Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder Recipe
Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder is a rich, creamy soup combining sweet crab meat and fresh corn with aromatic spices and herbs. This American stovetop chowder features a smooth, indulgent texture balanced by the subtle smokiness of paprika and the warmth of cayenne pepper, finished with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Base Ingredients
- 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, thawed)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups seafood stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Seafood & Seasonings
- 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Begin with Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and celery, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Then add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
- Spice It Up: Stir in smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Let the spices bloom in the oil for about a minute to enhance their flavors.
- Incorporate Corn: Add corn kernels to the pot, mixing well to combine their sweet crunch with the aromatics and spices.
- Create the Base: Pour in seafood stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This infuses the chowder with the ocean’s essence and layers of savory depth.
- Introduce Creaminess: Gradually stir in heavy cream and whole milk, blending smoothly to create a rich, creamy texture without curdling.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold in lump crab meat, taking care not to break up the delicate lumps, preserving their sweet succulent texture.
- Final Seasoning: Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, enhancing the flavors carefully without overpowering them.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a fresh herbal note to the chowder.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to avoid scorching the chowder and promote even cooking.
- Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning, which can cause bitterness.
- Fresh corn is preferred for sweetness but frozen corn works well when thawed first.
- Start seasoning with less salt and adjust gradually.
- If too thin, blend a cup of the chowder and stir it back in to thicken.
- Skim any foam from the seafood stock to maintain clarity.
- Allow chowder to rest for a few minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze with proper packaging.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve creaminess; avoid microwaving to prevent separation.
- For dairy-free versions, substitute coconut milk for cream and milk.
- Try swapping crab for shrimp or lobster or adding diced bacon for smoky flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Crab chowder, corn chowder, Bobby Flay recipe, seafood soup, creamy crab soup, American chowder, stovetop chowder