Lobster & Scallop Chowder

Table of Contents

Luxury Lobster & Scallop Chowder

Creamy, briny, and indulgent—this chowder combines tender lobster and buttery scallops in a rich sherry-infused broth.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 50 mins
Serves: 4

Ingredients

Seafood Base

1 lb (450g) lobster meat, chopped (or 2 whole lobsters, steamed & shelled)
½ lb (225g) sea scallops, halved (pat dry!)

4 cups seafood stock (or clam juice + 1 cup water)
½ cup dry sherry (or white wine)

Aromatics & Veggies

4 tbsp butter

1 leek (white/light green part), diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 bay leaf
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup Yukon Gold potatoes, ½” dice

Creamy Finish

1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk

2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
Salt & white pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics

Melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add leek, celery, and garlic; cook 5 mins until soft.
Stir in thyme, bay leaf, and flour; cook 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.

2️⃣ Build the Broth

Deglaze with sherry, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 2 mins.
Add seafood stock, potatoes, and corn. Simmer 10-12 mins until potatoes are tender.

3️⃣ Cook the Seafood

Stir in cream and milk. Gently add scallops and simmer 3 mins (don’t overcook!).

Fold in lobster meat just to warm through (~1 min).

4️⃣ Season & Serve

Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning with Old Bay, salt, and white pepper.
Garnish with chives and a drizzle of melted butter.

Serving Suggestions

🍞 Pair with: Crispy sourdough or oyster crackers.
🥂 Wine: Chardonnay or sparkling brut.
🌿 Garnish options: Crispy bacon bits, tarragon, or a dash of paprika oil.

Pro Tips

🔹 For extra luxury: Add ¼ cup lump crabmeat at the end.
🔹 Make ahead: Prepare base (without seafood) up to 1 day ahead; add seafood when reheating.
🔹 Thicker chowder? Mash a few potato pieces against the pot.

“A special-occasion chowder that tastes like the coast in every spoonful.”

Want a lighter version? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and add a splash of clam juice for depth! 🦞🍥