There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of seafood chowder on a chilly day. With its rich, creamy broth and variety of delicious seafood options, it’s no wonder this classic dish has remained a favorite for generations. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey around the world with 18 different recipes that showcase the best of the sea.
From classic New England clam chowder to spicy Cajun seafood chowder and everything in between, these mouthwatering dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or simple comfort food, we’ve got a recipe for every taste and occasion. So grab a spoon and dive in – your taste buds will thank you!
Classic New England Clam Chowder
This creamy and comforting chowder is a staple of New England cuisine, featuring tender clams, potatoes, onions, and celery in a rich broth. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a starter for a seafood feast.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and potatoes; cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add clams, clam juice, milk, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 10-15 minutes or until clams are tender.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Rich and Creamy Lobster Chowder
Rich and Creamy Lobster Chowder
Experience the luxury of a decadent seafood soup with this indulgent recipe that combines succulent lobster meat with a rich and creamy broth. This comforting dish is perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb lobster meat (claw and body)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour and cook for an additional minute.
4. Gradually whisk in cream and milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in lobster meat, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until lobster is heated through.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cajun Seafood Chowder
Get ready to spice up your seafood game with this bold and flavorful chowder that combines the best of Louisiana’s culinary traditions. This hearty soup is packed with succulent shrimp, scallops, and crab, all swimming in a rich and spicy broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 pound scallops, patted dry
– 1/4 cup crab meat
– 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 cups fish stock or clam juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add shrimp, scallops, crab meat, Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes and fish stock or clam juice; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chowder cook for 10-12 minutes, or until seafood is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Smoky Bacon and Shrimp Chowder
Satisfy your cravings with this hearty and flavorful chowder that combines the smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of shrimp, and the creaminess of potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of smoked bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pot.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the potatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Corn and Crab Chowder with Fresh Herbs
A warm and comforting soup perfect for a chilly evening, this corn and crab chowder is bursting with fresh flavors from the garden. This recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the brininess of crab, all tied together with a hint of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup lump crab meat (jumbo lump or claw meat)
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley and chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add corn, milk, heavy cream, crab meat, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and chives if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Thai-Inspired Coconut Seafood Chowder
This creamy chowder combines the flavors of Thailand with a medley of seafood and coconut milk, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch. With a hint of spice and a burst of citrus, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and chopped
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add seafood and cook until pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice.
5. Pour in coconut milk and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until flavors meld together.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Manhattan-Style Tomato-Based Seafood Chowder
This hearty chowder combines tender seafood with rich tomato flavors, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish stock or clam juice
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
2. Add seafood and cook until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, fish stock or clam juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Stir in heavy cream and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Scallop and Potato Chowder
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful chowder that combines the sweetness of scallops with the earthiness of potatoes, all wrapped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large scallops
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
2. Add potatoes, flour, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
3. Add scallops and heavy cream. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes or until scallops are cooked through.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Mediterranean Fish Chowder with Fennel
This hearty chowder combines the freshness of Mediterranean flavors with the warmth of a comforting fish soup, featuring fennel as a key ingredient. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cod or tilapia fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium fennel bulbs, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add fennel, garlic, and onion; cook until tender, about 8 minutes.
2. Add fish, diced tomatoes, fish broth, white wine (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 10-12 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Easy One-Pot Seafood Chowder
Warm up with a hearty and flavorful seafood chowder that’s ready in no time! This recipe combines the freshness of fish, shrimp, and scallops with the comfort of creamy potatoes and vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup scallops
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the fish, shrimp, and scallops. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the seafood is lightly browned.
2. Add the potatoes, onion, garlic, chicken broth, milk, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Healthy Low-Carb Seafood Chowder
This recipe makes a deliciously creamy and flavorful seafood chowder that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. With only 5g of carbs per serving, you can enjoy this dish without worrying about the impact on your diet.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup low-carb vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add seafood and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until pink.
4. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Stir in heavy cream and parsley.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Slow Cooker Creamy Seafood Chowder
Warm up with a rich and comforting seafood chowder that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This slow cooker recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound shrimp, scallops, and cod (or other white fish), peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups fish broth
– 1/2 cup diced potatoes (about 2 medium)
– 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
Instructions:
1. In the slow cooker, combine butter, onion, garlic, flour, and seafood.
2. Pour in fish broth, heavy cream, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Add diced potatoes and frozen vegetables.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or chives.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low), 3-4 hours (high)
Spicy Chorizo and Mussel Chowder
This hearty chowder combines the bold flavors of chorizo sausage with succulent mussels, all wrapped up in a spicy and savory broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 1/2 pound chorizo sausage, sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mussels, diced tomatoes, white wine (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until mussels are cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbed White Wine Seafood Chowder
This creamy chowder combines fresh seafood with the brightness of herbs and white wine, perfect for a special occasion or cozy night in. With minimal prep time and easy cooking, you’ll be enjoying a delicious bowl in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), rinsed and patted dry
– 1 cup white wine (dry)
– 2 cups fish stock or clam juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add seafood, white wine, stock or clam juice, and herbs. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
3. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Gluten-Free Seafood Chowder with Coconut Milk
This creamy chowder is the perfect comfort food, made even better with the addition of coconut milk for a rich and velvety texture. With a variety of seafood and flavorful spices, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup gluten-free chicken broth
– 1 can coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add seafood and cook until pink and cooked through.
3. Stir in chicken broth, coconut milk, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rustic Fisherman’s Chowder with Mixed Seafood
This hearty chowder recipe combines the freshness of seafood with the warmth of a rustic broth, perfect for a cozy evening meal. With a medley of mixed seafood, this dish is sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you feeling like you’ve just caught the day’s catch.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, clams, mussels)
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 cups chopped potatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add mixed seafood and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in clam juice and milk. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low; add potatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder
This hearty chowder combines the sweetness of fresh corn with the tender flavor of shrimp, perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to warm up their plate.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in corn kernels and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. Pour in chicken broth and milk; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat and let chowder cook for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Garlic Butter Seafood Chowder with Crusty Bread
Warm up on a chilly day with this rich and flavorful seafood chowder, perfectly paired with crusty bread for dipping. This comforting recipe combines tender seafood, aromatic garlic butter, and a hint of creaminess.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup clam juice
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
– Crusty bread, for serving
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic; cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
2. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute.
3. Gradually add clam juice and milk, whisking to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Add seafood and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to dive into the world of creamy seafood chowders! This collection of 18 mouthwatering recipes offers something for everyone. From classic New England Clam Chowder to Spicy Cajun Seafood Chowder and Mediterranean Fish Chowder with Fennel, each dish is a masterclass in comfort food. With ingredients ranging from lobster to chorizo, crab to scallops, and coconut milk to white wine, there’s no shortage of flavor or creativity. Whether you’re looking for a hearty one-pot meal or a gluten-free option, this roundup has got you covered.
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