As the chill of evening settles in and the sun paints the sky with hues of orange and pink, I often crave something warm and nourishing to bring a little light into my kitchen. That’s when I discovered the magic of my Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder. Just picture it: the soft, delicate sweetness of fresh lobster mingling with tender scallops in a rich, savory broth. Each spoonful envelops you in a comforting hug, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive dish for entertaining friends.
What I love most is how effortlessly elegant this seafood delight comes together—in under an hour! With ingredients that bring the essence of the ocean right to your table, you’ll find it’s a straightforward recipe that transforms mere moments into unforgettable memories. So, let’s dive into this culinary adventure and savor the sea with every creamy bite!
Savor the Sea in every bite?
Simplicity: With just a handful of fresh ingredients, making this rich chowder is easier than you might think.
Luxurious Flavor: Each spoonful reveals the delicate sweetness of lobster paired with the tender scallops, utterly satisfying!
Quick Preparation: Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic option for a purposeful yet casual gathering.
Comforting Texture: Enjoy the creamy body of the broth, offering a hug in a bowl when chill sets in.
Versatile Options: Want to spice things up? Add a dash of cayenne or mix in colorful vegetables for an extra touch.
You’ll love serving this chowder with crusty bread for dipping or as a stunning centerpiece in your next dinner party!
Savor the Sea: Chowder Ingredients
• Gather the delicious essentials for creating this creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder.
For the Base
- Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the vegetables; substitute with butter for extra richness.
- Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth; no substitute recommended for best flavor.
- Celery – Provides aromatic contrast in texture; fennel can be used for a different taste.
- Garlic – Enhances all the flavors beautifully; fresh garlic gives the best results.
For Flavoring
- Thyme – Delivers a fragrant herbal note; dried thyme works if fresh is unavailable.
For Creaminess
- Potatoes – Adds structure and creaminess; cauliflower can be used as a lower-carb alternative.
- Seafood Stock – The rich broth base that gives a lovely umami flavor; vegetable broth offers a lighter touch.
- Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious, creamy texture; mix half with milk for a lighter chowder experience.
For the Star Ingredients
- Lobster Meat – Sweet and succulent; while fresh is best, canned can be a useful substitute.
- Scallops – Provide tender texture and mild flavor; feel free to swap shrimp if desired.
For Seasoning
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for adjusting flavor; using sea salt adds an extra flavor depth.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish; optional but highly recommended to elevate presentation.
Dive into the magic of these ingredients and don’t forget to savor the sea with every delicious bite of your chowder!
How to Make Lobster & Scallop Chowder
-
Heat Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
-
Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic and vibrant.
-
Incorporate Potatoes: Toss in the diced potatoes, followed by pouring in the seafood stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching closely.
-
Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or boiling over.
-
Stir Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to blend it smoothly into the chowder for that rich, creamy texture.
-
Fold Seafood: Carefully fold in the lobster and scallops, allowing them to cook for approximately 5 minutes until they turn opaque and tender.
-
Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preferred flavor profile. Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of paprika for an extra burst of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Lobster & Scallop Chowder?
Create a delightful dining experience with these perfect pairings that complement the creamy richness of your chowder.
- Crusty Bread: Ideal for dipping, crusty bread adds a satisfying texture and enhances the chowder’s flavors with every bite.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with citrus vinaigrette offers a bright contrast to the chowder’s creaminess, balancing the meal.
Pairing a crisp salad with the rich chowder brightens up the palate. Consider leafy greens like arugula or spinach, tossed with tomatoes and avocados for a burst of freshness.
-
Garlic Butter Shrimp: Enhance the seafood theme with succulent garlic butter shrimp, creating an indulgent dining experience that seafood lovers crave.
-
Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs complements the chowder beautifully, allowing each mouthful to blend the comforting textures and flavors effortlessly.
-
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay harmonizes with the creamy chowder, its crisp acidity cutting through richness, making each sip a pleasure.
Pairing this delightful white wine with your chowder elevates the meal into an extraordinary seaside dining experience.
- Lemon Tart: For dessert, a zesty lemon tart can provide a refreshing finish to your meal, cleansing the palate with its bright and tangy notes.
Each of these accompaniments enhances the overall meal, letting you savor the sea with every creamy bite!
How to Store and Freeze Lobster & Scallop Chowder
Fridge: Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to revive its rich texture.
Freezer: If you plan to freeze the chowder, do so in portions using freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months to maintain flavor and quality.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the chowder overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove. Avoid boiling to prevent seafood from becoming rubbery.
