Seafood Chowder: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe for Any Occasion

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .

Are you looking for a recipe that’s perfect for a cold winter’s day or a special occasion? Look no further than seafood chowder, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious seafood chowder that’s packed with fresh seafood, vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This seafood chowder recipe is a classic, with a rich and creamy broth that’s filled with tender chunks of seafood and vegetables. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite types of seafood and spices, so you can make it your own.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish to accompany your favorite seafood or meat dishes.

It’s also a great option for a party or gathering, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be served with a variety of crusty breads or crackers.

Ingredients

Here is everything you need to make this recipe from scratch.

2 tablespoons butter , this is used to sauté the onions and garlic, and adds a rich, creamy flavor to the broth.

1 medium onion, diced , this adds a sweet, savory flavor to the broth, and helps to thicken it.

3 cloves garlic, minced , this adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the broth, and helps to bring out the flavors of the seafood.

1 pound cod, cut into 1-inch pieces , this is the main protein source in the recipe, and provides a flaky, tender texture.

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined , this adds a sweet, succulent flavor to the broth, and provides a nice contrast in texture to the cod.

1/2 pound scallops, cut into 1-inch pieces , this adds a delicate, tender flavor to the broth, and provides a nice burst of freshness.

1/2 cup all-purpose flour , this is used to thicken the broth, and helps to create a rich, creamy texture.

1 cup fish stock , this provides a rich, savory flavor to the broth, and helps to bring out the flavors of the seafood.

1/2 cup heavy cream , this adds a rich, creamy texture to the broth, and helps to balance out the flavors.

1 teaspoon dried thyme , this adds a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the broth, and helps to bring out the flavors of the seafood.

1/2 teaspoon paprika , this adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the broth, and helps to add depth and complexity.

Salt and pepper, to taste , these are used to season the broth, and help to bring out the flavors of the seafood.

Why These Ingredients

Butter

The butter is used to sauté the onions and garlic, and adds a rich, creamy flavor to the broth. You can also use other types of fat, such as olive oil or coconut oil, but butter provides a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate.

When choosing a butter, look for a high-quality, salted butter that’s fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use unsalted butter, but you may need to add a bit more salt to the recipe to balance out the flavors.

Onion and Garlic

The onion and garlic are used to add a sweet, savory flavor to the broth, and help to thicken it. They’re also used to bring out the flavors of the seafood, and add a depth and complexity to the dish.

When choosing an onion, look for a sweet, mild variety that’s fresh and has a good flavor. You can also use other types of onions, such as yellow or red onions, but sweet onions provide a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate.

Cod, Shrimp, and Scallops

The cod, shrimp, and scallops are the main protein sources in the recipe, and provide a flaky, tender texture. They’re also used to add a sweet, succulent flavor to the broth, and provide a nice contrast in texture to each other.

When choosing seafood, look for fresh, sustainable options that are low in mercury and have a good flavor. You can also use other types of seafood, such as lobster or crab, but cod, shrimp, and scallops provide a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate.

Instructions

Let’s walk through every step in detail so your recipe turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Garlic , Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat, and sauté the onions and garlic until they’re softened and fragrant. This step is important because it helps to bring out the flavors of the seafood, and adds a rich, creamy texture to the broth.

Step 2: Add the Seafood , Add the cod, shrimp, and scallops to the pot, and cook until they’re opaque and flaky. This step is important because it helps to cook the seafood evenly, and prevents it from becoming tough or rubbery.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Stock , Add the flour to the pot, and stir to combine. Then, add the fish stock, and stir to combine.

This step is important because it helps to thicken the broth, and adds a rich, savory flavor.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Spices , Add the heavy cream to the pot, and stir to combine. Then, add the thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.

This step is important because it helps to balance out the flavors, and adds a rich, creamy texture to the broth.

Step 5: Simmer the Chowder , Bring the chowder to a simmer, and cook until it’s heated through and the flavors have melded together. This step is important because it helps to cook the seafood evenly, and prevents it from becoming tough or rubbery.

How To Serve

serve the seafood chowder in a bowl, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of paprika. This is a great option for a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion.

serve the seafood chowder with a side of crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta. This is a great option for a party or gathering, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be served with a variety of dips and spreads.

serve the seafood chowder with a side of salad, such as a green salad or a Caesar salad. This is a great option for a light and refreshing meal, or a special occasion.

serve the seafood chowder with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. This is a great option for a hearty and satisfying meal, or a special occasion.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

store the seafood chowder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. This is a great option for a party or gathering, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be served at room temperature.

Refrigerator

store the seafood chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great option for a weeknight dinner, or a special occasion.

Freezer

store the seafood chowder in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. This is a great option for a party or gathering, as it’s easy to make in large quantities and can be served at a later date.

Top Tips

Tip Title One

Use fresh, sustainable seafood to ensure the best flavor and texture.

You can also use other types of seafood, such as lobster or crab, but cod, shrimp, and scallops provide a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to replicate.

Tip Title Two

Don’t overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery.

Cook the seafood until it’s opaque and flaky, and then remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking.

Tip Title Three

Use a variety of spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to the broth.

You can use thyme, paprika, and salt and pepper to add a savory, slightly bitter flavor to the broth.

Tip Title Four

Don’t skip the step of sautéing the onions and garlic, as it helps to bring out the flavors of the seafood and adds a rich, creamy texture to the broth.

Use a high-quality butter or oil to sauté the onions and garlic, and cook them until they’re softened and fragrant.

Tip Title Five

Use a high-quality fish stock to add a rich, savory flavor to the broth.

You can use a store-bought fish stock, or make your own by simmering fish bones and vegetables in water.

Final Thoughts

Seafood chowder is a hearty and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich, creamy broth and tender chunks of seafood, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite.

Whether you’re serving it at a party or gathering, or just enjoying it on a cold winter’s night, seafood chowder is a recipe that’s sure to please.”