Seafood chowder is a warm, creamy soup with tender fish, shrimp, and sometimes clams. It’s thick, comforting, and full of delicious seafood flavor in every spoonful.
I like making it on cold days—nothing beats a hot bowl of chowder to make me feel cozy. I sometimes add a splash of lemon for extra zing!
If you want it quick, use pre-cooked seafood and fresh herbs. It’s easy to enjoy a tasty meal that looks fancy but is simple to make at home.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and white fish): I use a mix for the best flavor and texture. Fresh or frozen works fine—just thaw and pat dry. If seafood isn’t your thing, cooked chicken or tofu can be a good substitute.
Potatoes: They add heartiness and help thicken the chowder. Use Russets or Idaho potatoes for creaminess. Sweet potatoes can be a tasty alternative if you want a sweeter twist.
Clam broth or seafood stock: This brings the essential seafood flavor. If unavailable, chicken broth plus a splash of clam juice or Worcestershire can work well.
Heavy cream or milk: Cream gives richness, but milk thickened with a touch of flour makes a lighter option. Evaporated milk is also a good substitute for a creamy texture.
Vegetables (onions, celery, carrots): They build the base flavor. Use fresh for best taste. Frozen mixed vegetables are handy if you don’t have fresh. Keep the pieces small so they cook evenly.
How do I thicken the chowder without making it gloopy?
To thicken smoothly, mix a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry. Add it to the hot chowder and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes until it’s thickened without lumps. Start with less—you can add more if needed.
- Step 1: Mix flour or cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- Step 2: Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering chowder while stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens smoothly.
How to Make Seafood Chowder?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Seafood
- 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, fish fillets)
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Dairy & Liquids
- 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 mins, Cooking time: 30 mins, Total: 40 mins
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients
Chop the onion, carrots, celery, and mince the garlic. Measure out your seafood and seasonings.
2. Sauté vegetables
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
3. Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in garlic and thyme. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
4. Pour in broth
Add the seafood broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add seafood and cream
Stir in seafood and heavy cream. Cook for another 10 minutes until seafood is cooked through.
6. Season and serve
Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot with bread if desired.
