Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder Recipe
Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder is a rich and flavorful seafood soup that combines fresh corn, tender lump crab meat, and aromatic spices in a creamy broth. Perfect as a comforting starter or a light main dish, this chowder offers a delightful balance of coastal flavors with a subtle kick of cayenne pepper.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Base and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
Spices and Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Liquids
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- Begin with Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and 1/2 cup chopped celery, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then add 2 cloves minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Spice It Up: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary. Cook briefly to bloom the spices and release their flavors into the aromatics.
- Incorporate Corn: Add 3 cups of corn kernels to the pot. Use fresh corn for a sweet flavor or frozen thawed corn for convenience. Stir to combine with the aromatics and spices.
- Create the Base: Pour in 2 cups seafood stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will infuse the chowder with a rich seafood flavor and soften the corn.
- Introduce Creaminess: Gradually add 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup whole milk while stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy broth.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in 1 pound lump crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps. Use fresh crab for a sweeter taste or canned crab for convenience without losing flavor.
- Final Seasoning: Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, balancing the flavors without overwhelming the delicate crab and corn.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh aroma and a pop of color.
Notes
- Fresh corn offers the best sweet flavor, but frozen corn works well year-round.
- Use high-quality lump crab meat for the best texture and taste.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount according to your preferred heat level.
- Seafood stock can be substituted with chicken stock if unavailable, though the flavor will be less intense.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: crab chowder, corn chowder, seafood soup, Bobby Flay, creamy chowder, seafood recipe