Best 9 Simple Fish Chowder Recipes

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Indulge in the comforting warmth of a classic New England-style fish chowder, a hearty and flavorful seafood stew that's perfect for a cozy meal. This seafood extravaganza features a medley of tender fish, succulent shrimp, and briny clams, all simmering in a creamy, flavorful broth enhanced with aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices. As the chowder gently simmers, the seafood releases its essence, infusing the broth with a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. Served piping hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping, this simple yet satisfying fish chowder is sure to become a family favorite.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NEW ENGLAND FISH CHOWDER



New England Fish Chowder image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h55m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 24

4 ounces meaty salt pork, rind removed and cut into 1/3-inch dice
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, cut into 3/4-inch dice
6 to 8 sprigs fresh summer savory or thyme, leaves removed and chopped (1 tablespoon)
2 dried bay leaves
2 pounds all-purpose potatoes such as Yukon gold, peeled and sliced 1/3-inch thick
5 cups Strong Fish Stock, recipe follows
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper
3 pounds skinless haddock or cod fillets, preferably over 1-inch thick, pin bones removed
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, very thinly sliced
4 stalks celery, very thinly sliced
2 medium carrots, peeled and very thinly sliced
2 dried bay leaves
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves and stems
6 to 8 sprigs fresh thyme
2 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 large (6 inches long or more) or 2 small (4 inches long or less) fish heads from cod or haddock, split lengthwise, gills removed and rinsed clean of any blood.
2 1/2 to 3 pounds fish bones from sole, flounder, bass and/or halibut, cut into 2-inch pieces and rinsed clean of any blood
1/4 cup dry white wine
Kosher or sea salt

Steps:

  • Heat a 4 to 6 quart heavy pot over low heat and add the diced salt pork. Once it has rendered a few tablespoons of fat, increase the heat to medium and cook until the pork is a crisp golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cracklings to a small ovenproof dish; reserve.
  • Add the butter, onions, savory or thyme, and bay leaves to the fat in the pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until the onions have softened but not browned, about 8 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes and stock. If the stock doesn't cover the potatoes, add a little water. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Cover the pot and boil the potatoes vigorously until they are soft on the outside but still firm in the center, about 10 minutes. If the stock hasn't thickened slightly, smash a few of the potato slices against the side of the pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and season assertively with salt and pepper (you want to almost over season at this point in order to avoid having to stir once the fish is added). Add the fish fillets and cook over a low heat until the fish is almost done, 5 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the chowder to sit for 10 minutes (the fish will finish cooking during this time).
  • Gently stir in the cream and taste for salt and pepper. If you are not serving the chowder within the hour, let it cool a bit, then refrigerate (only cover the chowder after it has chilled completely). Otherwise, let it sit for up to an hour at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • When ready to serve, reheat the chowder over a low heat; don't let it boil. Warm the cracklings in a low oven (220 degrees F) for a few minutes.
  • Use a slotted spoon to mound the chunks of fish, the onions, and potatoes in the center of large soup plates or shallow bowls, ladle the creamy broth around and scatter the cracklings over top. Finish each serving with a sprinkling of chopped parsley and minced chives.
  • Melt the butter in a heavy 7 to 8-quart stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorns and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the vegetables become very soft without browning, about 8 minutes.
  • Place the fish head on the vegetables and stack the fish frames evenly on top. Pour in the wine, cover the pot tightly and let the bones sweat until they have turned completely white, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Add enough very hot or boiling water (approximately 2 quarts) to just barely cover the bones. Give the mixture a gentle stir and allow the brew to come to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered, carefully skimming off any white foam that comes to the surface (try to leave the herbs, spices and vegetables in the pot).
  • Remove the pot from the stove, stir the stock again and allow it to steep undisturbed for 10 minutes. Ladle through a fine-mesh strainer and season lightly with salt. If you are not going to be using the stock within the hour, chill it as quickly as possible.
  • Cover the stock after it is thoroughly chilled (it will have a light jellied consistency) and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

SEAFOOD CHOWDER



Seafood Chowder image

Provided by Ina Garten

Time 2h10m

Yield 3 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 26

1 pound large shrimp (32 to 36 per pound), peeled and deveined (save shells for stock)
1/2 pound scallops
1/2 pound monkfish
1/2 pound fresh lump crabmeat, picked over to remove shells
1/4 pound unsalted butter
1 cup peeled and medium-diced carrots (4 carrots)
1/2 cup medium-diced yellow onion (1 onion)
1 cup medium-diced celery (3 stalks)
1 cup medium-diced small white or red potatoes
1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 recipe Seafood Stock, recipe follows
1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
2 tablespoons minced parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons good olive oil
Shells from 1 pound large shrimp
2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
2 carrots, unpeeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup good white wine
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
10 sprigs fresh thyme, including stems