Reheating: Stir gently while warming to ensure even heating and restore the creamy consistency while enjoying your savory seafood experience!
Lobster & Scallop Chowder Variations
Feel free to make this chowder your own with these delightful twists that promise to enhance every creamy spoonful!
- Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream to create a rich, dairy-free version that still satisfies.
- Lower-Carb: Substitute potatoes with diced cauliflower for a lighter option that still offers a pleasant texture and flavor. Feel free to mix in some spinach for an added nutritional boost!
- Veggie Twist: Toss in sweet corn or diced carrots for a burst of color and sweetness that adds a delightful crunch. The sweet pops of corn are a fantastic contrast to the seafood!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a swirl of Sriracha to infuse a bit of heat, awakening your senses with every bite. For those who adore spicy flavors, this adds that extra zing!
- Herb Enhancement: Try replacing thyme with fresh dill or tarragon to give the chowder a refreshing herbal twist that brightens the overall flavor profile. The fragrant notes of dill will transport your taste buds to summer!
- Seafood Variety: Mix in shrimp or crab alongside the lobster and scallops for a seafood medley that deepens the oceanic experience. The variety not only adds different textures but also layers of flavor!
- Creamy Dream: For an indulgent twist, fold in a touch of cream cheese while stirring in the heavy cream for an even richer, cheesier base. It creates a delightful, velvety finish that hugs the seafood perfectly.
- Flavor Infusion: Infuse the seafood stock with a splash of white wine while simmering for a deeper umami flavor that adds a touch of sophistication to your chowder. The aroma alone will lift your spirits!
Explore these variations to find your favorite combination and create memorable moments around the dinner table!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder delights are perfect for busy home cooks seeking to save time! You can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Additionally, you can prepare the chowder base (without the seafood and cream) up to 3 days in advance; just simmer and refrigerate, then reheat gently before adding the seafood and cream when ready to serve. To maintain the chowder’s rich texture, avoid boiling after incorporating the cream and seafood. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply finish cooking for about 5 minutes, and you’ll have an indulgent, delicious meal with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Lobster & Scallop Chowder
- Perfectly Cooked Seafood: Avoid overcooking seafood to keep it tender. Aim for opaque and juicy pieces of lobster and scallops for the best texture.
- Thickening Tricks: If your chowder is too thin, blend a portion and stir it back in, or use a cornstarch slurry to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and herbs for a vibrant flavor. They truly enhance the essence of your chowder, making every spoonful a delight.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper gradually to avoid overpowering the delicate seafood flavors in your chowder.
- Storage Savvy: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream to restore that rich, creamy texture.
Now, with these expert tips, you’re ready to savor the sea with your Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder delight!
Savor the Sea: Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder Recipe FAQs
What type of seafood is best for this chowder?
Absolutely! Fresh lobster meat is the star of this chowder, offering a delicious sweetness that pairs beautifully with tender scallops. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute fresh lobster with canned lobster, but I recommend fresh for the best flavor. Scallops are essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture; if you’re unable to find them, shrimp is a delightful alternative.
How should I store leftovers of the chowder?
Very easy! Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to restore its luxurious richness and prevent it from thickening too much.
Can I freeze Lobster & Scallop Chowder?
Absolutely! To freeze the chowder, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave a bit of space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months to maintain flavor and quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove, avoiding boiling to keep the seafood tender.
How do I ensure my seafood is cooked perfectly?
To prevent overcooking, aim for seafood that’s just opaque and tender. Scallops should take about 5 minutes after folding them into the chowder; if they start to look rubbery, they’ve been overcooked. Keep an eye on the heat and remember, it’s better to undercook slightly and let it rest than to overdo it!
What if my chowder is too thin?
No worries! If your chowder turns out too thin, blend a portion of it in a blender until smooth, then stir it back into the pot to thicken. Alternatively, you can make a cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then stir that into the chowder and heat gently until thickened.
Is this chowder gluten-free?
Yes! This chowder is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat products. Just ensure your seafood stock is gluten-free when purchasing, or make your own at home for the best results! Enjoy this creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder delight without any worries!
Savor the Sea: Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for an additional minute until aromatic and vibrant.
- Toss in the diced potatoes, followed by pouring in the seafood stock. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, watching closely.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or boiling over.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to blend it smoothly into the chowder for that rich, creamy texture.
- Carefully fold in the lobster and scallops, allowing them to cook for approximately 5 minutes until they turn opaque and tender.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preferred flavor profile. Serve the chowder hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a lovely finishing touch.