Seafood Chowder: Creamy, Comforting, and Full of Ocean Flavor
Nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Seafood Chowder. Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender seafood and hearty vegetables, this classic dish is a favorite in coastal kitchens around the world. Whether enjoyed on a cold evening or served as a special weekend meal, seafood chowder is the perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
This recipe delivers a thick, velvety chowder packed with shrimp, fish, and optional shellfish, all simmered in a creamy broth flavored with herbs, garlic, and a hint of smokiness.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Chowder
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Rich and creamy texture without being heavy
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Loaded with fresh, tender seafood
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Easy to customize with your favorite fish or shellfish
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Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining guests
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One-pot recipe with simple ingredients
Ingredients
Seafood
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½ lb (225g) white fish (cod, haddock, or pollock), cut into chunks
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½ lb (225g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
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½ cup clams or scallops (optional but delicious)
Chowder Base
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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3 cups seafood stock or fish stock
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1½ cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 bay leaf
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
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Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
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Oyster crackers or crusty bread
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Extra black pepper
Equipment Needed
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Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon
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Sharp knife
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Cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and garlic. Cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and fragrant, but not browned.
Step 2: Create the Chowder Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir well. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the seafood stock while stirring to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Seasoning
Add diced potatoes, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream
Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk and heavy cream. Let the chowder gently warm—do not boil.
Step 5: Add Seafood
Add fish chunks and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add shrimp and any optional shellfish, cooking for another 3–5 minutes until seafood is opaque and tender.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips for the Best Seafood Chowder
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Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor.
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Avoid boiling once dairy is added to prevent curdling.
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Cut seafood into similar sizes for even cooking.
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If chowder is too thick, add a splash of stock or milk.
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Let chowder rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor.
Variations
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New England-Style Chowder: Add chopped bacon at the beginning for smoky depth.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream.
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Spicy Seafood Chowder: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
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Corn Chowder: Add 1 cup sweet corn for extra sweetness and texture.
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Lobster Chowder: Replace shrimp with lobster meat for a luxurious version.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Not recommended due to dairy, but possible with texture changes.
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Reheating: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently.
Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving – 4 servings)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: 28g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Fiber: 3g
Why This Recipe Works
This seafood chowder balances richness and freshness. Butter and flour create a velvety base, potatoes add body, and the combination of milk and cream delivers that classic chowder texture. Cooking seafood gently ensures it stays tender and flavorful rather than rubbery.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with crusty bread or sourdough
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Pair with a green salad for balance
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Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
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Top with fresh herbs for color and freshness
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Chowder is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, hearty, and full of ocean-fresh flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this timeless recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.
Once you try it, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen.