Creamy Lobster and Scallop Chowder Recipe

Welcome to a culinary celebration with our flavorful and comforting Lobster Scallop Chowder! This creamy and rich chowder, with sweet bites of lobster and scallops, is elevated with the fresh and vibrant flavor of dill, making every spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, this chowder is sure to impress with its layers of seafood goodness.

Creating a warm and memorable meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Our Lobster Scallop Chowder recipe is surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for turning any ordinary evening into a festive occasion. The addition of fresh dill adds a light and refreshing touch to this hearty winter soup, making it a favorite for both adults and kids alike. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor a bowl of this ultimate seafood comfort food.

Embrace the coastal charm of New England and Atlantic Canada with our take on this classic seafood chowder. By incorporating lobster and scallops, we’ve elevated this dish to a luxurious treat fit for any special day. Whether you follow the recipe to a tee or opt for personal twists like shrimp or white fish, this Lobster Scallop Chowder promises a bowlful of happiness in under an hour. So, bring out the bread or crackers, squeeze some lemon, and get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure seafood bliss!

Quick Benefits

• Rich and Layered Flavors: The chowder is thick, rich, and layered with sweet bits of seafood, complemented by the comforting flavor of fresh dill.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its luxurious taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to pull together on a weeknight, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or a celebration.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily swap in different seafood such as shrimp or white fish, adjust the creaminess by using half and half, and play around with garnishes like crème fraîche and herbed olive oil.
• Traditional and Authentic: This seafood chowder pays homage to classic dishes from New England and Atlantic Canada, incorporating the best local and fresh ingredients for a truly celebratory meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Lobster and Scallop Chowder Recipe Recipe

• Rich and Indulgent: This creamy lobster scallop chowder is a luxurious dish that feels like a celebration with its layers of sweet seafood and comforting flavors.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: Despite its gourmet appeal, this chowder is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy family meal on a busy weeknight.
• Fresh Dill Infusion: The addition of fresh dill elevates the chowder, adding a light and almost spring-like freshness to the dish.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping lobster for shrimp or white fish, making it adaptable to your preferences and what’s available.
• Traditional Yet Special: Inspired by New England and Atlantic Canada seafood chowder traditions, this recipe adds a celebratory twist with the addition of lobster and scallops, perfect for special occasions.
• Quick and Convenient: Ready in under an hour, this chowder is a cozy dinner option that can turn any evening into a special treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect Pairings: Enjoy this chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping, or elevate it for a dinner party by adding swirls of crème fraîche, extra dill, lemon wedges, or a drizzle of herbed olive oil.

Ingredients for Creamy Lobster and Scallop Chowder Recipe

Seafood

• 200 g sea scallops, halved
• 200 g cooked lobster meat, chopped

Base

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Liquids

• 240 ml heavy cream
• 120 ml whole milk
• 500 ml seafood stock or fish stock

Vegetables & Seasoning

• 120 ml corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Pro Tips for Creamy Lobster and Scallop Chowder Recipe

When making Lobster Scallop Chowder, remember to thaw frozen lobster meat beforehand for the best texture and flavor. To enhance the seafood taste, opt for seafood or fish stock over other alternatives. It’s crucial to add the scallops near the end of cooking to keep them juicy and just opaque. If fresh corn isn’t available, frozen corn works well, providing a sweet and textural element to the chowder. Serve this creamy dish with crusty bread or oyster crackers to soak up all the delicious flavors.

For a festive presentation, consider floating a swirl of crème fraîche and scattering extra dill on top of the chowder. Lemon wedges are a must for serving, adding a bright and zesty touch to the dish. If feeling extra fancy, drizzle herbed olive oil over the chowder. This recipe offers a cozy meal that feels like a special treat in under an hour, perfect for any occasion from celebrations to everyday family dinners.

How to Make Creamy Lobster and Scallop Chowder Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, heat butter and olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Potatoes

Cook diced potatoes in the pot for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Simmer Broth

Add seafood stock to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Dairy and Vegetables

Combine heavy cream, milk, and corn kernels in a saucepan. Heat gently over low heat without boiling.

Step 5: Add Seafood

Add the chopped lobster and halved scallops to the pot. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the scallops are opaque.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Season with salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Storage Tips

After preparing the creamy lobster scallop chowder, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove, stirring often to prevent the dairy from separating. If you plan to freeze the chowder, do so before adding the cream and milk. When ready to enjoy frozen portions, add fresh dairy while reheating to preserve the best texture.

To enhance or modify the dish, consider swapping lobster for shrimp or adding more scallops. Alternatively, firm white fish like cod or haddock can be used. If seafood stock is unavailable, vegetable or chicken broth can be substituted, although the flavor may be milder. For a lighter option, use half and half instead of heavy cream or add extra potatoes for increased thickness. Enjoy the chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers, and for a fancier presentation, consider floating a swirl of crème fraîche, scattering extra dill, or drizzling herbed olive oil over the top, with lemon wedges on the side to serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have lobster, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, more scallops, or even firm white fish like cod or haddock. This swap will still give you a delicious seafood chowder experience. Additionally, if you don’t have seafood stock on hand, you can use vegetable or chicken broth as an alternative, though the flavor may be slightly different. For a lighter version of the chowder, consider using half and half instead of heavy cream or adding extra potatoes to thicken the soup.

When fresh corn is not available, feel free to use frozen corn kernels as a convenient substitute. They will add sweetness and texture to the chowder just like fresh corn would. Serving the chowder with crusty bread or oyster crackers is a wonderful way to complement the creamy dish. These bread options are perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich flavors of the chowder, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Lobster Scallop Chowder, consider serving it in bread bowls for a cozy and comforting presentation. Hollow out a round loaf of crusty bread, ladle the creamy chowder inside, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon for a delightful meal experience that will impress your guests.

For a sophisticated dinner party twist, serve the Lobster Scallop Chowder in individual mini sourdough bread bowls. The personal-sized portions add a touch of elegance to the dish, perfect for a special occasion or gathering. Pair the mini bread bowls with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone wanting more.

FAQs for Creamy Lobster and Scallop Chowder Recipe

Can I use a different type of seafood if I don’t have lobster?

Absolutely! You can swap in shrimp, more scallops, or even firm white fish like cod or haddock as alternatives to lobster in this chowder.

How should I store leftovers of this lobster scallop chowder?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent the dairy from separating.

Can I use vegetable or chicken broth instead of seafood stock?

Yes, you can use vegetable or chicken broth if seafood stock is not available. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be milder compared to using seafood stock.

What can I serve with this creamy lobster scallop chowder?

This chowder pairs well with crusty bread or oyster crackers for dipping. For a dinner party, you can float a swirl of crème fraîche and scatter extra dill on top. Lemon wedges on the side are a must, and for an extra touch, consider drizzling herbed olive oil over the chowder.

Conclusion

I hope this Lobster Scallop Chowder recipe brings a touch of celebration to your table, just like it does for my family. The combination of sweet lobster, succulent scallops, and aromatic dill creates a rich and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Remember, feel free to customize this chowder to your liking by swapping in different seafood or adjusting the dairy components to suit your preferences.

Whether you’re preparing this chowder for a special gathering or simply as a cozy family meal, the flavors and textures in every spoonful are sure to delight. So don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and savor the warmth and joy it brings with each delicious bite of Lobster Scallop Chowder. Cheers to good food and happy memories shared around the table!