Seafood Chowder Recipe: A Hearty and Flavorful Delight

Nothing beats the warmth of a hearty bowl of chowder on a chilly day. A perfect blend of fresh seafood, creamy broth, and savory vegetables, seafood chowder is a comfort food staple that's both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner option or a dish to impress your guests at a dinner party, this seafood chowder recipe is a winner. Here at Seafood Weekly, we pride ourselves on bringing you the best seafood recipes, and today, we’re sharing a mouthwatering seafood chowder recipe that’s easy to make and sure to delight your taste buds.

What is Seafood Chowder?

Seafood chowder is a type of soup typically made with a creamy base and a combination of fresh seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and fish. The addition of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions enhances the flavor and texture, making it a truly comforting dish. Often served with crusty bread, this soup is perfect for cold weather but can be enjoyed year-round.

There are many variations of seafood chowder, from clam chowder to lobster chowder, but the one we’re sharing today combines a variety of fresh seafood for a truly flavorful and rich experience.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Chowder Recipe

This seafood chowder recipe is perfect for those who love creamy, flavorful dishes. The chowder is rich but not overwhelmingly so, and the fresh seafood brings a natural sweetness and depth of flavor that makes every bite memorable.

Here are a few reasons why this seafood chowder recipe is a must-try:

Fresh Seafood: Using a combination of seafood like shrimp, fish fillets, and scallops elevates the taste of the dish.

Creamy Texture: The creamy base made with milk and cream creates a velvety soup that’s perfect for dipping.

Easy to Prepare: While this seafood chowder may seem like a gourmet dish, it’s actually quite simple to make, with ingredients you can find at your local grocery store.

Versatile: You can customize the seafood chowder by using whatever fresh seafood you have on hand. Feel free to swap in your favorite shellfish or fish for a personalized touch.

Ingredients for Seafood Chowder

To create this rich and delicious seafood chowder, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Seafood: 1 lb of mixed seafood, such as shrimp, scallops, and white fish (e.g., cod, haddock, or pollock)

Vegetables: 2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced), 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 celery stalks (diced), 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)

Broth: 4 cups of seafood stock or chicken broth

Creamy Base: 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk

Butter: 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter

Herbs & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste

Other Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (to thicken the chowder), fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Crusty Bread: A loaf of sourdough or French bread for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)

Step-by-Step Seafood Chowder Recipe

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get cooking! This seafood chowder recipe is simple to follow and comes together in under an hour.

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Start by preparing your seafood. If you're using shrimp, peel and devein them. For fish fillets, cut them into bite-sized pieces. If using scallops, pat them dry with a paper towel. Having the seafood prepped will make the cooking process go smoothly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once the vegetables are tender, add the potatoes and cook for another 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Flour for Thickening

Next, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables, stirring continuously. This will help thicken the chowder and create a creamy consistency once the liquids are added. Cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 4: Pour in the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the seafood stock or chicken broth, stirring constantly to combine with the flour and vegetables. Add the bay leaf, thyme, dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Seafood

Once the potatoes are tender, add the heavy cream and whole milk to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring the chowder back to a gentle simmer and add your prepared seafood. Continue simmering for about 5-7 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and the chowder has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. If you prefer a spicier chowder, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the seafood chowder is ready, remove it from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips for the Perfect Seafood Chowder

Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood will yield the best flavor in your chowder. If you can, buy local or sustainably sourced seafood.

Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Overcooked seafood can become tough and rubbery. Add your seafood towards the end of cooking and let it cook just until it turns opaque and firm.

Add More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment with additional vegetables such as corn or leeks for added flavor and texture.

Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version of this recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the chowder.

Why Seafood Chowder is a Great Choice for Any Meal

Seafood chowder is a versatile dish that works for so many occasions. It’s great for a cozy weeknight meal, a special occasion, or as part of a larger seafood spread. The richness of the chowder makes it filling, while the lightness of the seafood keeps it from feeling too heavy. This balance makes it a great option for both casual dinners and more formal gatherings.

Additionally, seafood chowder is an excellent way to incorporate more seafood into your diet. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins, seafood offers numerous health benefits. From boosting heart health to improving brain function, the addition of seafood in this chowder gives you a nourishing meal in every bowl.

Conclusion

There you have it – a simple, flavorful seafood chowder recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and creamy goodness. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a perfect meal for any occasion.

At Seafood Weekly, we’re always sharing delicious seafood recipes that showcase the best of what the ocean has to offer. We hope you enjoy making this seafood chowder recipe and adding it to your rotation of favorite dishes.

Happy cooking, and be sure to check back for more mouthwatering seafood recipes soon!