Lobster Chowder Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lobster chowder is the perfect indulgence for seafood lovers. The creamy texture and rich lobster flavor make it a luxurious dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. The addition of Old Bay seasoning enhances the seafood flavor, and the buttery roux gives the chowder a silky, smooth finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lobster meat, cooked and chopped
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.

  2. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

  3. Add Broth: Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

  4. Add Cream and Lobster: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the lobster meat, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes to heat the lobster through.

  5. Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the lobster with cooked mushrooms or other plant-based proteins to create a vegetarian version of this chowder.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
  • Corn Chowder: Add 1–2 cups of fresh or frozen corn to the chowder for a sweeter, heartier dish.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the chowder thickens too much during storage, add a little more broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

How can I make the chowder thicker?

To thicken the chowder, add more flour to the roux or cook the chowder longer to allow it to reduce. You can also puree some of the vegetables with a hand blender to naturally thicken the soup.

Can I use frozen lobster meat?

Yes, frozen lobster meat works perfectly fine. Just be sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the chowder.

Can I make lobster chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chowder in advance and store it in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat it before serving.

What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, you can use a blend of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper as a substitute.

Can I freeze lobster chowder?

Lobster chowder doesn’t freeze very well because of the cream, which can separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

What type of broth is best for this recipe?

You can use either seafood broth or chicken broth. Seafood broth will give the chowder a richer, more pronounced seafood flavor, but chicken broth works well if that’s what you have available.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can use a lighter cream or a combination of milk and cream to reduce the fat content. Alternatively, use a lower-fat broth and skip the butter.

Can I add more vegetables to the chowder?

Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

What kind of bread goes well with lobster chowder?

Crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, pairs wonderfully with lobster chowder. You can also serve it with garlic bread for an extra flavor boost.

Can I use fresh lobster instead of cooked lobster?

Absolutely! You can use fresh lobster, but you’ll need to cook it first before chopping it into pieces for the chowder.

Conclusion

Lobster chowder is a rich and indulgent dish that combines the sweetness of lobster with the creamy comfort of a classic chowder. It’s a simple yet sophisticated recipe that’s perfect for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home. Whether you enjoy it as a starter or the main course, this chowder is sure to impress anyone at your table.

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Lobster Chowder Recipe

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Lobster chowder is a luxurious and comforting seafood dish featuring tender lobster meat, a creamy broth, and aromatic vegetables. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this rich chowder combines sweet lobster with a velvety texture, enhanced by Old Bay seasoning and a silky roux. Make this indulgent, restaurant-quality dish at home with simple ingredients and easy steps. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with crusty bread.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lobster meat, cooked and chopped
  • 4 cups seafood or chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

  • Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well to coat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.

  • Add Broth: Gradually pour in the seafood or chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

  • Add Cream and Lobster: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the lobster meat, Old Bay seasoning (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to heat the lobster through.

  • Serve: Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the lobster with cooked mushrooms or plant-based proteins.
  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste for a spicy version.
  • Corn Chowder: Add 1-2 cups of corn for a heartier dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Soup/Seafood
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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