Irish Seafood Chowder

Creamy, hearty, and brimming with fresh seafood, this Irish Seafood Chowder is a classic comfort dish from the Emerald Isle. Featuring tender chunks of white fish, sweet shrimp, and buttery vegetables in a velvety broth, it’s perfect for cozy dinners, festive gatherings, or whenever you need a taste of coastal tradition. Serve it with crusty brown bread and a touch of parsley for a truly authentic Irish experience.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Comforting – Silky broth with tender seafood and veggies.
Authentic Irish Flavor – Classic ingredients with a rustic, coastal feel.
One-Pot Wonder – Everything comes together in a single pot.
Customizable – Use your favorite seafood or what’s fresh and in season.
Perfect for Any Season – Light enough for spring, warming enough for winter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, sliced thin
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 cups seafood or fish stock (or low-sodium chicken stock)
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ lb firm white fish (like cod or haddock), cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup frozen or fresh corn (optional)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup smoked fish (like smoked haddock) for deeper flavor
• ½ cup scallops or mussels
• A splash of white wine (added before broth – optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, leek, celery, and carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened and fragrant.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

Step 2: Add Potatoes & Stock
Stir in the cubed potatoes and thyme.
Pour in the fish stock and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 3: Stir in Milk & Cream
Add the milk and cream, stirring gently to combine.
Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, being careful not to boil.

Step 4: Add the Seafood
Gently fold in the white fish and shrimp.
Add corn if using.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the seafood is just cooked through and opaque.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Finish & Serve
Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to settle.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges and warm Irish brown bread or crusty sourdough.

Tips for Success
Use Firm Fish – Cod, haddock, or pollock hold up well without falling apart.
Simmer Gently – Avoid boiling once dairy and seafood are added.
Make it Smoky – Add smoked fish for a traditional Irish twist.
Don’t Overcook Seafood – Add it toward the end to keep it tender.
Add Fresh Herbs – Thyme and parsley add brightness and depth.

Serving Suggestions
With Irish Soda Bread – The classic pairing to mop up every drop.
With a Green Salad – For a light, refreshing contrast.
As a Starter – Serve in smaller portions for a seafood-themed dinner.
With Extra Lemon – A squeeze of fresh lemon lifts the creamy richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing—cream-based chowders can separate when thawed.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often.
Avoid boiling to keep the seafood tender and the cream from curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes—substitute milk and cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
2. Can I use frozen seafood?
   Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry before adding to the pot.
3. What’s the best fish to use?
   Cod, haddock, or halibut are great. Mix in smoked fish for deeper flavor.
4. Is this gluten-free?
   Yes! Just make sure your stock and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
5. Can I make it thicker?
   For a thicker chowder, mash a few of the cooked potatoes before adding the seafood.

Final Thoughts
This Irish Seafood Chowder is a cozy, satisfying dish that’s both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, cooking for guests, or just craving something warm and hearty, this chowder delivers the comforting flavors of the Irish coast in every spoonful.

Make a pot, serve it with crusty bread, and let the creamy seafood magic warm your soul. Don’t forget to tag your chowder creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Irish

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – serves 6):
Calories: 310 | Protein: 23g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Fat: 17g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 380mg

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