Steps:

  • Cut the shrimp, scallops, and monkfish into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with the crabmeat.
  • In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter; add the carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and corn and saute over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are barely cooked, stirring occasionally. Add the flour; reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 3 minutes. Add the Seafood Stock and bring to a boil. Add the seafood; reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7 to 10 minutes, until the fish is just cooked. Add the heavy cream, if desired, and the parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
  • Warm the oil in a stockpot over medium heat. Add the shrimp shells, onions, carrots, and celery and saute for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook 2 more minutes. Add 1 1/2 quarts of water, the white wine, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour. Strain through a sieve, pressing the solids. You should have approximately 1 quart of stock. You can make up the difference with water or wine if you need to.

NEW ENGLAND FISH CHOWDER



New England Fish Chowder image

This recipe was handed down by my mother, although I have changed it a bit. This really reflects our region, since New England is famous for its fish.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 45m

Yield about 4-1/2 quarts.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup butter, divided
3 medium onions, sliced
5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 cups boiling water
2 pounds haddock, cut into large chunks
4 cups milk
1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
Additional salt and pepper, optional

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Cook onions until tender but not browned. Add the potatoes, salt, pepper and water. Top with fish. Simmer, covered, until potatoes are fork-tender, 20-25 minutes. , In a large saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until bubbles form around side of saucepan. Stir in evaporated milk and remaining butter; add to fish and potato mixture. If desired, season with additional salt and pepper. Heat through.

Nutrition Facts :

FAVORITE FISH CHOWDER



Favorite Fish Chowder image

Economics had a lot to do with what we ate when I was growing up in New Hampshire during the Depression. Money may have been scarce, but fish was plentiful and affordable, so that's how we began eating this fish chowder. When meat rationing came along in World War II, fish chowder again became a staple in our household. -Fran Gustafson, Bethesda, Maryland

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 35m

Yield 16 servings (4 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup butter, cubed
4 cups water
6 cups cubed peeled potatoes
2 pounds cod fillets, cut into large chunks
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups milk
2 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
2-1/2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons pepper
Minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute onion in butter. Add water and bring to a boil. Add potatoes; cook for 10 minutes. Add fish and lemon juice; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add milk, evaporated milk, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 48mg cholesterol, Sodium 496mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.

SIMPLE SEAFOOD CHOWDER



Simple seafood chowder image

A chunky, creamy soup with salmon and smoked haddock, mixed shellfish and potatoes - a hearty meal

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, chopped
100g streaky bacon, chopped
1 tbsp plain flour
600ml fish stock, made from 1 fish stock cube
225g new potato, halved
pinch mace
pinch cayenne pepper
300ml milk
320g pack fish pie mix (salmon, haddock and smoked haddock)
4 tbsp single cream
250g pack cooked mixed shellfish
small bunch parsley, chopped
crusty bread, to serve

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, then add the onion and bacon. Cook for 8-10 mins until the onion is soft and the bacon is cooked. Stir in the flour, then cook for a further 2 mins.
  • Pour in the fish stock and bring it up to a gentle simmer. Add the potatoes, cover, then simmer for 10-12 mins until the potatoes are cooked through.
  • Add the mace, cayenne pepper and some seasoning, then stir in the milk.
  • Tip the fish pie mix into the pan, gently simmer for 4 mins. Add the cream and shellfish, then simmer for 1 min more. Check the seasoning. Sprinkle with the parsley and serve with some crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 422 calories, Fat 19 grams fat, SaturatedFat 6 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 21 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 41 grams protein, Sodium 2.3 milligram of sodium

COUNTRY FISH CHOWDER



Country Fish Chowder image

You'll think you're on Cape Cod when you taste this thick, wholesome chowder made from a recipe I've treasured for many years. It's one of my husband's favorites. He likes it more and more because over the years I've "customized" the basic recipe by including ingredients he enjoys. -Linda Lazaroff, Hebron, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 40m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup chopped onion
4 bacon strips, chopped
3 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, undrained
1 can (6-1/2 ounces) chopped clams, undrained
3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound fish fillets (haddock, cod or flounder), cooked and broken into pieces
Crumbled cooked bacon, optional
Minced chives, optional

