Here’s a comforting, rich, and satisfying recipe for Creamy Seafood Chowder — loaded with tender shrimp, scallops, fish, and/or crab in a velvety, flavorful broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests!
🐟🦐 Creamy Seafood Chowder
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 carrots, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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4 cups seafood stock or low-sodium chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
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2 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon gold or red work best)
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1/2 tsp dried thyme
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1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional but recommended)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
Seafood options (choose your favorites, about 1.5–2 lbs total):
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1/2 lb shrimp, peeled & deveined
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1/2 lb scallops
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1/2 lb firm white fish (like cod or halibut), cut into chunks
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1/2 cup crab meat or clams (optional)
Optional Garnish:
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Chopped parsley
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Crumbled bacon
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Crusty bread or oyster crackers on the side
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Sauté Veggies:
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In a large pot, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
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Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, until soft.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Make the Roux:
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Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
3. Add Broth & Potatoes:
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Slowly whisk in the seafood stock or broth.
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Add potatoes, thyme, Old Bay (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
4. Add Seafood:
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Gently stir in shrimp, scallops, fish, and crab/clams.
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Simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until seafood is opaque and cooked through.
5. Finish with Cream:
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Stir in the cream and gently heat through — do not boil.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve:
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Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley and/or crumbled bacon if desired.
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Serve with warm crusty bread or crackers.
✅ Tips & Variations:
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Want it extra rich? Add a splash of white wine when sautéing veggies.
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For thicker chowder, mash a few potatoes in the pot before adding seafood.
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Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
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Dairy-free? Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of dairy.