Here’s a rich, creamy Lobster & Scallop Chowder recipe that’s perfect for a cozy, luxurious meal:
🦞 Lobster & Scallop Chowder
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
🧾 Ingredients:
Seafood:
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1 lobster tail (or 1 whole cooked lobster), meat removed and chopped
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8–10 sea scallops, tough muscle removed, cut into halves or quarters if large
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Optional: ½ lb cooked shrimp or crab for extra seafood richness
Base:
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4 slices bacon, chopped
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2 tbsp butter
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
Vegetables:
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2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 ear of corn (or ¾ cup frozen kernels)
Liquids:
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1½ cups seafood stock (or clam juice)
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1 cup whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup dry white wine (optional but recommended)
Finishing:
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Chopped fresh chives or parsley, for garnish
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Lemon wedges, for serving
🍲 Instructions:
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Cook Bacon:
In a large soup pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1–2 tbsp of fat in the pot. -
Sauté Veggies:
Add butter, onions, and celery to the pot. Cook until soft (about 5–7 minutes). Add garlic, thyme, and paprika; cook for another 1 minute. -
Deglaze & Simmer:
Pour in the white wine, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for 2 minutes. -
Add Potatoes & Stock:
Add diced potatoes, corn, and seafood stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until potatoes are tender. -
Add Dairy:
Stir in milk and cream. Heat gently—do not boil. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. -
Add Seafood:
Add scallops and lobster meat. Simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, until scallops are opaque and tender. -
Finish:
Return bacon to the pot (or sprinkle on top when serving). Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
🥖 Serving Suggestions:
Serve with crusty sourdough bread or oyster crackers. A glass of Chardonnay or a crisp pilsner pairs beautifully.