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, cook onion and bacon over medium heat until bacon is crisp; drain. Add milk, corn, clams, potatoes, butter, salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes., Stir in fish and heat through. Ladle into bowls. If desired, top with bacon and chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 calories, Fat 12g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 57mg cholesterol, Sodium 598mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

FISH CHOWDER



Fish Chowder image

The fishermen of Bodega Bay, California shared this favorite, quick and easy recipe with my sister during a Fish Festival. It is one of the best chowders I've had, and my kids love it too! We top with bacon bits and a few shakes of hot sauce for a little spice. Enjoy!

Provided by AMYTHE

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Chowders     Fish Chowder Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons butter
2 cups chopped onion
4 fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 stalk celery, chopped
4 cups chicken stock
4 cups diced potatoes
2 pounds cod, diced into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup clam juice
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning TM, or to taste
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
2 (12 fluid ounce) cans evaporated milk
¼ cup cooked crumbled bacon

Steps:

  • In a large stockpot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Saute onions, mushrooms and celery in butter until tender.
  • Add chicken stock and potatoes; simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Add fish, and simmer another 10 minutes.
  • Mix together clam juice and flour until smooth; stir into soup and simmer for 1 minute more. Season to taste with Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat, and stir in evaporated milk. Top each bowl with crumbled bacon, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 386.1 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Cholesterol 83.5 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 31.9 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 748 mg, Sugar 12.3 g

FISH CHOWDER



Fish Chowder image

You'll often find one-pot meals in Gullah cuisine, and this fish stew is definitely that! Creamy, smoky, and slightly sweet, it's packed with corn, potatoes, bacon and cod. It also feeds a crowd as an appetizer or main dish.

Provided by Kardea Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 appetizer servings; 4 to 6 main dish servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 slices thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon, diced, plus more cooked, crumbled bacon for garnish, optional
3 stalks celery, sliced
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups seafood or vegetable stock
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds cod or other firm white fish, cut into bite-size pieces
Chopped fresh dill and chives, for garnish

Steps:

  • Place a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until the fat begins to render but the bacon is still soft, about 5 minutes. Add the celery and onion and cook until the bacon is crisp and the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic.
  • Add the butter and flour and stir until combined. Cook until the flour is bubbly, about 2 minutes. Slowly add the stock and whisk until combined. Whisk in the heavy cream.
  • Add the corn, potatoes and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Add the fish to the Dutch oven. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the fish flakes with a fork, 5 to 7 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with dill and chives. Sprinkle with additional crumbled bacon, if desired.

EASY FISH CHOWDER



Easy Fish Chowder image

A belly-warmer for the long cold days of winter and a meal in itself...Serve with some oyster crackers!

Provided by CookinwithGas

Categories     Chowders

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 lbs haddock fillets
3 cups water
4 cups potatoes, 1/2 inch chunks
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • Place haddock and water in a dutch oven and heat to boiling.
  • Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer approximately 10-15 minutes or until the fish is white and flakes easily.
  • Remove the halibut, reserving (set aside) the 'broth' (liquid); cut the haddock into bite size pieces.
  • Return 1 CUP of the reserved broth to the dutch oven.
  • Add the potatoes, onion and green pepper and simmer 15 minutes or just until the potatoes are tender.
  • Add the remaining broth, the haddock, tomato, milk, salt and pepper.
  • Heat until hot, but do not boil; sprinkle with cheese before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 192.4, Fat 1.7, SaturatedFat 0.7, Cholesterol 67.8, Sodium 141.8, Carbohydrate 17.3, Fiber 2.2, Sugar 3.4, Protein 26.1

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality fish. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your chowder. If you can, buy your fish from a reputable fishmonger or seafood market.
  • Don't overcook the fish. Fish cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. Otherwise, it will become tough and chewy.
  • Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, color, and texture to your chowder. Some good options include potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, and corn.
  • Use a flavorful broth. The broth is the base of your chowder, so make sure it's flavorful. You can use a variety of broths, such as fish broth, chicken broth, or vegetable broth.
  • Season your chowder to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
  • Serve your chowder hot. Chowder is best served hot, so make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion:

Fish chowder is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for a cold winter day. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a warm and satisfying meal, give fish chowder a try.

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