Let me tell you, there’s just something magical about a warm bowl of seafood chowder. It’s this rich, creamy concoction that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. Imagine the delightful medley of shrimp, scallops, and tender white fish mingling together with perfectly cooked potatoes and sweet corn. Every spoonful is a celebration of flavor and texture! I remember the first time I made this chowder; the aroma wafted through my kitchen, and my family could hardly wait for it to be served. It’s become a staple for gatherings and special occasions, and let me tell you, culinary enthusiasts will appreciate the layers of flavor you can build with just a few simple ingredients. This chowder is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
Ingredients for Seafood Chowder Recipe
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most luscious seafood chowder that’s bursting with flavor:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing the vegetables to create a rich base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the chowder.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic goodness as it cooks.
- 2 medium potatoes, diced: Provides heartiness and texture that complements the seafood.
- 1 cup corn kernels: Fresh or frozen, they bring a subtle sweetness.
- 1 cup fish stock: The flavorful foundation that ties everything together.
- 2 cups heavy cream: For that silky, rich texture we all crave.
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined: Sweet and tender, they’re the star of the show!
- 200g scallops, cleaned: Their delicate flavor elevates the dish.
- 200g white fish, diced: Any firm white fish will work beautifully here.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all those delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and fresh flavor when serving.
How to Prepare the Seafood Chowder Recipe
Making this seafood chowder is a delightful journey, and I promise you’ll love every step of it! Let’s dive right in:
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. This will be the base for all that gorgeous flavor!
- Once the butter is melted, add in 1 medium diced onion. Sauté it for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building that flavor foundation.
- Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for an additional minute, just until the garlic is fragrant. But don’t let it brown—nobody likes burnt garlic!
- Now, add 2 medium diced potatoes and 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh or frozen). Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, letting the potatoes soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Pour in 1 cup of fish stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Time to make it creamy! Stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and bring the chowder back to a simmer.
- Next, gently add in 200g of shrimp, 200g of scallops, and 200g of diced white fish. Cook until the seafood is opaque and tender, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking and give it a taste—this is where you can really make it your own!
- Finally, garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving. You’ll want to dive into this chowder while it’s warm!
Tips for Success
To take your chowder to the next level, consider these expert tips: If you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños to the sautéed onions. You can also substitute the seafood based on what you have on hand—crab or clams work wonderfully, too! For an even richer flavor, use homemade fish stock if you can. And here’s a little secret: letting the chowder sit for a bit off the heat allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy texture that warms you from the inside out.
- Delicious medley of fresh seafood for a taste of the ocean.
- Easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfectly hearty; it’s a complete meal in a bowl.
- Customizable with your favorite seafood or spices.
- Great for gatherings, special occasions, or cozy nights in.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for this delightful seafood chowder, based on standard ingredient brands:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 3g
Keep in mind that these values are estimations and can vary based on ingredient brands and quantities used.
Variations on the Seafood Chowder Recipe
One of the best things about my seafood chowder recipe is how adaptable it is! You can switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. For a twist, try adding crab meat or clams for a different flavor profile—both are delicious! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in smoked salmon for a unique smoky taste. Want to spice it up? A pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños can bring a nice kick. Don’t forget about herbs—adding some dill or thyme can elevate the flavor even further. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to play around and make it your own! Your taste buds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my seafood chowder, the right accompaniments can truly elevate the experience! I recommend serving it alongside some crusty, warm artisan bread or buttery garlic bread—there’s nothing quite like dipping that bread into the creamy goodness of the chowder. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chowder. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a side of roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus can bring a lovely touch of color and flavor. Trust me, these pairings will make your seafood chowder experience even more delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftover seafood chowder (which is a rare but delightful situation!), you’ll want to store it properly to maintain its creamy goodness. Just transfer the chowder to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat the chowder on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If it thickens up a bit, don’t hesitate to add a splash of fish stock or cream to bring back that luscious texture. Enjoy every warm, comforting spoonful!
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Seafood Chowder Recipe: Elevate Your Cooking Experience
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Seafood
Description
A rich and creamy seafood chowder that combines various seafood with vegetables in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup fish stock
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g scallops, cleaned
- 200g white fish, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the diced potatoes and corn, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Pour in the fish stock and bring to a simmer.
- Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
- Stir in the shrimp, scallops, and white fish, cooking until seafood is opaque.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier chowder, add diced jalapeños.
- Consider substituting different seafood based on availability.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: seafood chowder recipe