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Creamy Seafood Chowder Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 108 reviews

This Creamy Seafood Chowder is a rich and indulgent soup combining lobster, shrimp, scallops, and crab meat in a buttery, creamy base made with milk, half and half, and seafood stock. Flavored with onion, garlic, celery, white wine, paprika, and a touch of sugar, this comforting chowder is perfect for seafood lovers seeking a hearty, warming meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 1 pound fresh lobster meat, chopped
  • 1 pound large shrimp
  • 2/3 pound scallops, chopped
  • 2/3 pound crab meat (lump or claw)

Dairy & Butter

  • 8 ounces butter (divided, 2 sticks)
  • 4 1/2 cup milk (2% or whole)
  • 2 1/2 cups half and half

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1/4 cup minced onion
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup minced celery

Other Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups seafood stock
  • 1/4 cup white cooking wine
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a Dutch oven or small stock pot, melt 6 ounces of butter over medium-low heat. Add minced onion, garlic, and celery, sautéing until they are softened and translucent to build the soup’s flavor base.
  2. Make Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook while stirring continuously to avoid burning, creating a thickening roux for the chowder.
  3. Add Liquids and Thicken: Slowly pour in the milk, half and half, and seafood stock while stirring constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and is heated through, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Sauté Seafood: Using a large skillet on a separate burner, melt the remaining 2 ounces of butter and sauté the shrimp and chopped scallops. Cook and stir until they turn opaque, about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Add the sautéed shrimp and scallops to the soup base. Stir in the crab meat, white wine, paprika, and sugar. Let the chowder simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Turn off the heat afterward.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the chowder to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time enhances the flavors and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh seafood for best flavor and texture.
  • Adjust thickness by modulating the amount of flour or liquid if desired.
  • If unavailable, seafood stock can be replaced with clam juice or fish broth.
  • Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra paprika before serving.
  • This chowder pairs beautifully with crusty bread or oyster crackers.

Keywords: seafood chowder, creamy seafood soup, lobster chowder, shrimp scallop chowder, crab chowder, seafood soup, comfort food

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/creamy-seafood-chowder-recipe/