Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder Recipe
Bobby Flay’s Crab & Corn Chowder is a rich and creamy coastal-inspired soup combining sweet corn, succulent lump crab meat, and a blend of aromatic spices. This comforting chowder perfectly balances smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal dish for seafood lovers seeking a decadent yet approachable meal.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American (Coastal/Seafood)
- Diet: Low Salt
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)
- 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)
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 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 they soften and become translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, to build a flavorful foundation.
- Spice It Up: Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices, intensifying their aroma and infusing the base with smoky and herbal notes.
- Incorporate Corn: Add the corn kernels to the pot, stirring to combine. Whether using fresh or thawed frozen corn, this step adds natural sweetness and texture to the chowder.
- Create the Base: Pour in the seafood stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the corn softens slightly, releasing its sweetness into the broth.
- Introduce Creaminess: Gradually add the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring smoothly to combine. This will create a luscious, creamy consistency that balances the savory seafood flavors.
- Add Crab Meat: Gently fold the lump crab meat into the chowder, being careful not to break up the delicate lumps. Allow it to warm through for 3-5 minutes without boiling, preserving the sweet, delicate texture of the crab.
- Final Seasoning: Season the chowder with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping the delicate crab flavor prominent.
- Finishing Touches: Before serving, garnish the chowder with chopped fresh parsley to add a bright pop of color and fresh aroma that complements the richness of the soup.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor, but good-quality canned crab meat can be a convenient alternative.
- Fresh corn gives the chowder a vibrant natural sweetness, but frozen corn works well year-round.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your taste.
- This chowder can be made a day ahead; refrigerate and gently reheat before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for a classic pairing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: crab chowder, corn chowder, seafood soup, Bobby Flay recipes, creamy chowder, lump crab recipe, coastal soup