With big chunks of seasoned fish and potatoes, this is hands down the best Seafood Chowder recipe ever. It is thick, creamy, and full of flavor.
This is hands-down my favorite seafood chowder recipe (including seafood chowders that I have had in restaurants). The best thing about it is that you can use what you have on hand! Last time we made this we stirred in some fresh lobster and oh. my. gosh. it was delicious. Crab meat would be a great addition too. You can also add other ingredients like corn or bacon if you would like (I like the flavor of this JUST how it is but if you want to add more, please do)! This recipe is pretty similar to our Clam Chowder recipe, except it is easier and a little more versatile. Sometimes I saute the fish and shrimp in some butter to get a little crust around each piece, which makes it extra delicious but it adds another step. Do what you like– you really can’t go wrong!
- 1/4 c. butter
- 1 c. celery finely diced
- 1 c. onions finely diced
- 1 c. leeks finely diced
- 1 Tbsp. garlic minced
- 3 c. chicken broth
- ¾ c. clam juice
- 3-4 red potatoes diced (Yukon potatoes work great too)
- 1 c. carrots finely diced
- ¾ Tbsp. ground black pepper
- 1½ Tbsp. Kosher salt
- ¾ Tbsp. thyme
- 6 bay leaves
- 4 shakes Tabasco sauce
- Old Bay seasoning to taste
- 1 Lb. shrimp uncooked, peeled, de-veined
- 1-2 Lbs. cod or halibut or haddock, cut into 1/2-inch cubed
- 2 quarts half & half
- 1/2 c. flour
- 1 c. milk
- salt & pepper to taste
- In a large dutch oven or stock pot, melt butter and add celery, onions, leeks and garlic. When vegetables have softened, add chicken broth, clam juice, potatoes, carrots, black pepper, salt, thyme, bay leaves, and Tabasco sauce. Bring to a boil and reduce heat so medium-low to simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are almost fork-tender.
- Season shrimp and cod with Old Bay seasoning. Add shrimp and cod to the stock-pot and simmer another 7-8 minutes or until fish flakes easily and shrimp turns pink.
- Add half and half. Combine flour and milk until flour is dissolved and slowly stir into the chowder until you reach your desired thickness (you may not need all of it). Stir until thickened and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove bay leaves and serve!
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Liz says
A nice soup recipe. Thank you.
Terry says
How much Old Bay do you like to use? Thanks.
Erica says
Approximately a teaspoon, but usually I just sprinkle it on until it looks like it is well seasoned. Does that make sense?
Amber says
Could you use crawfish tails or catfish filets instead of the cod?
Erica says
Absolutely! You can add whatever seafood that you think would go well!
Linda says
How many cups or servings does this make? It looks like quite a lot.
Erica says
It makes about 6-8
Jackie says
Hubby is allergic to clams. Is there anything I can substitute for the clam juice?
Erica says
You can use chicken broth
Carol Ann says
I am trying this tonight with shrimp and scallops. Also have to make a few changes due to food allergies. Can’t wait to try this!
Faye Ratter says
I’m from Australia
Faye Ratter says
I’m from Australia can you give me a substitute for old bay seasoning we don’t have it in Australia.Faye
Favorite Family Recipes says
You can use any kind of seafood or all-purpose seasoning salt if you can’t find “Old Bay” brand. Hope this helps!
France says
In your ingredients list, you mention the quantity “c” . I am not familiar with it. Is it a cup? Thank you.
Favorite Family Recipes says
Yes, c = cup Hope that helps!
Michelle S. says
This chowder was really good! I followed the recipe, except left out the leek. My young kids even liked it! Will definitely make again soon!