Creamy Scallop & Lobster Chowder 🍲✨
A luxurious, rich, and velvety seafood chowder that feels like a warm coastal hug in every spoonful. This comforting dish blends tender seared scallops, buttery lobster meat, and creamy potatoes into a symphony of flavors—perfect for cozy evenings or when you want to impress guests with something special.
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🧄 Ingredients
- ½ lb sea scallops, patted dry
- ½ lb cooked lobster meat, chopped (tail and claw pieces are best)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup diced potatoes (Yukon gold or russet)
- 2 cups seafood stock (or chicken broth if unavailable)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
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👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Sear the Scallops for Golden Goodness
Pat the scallops completely dry with paper towels—this ensures a nice sear. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place scallops in the pan without crowding. Sear for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly caramelized. Remove from pan and set aside. This quick sear adds a deep, restaurant-quality flavor that elevates the entire chowder.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and celery, and sauté until soft and fragrant—about 4–5 minutes. These simple ingredients form the aromatic base of the chowder, infusing every spoonful with cozy, savory flavor.
3️⃣ Simmer the Broth and Potatoes
Add the diced potatoes, seafood stock, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. The starch from the potatoes naturally thickens the chowder, giving it that creamy texture we love.
4️⃣ Cream It Up & Add the Seafood Love
Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, mixing until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped lobster meat and the seared scallops. Allow the chowder to simmer for 3–5 more minutes, just long enough for the seafood to heat through and the flavors to meld into a silky, luxurious consistency. Be careful not to boil after adding the cream to avoid curdling.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve It Right
Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Ladle the chowder into warm bowls, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Pair it with crusty bread, oyster crackers, or buttery garlic toast to complete your seafood feast.
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🕒 Quick Info
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous bowls
🍽️ Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: ~510 per serving
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~32g
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💡 Tips for Perfection
- For extra richness, add a splash of dry white wine when sautéing the onions.
- Substitute shrimp or crab meat for variety or if lobster isn’t available.
- If you prefer a thicker chowder, mash a few cooked potatoes before adding the cream.
- Garnish with a drizzle of melted butter or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a gourmet finish.
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This Creamy Scallop & Lobster Chowder captures the essence of the sea in one pot—a smooth, velvety, and indulgent dish perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave something extraordinary. Each spoonful bursts with sweet lobster, tender scallops, and comforting creamy broth—pure bliss in a bowl. 🦞✨
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