, sliced
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup corn kernels
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 5 cups seafood broth or chicken broth
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
-
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
-
Thicken the Base
- Stir in the flour, Old Bay seasoning, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
-
Simmer the Vegetables
- Pour in the seafood broth and lemon juice. Add potatoes and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until potatoes are tender.
-
Add the Seafood
- Stir in the white fish, scallops, shrimp, and chopped clams. Let the chowder simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the seafood is fully cooked.
-
Finish with Cream
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it warm for 2 minutes without boiling.
-
Season and Serve
- Taste the chowder and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood enhances the flavor, but frozen seafood works too. Just thaw and drain before adding.
- Prevent Overcooking: Add seafood towards the end of cooking to keep it tender. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Thicker Chowder: Mash some of the potatoes or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Best Pairings: Serve with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: seafood chowder, creamy chowder, seafood soup, New England chowder, fish chowder, shrimp chowder, scallop chowder, best seafood soup, homemade chowder