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Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder Recipe

4.8 from 52 reviews

Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder is a rich and creamy seafood soup featuring succulent lump crab meat, sweet corn kernels, and a blend of aromatic spices. Simmered with seafood stock and finished with fresh parsley, this chowder delivers a comforting coastal flavor perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables & Spices

  • 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

Liquids & Dairy

  • 2 cups seafood stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Seafood

  • 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned)

Finishing

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Begin with Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, stirring occasionally until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant to build the chowder’s aromatic base.
  2. Spice It Up: Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cooking these spices releases their flavors, deepening the chowder’s taste profile.
  3. Incorporate Corn: Add corn kernels to the pot. Fresh corn will add a vibrant sweetness, while frozen corn provides convenience without sacrificing flavor.
  4. Create the Base: Pour in seafood stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This infuses the chowder with rich coastal flavors and forms the soup’s foundation.
  5. Introduce Creaminess: Gradually add heavy cream and whole milk, stirring smoothly to combine. This creates a silky texture that enriches the chowder.
  6. Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in lump crab meat to preserve its delicate texture and sweet flavor. Use fresh for the best taste or canned for convenience.
  7. Final Seasoning: Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, balancing and enhancing all the flavors without overpowering them.
  8. Finishing Touches: Garnish the chowder with chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a fresh aroma and bright color, elevating the presentation and taste.

Notes

  • Fresh crab meat provides the best flavor, but high-quality canned lump crab meat works well in a pinch.
  • Use fresh corn kernels when in season for optimal sweetness; frozen corn is a good year-round alternative.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Seafood stock can be substituted with clam juice or vegetable stock for a slightly different but still tasty base.
  • For a thicker chowder, you can mash some of the corn kernels while cooking or add a slurry of flour and water before adding cream.

Keywords: Crab chowder, corn chowder, seafood soup, creamy chowder, Bobby Flay recipe