Imagine diving into a warm bowl of Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder, where rich seafood flavors swirl together with creamy goodness like a cozy hug for your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing you with hints of butter, garlic, and a touch of ocean breeze, making it impossible to resist.
This chowder isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of life’s little pleasures. Picture yourself enjoying this velvety soup on a chilly evening while reminiscing about beach vacations or family gatherings where laughter and love were served alongside the food. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this chowder promises an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike
- Its rich flavors will impress any guest at your dinner table
- The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it visually stunning and enticing
- Versatile enough to be served as a starter or a hearty main course, this chowder hits all the right notes for any occasion
Ingredients for Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Lobster Meat: Fresh lobster adds a sweet, succulent flavor that elevates the chowder. Opt for pre-cooked lobster meat for convenience.
Sea Scallops: Choose large sea scallops for their meaty texture; they cook beautifully in the chowder.
Butter: A generous helping of butter enhances richness; use unsalted to control the saltiness.
Onion: Finely chopped onion provides sweetness and depth; yellow onions work best.
Celery: Diced celery adds crunch and freshness; make sure it’s tender and crisp.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic warmth to the dish; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
Potatoes: Diced potatoes create heartiness; Yukon Gold or red potatoes are excellent choices due to their creamy texture when cooked.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious texture every chowder needs—go full-fat for maximum creaminess!
Fish Stock or Broth: This adds an ocean-inspired base; homemade is great but store-bought works too!
Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse deep flavors into the chowder; remember to remove them before serving!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add diced onion and celery, cooking until soft, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Potatoes
Toss in the diced potatoes along with fish stock or broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook until potatoes are tender—about ten minutes should do the trick.
Step 3: Introduce Seafood
Once potatoes are ready, add in the lobster meat and scallops with bay leaves. Allow everything to simmer gently for another five minutes so those flavors can mingle happily.
Step 4: Pour in Cream
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper according to taste—remember, you want that sweet spot between flavorful and overwhelming!
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove bay leaves carefully (trust me, nobody wants an unexpected leaf surprise). Give your chowder one last stir before serving—it should be thickened beautifully by now.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Ladle your Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder into bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired—this adds a pop of color that makes your masterpiece shine!
Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful chowder as it warms you from the inside out!
You Must Know
- This creamy lobster & scallop chowder is not just a delight for the taste buds; it’s an experience
- Rich, hearty, and loaded with seafood goodness, this chowder will make your kitchen feel like a coastal paradise
- Ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Next, sear the lobster and scallops in a separate pan for that perfect caramelization. While they cook, simmer the broth to enhance flavors before adding cream for lusciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the seafood! Shrimp or crab can be delightful alternatives. Add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A splash of sherry can also elevate the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh seafood whenever possible for the best flavor in your creamy lobster & scallop chowder
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing to achieve that lovely golden crust
- Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go for a perfectly balanced chowder
The first time I made this creamy lobster & scallop chowder, my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” They even tried to convince me to start a food blog—a crazy idea then, but here we are!
FAQs :
What are the key ingredients in Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder?
The key ingredients for a flavorful creamy lobster & scallop chowder include fresh lobster meat, succulent scallops, creamy milk or heavy cream, diced potatoes, and aromatic vegetables like onion, celery, and garlic. Seasoning with herbs such as thyme and bay leaves enhances the chowder’s flavor profile. You can also add corn for sweetness and a touch of paprika for color. Ensuring the seafood is fresh makes a significant difference in the overall taste of your chowder.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder?
Preparing creamy lobster & scallop chowder typically takes about 30 minutes for prep work and approximately 30 minutes of cooking time. However, if you are using pre-cooked lobster meat or scallops, you can reduce the cooking time by several minutes. The entire process from start to finish usually takes around one hour. This makes it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Can I make Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can make creamy lobster & scallop chowder ahead of time. Prepare it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery. If you’re planning to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream until you reheat it to maintain its texture.
What can I serve with Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder?
Creamy lobster & scallop chowder pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or homemade biscuits. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chowder nicely. You can also serve it alongside a glass of chilled white wine for an elegant dining experience. These sides enhance your meal while balancing flavors and textures.
Conclusion for Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder :
Creamy lobster & scallop chowder is a luxurious dish that combines rich flavors with comforting textures. It features fresh seafood, creamy broth, and aromatic vegetables that create a delightful experience in every bite. Preparing this chowder is straightforward and can be done within an hour, making it perfect for any occasion. By following these tips and using fresh ingredients, you will impress your family and friends with this delectable dish that warms hearts as much as palates. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Experience the warmth of coastal cuisine with this Creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder. This indulgent dish combines succulent lobster and tender scallops in a rich, velvety broth infused with aromatic vegetables and herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or special gatherings, each spoonful promises to warm your heart and delight your palate.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lobster meat (fresh or pre-cooked)
- 1 cup large sea scallops
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (diced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 4 cups fish stock or broth
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add onion and celery; cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add diced potatoes and fish stock; bring to a gentle simmer. Cook until potatoes are tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Introduce lobster meat, scallops, and bay leaves to the pot. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream until fully blended. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Remove bay leaves before serving; ladle chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Coastal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
