Irish Seafood Chowder

This Irish Seafood Chowder is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish, filled with tender shrimp, flaky white fish, and hearty potatoes. With a silky broth and delicate seafood flavors, this traditional Irish dish is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any cozy evening. Serve it with crusty Irish soda bread for an authentic experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy – A smooth, velvety broth made with milk, cream, and fish stock.
• Hearty and Comforting – Packed with potatoes, leeks, and fresh seafood, making it a satisfying meal.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Authentic Irish Flavors – Inspired by the traditional seafood chowders of Ireland.
• Great for Any Occasion – A delicious choice for St. Patrick’s Day, winter nights, or seafood lovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chowder:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 leek, sliced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 3 cups seafood or fish stock
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ pound white fish (cod or haddock), cut into chunks
• ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Sauté the Vegetables:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, leek, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Simmer the Base:

3. Stir in the potatoes, seafood stock, milk, cream, salt, pepper, and thyme.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.

Add the Seafood:

5. Add the white fish and shrimp to the pot.
6. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the fish is flaky and the shrimp is pink.

Finish & Serve:

7. Stir in fresh parsley and adjust seasoning to taste.
8. Serve warm with crusty Irish soda bread or buttered brown bread.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Variations

• Smoky Seafood Chowder – Add ½ cup smoked salmon for a deeper flavor.
• Creamy Bacon Chowder – Stir in crisped bacon bits for extra richness.
• Dairy-Free Option – Replace milk and cream with coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
• Extra Seafood – Add mussels, clams, or scallops for an even heartier chowder.
• Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy-based broth may separate when thawed.
• Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to keep the seafood tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes! Thaw frozen fish and shrimp before adding to the chowder to ensure even cooking.

What’s the best type of fish for chowder?

Mild, firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut works best.

Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes! Make the base ahead, but add the seafood just before serving to keep it tender and fresh.

How do I thicken my chowder?

For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes into the broth or stir in 1 tablespoon of flour mixed with butter.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of seafood stock?

Yes, but seafood stock enhances the depth of flavor. You can also use chicken broth as an alternative.

What can I serve with this chowder?

It pairs well with Irish soda bread, brown bread, or a side of roasted vegetables.

Can I make this chowder in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook the vegetables and broth on LOW for 4 hours, then add the seafood in the last 15 minutes to prevent overcooking.

How do I keep my seafood from getting rubbery?

Avoid overcooking! Fish and shrimp cook quickly, so add them at the end and simmer just until done.

Can I add cheese to this chowder?

Yes! A sprinkle of grated Irish cheddar adds a delicious, rich touch.

Is this chowder gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just check that your stock doesn’t contain hidden gluten.

Conclusion

This Irish Seafood Chowder is a creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, cold nights, or seafood lovers. With tender fish, juicy shrimp, and a rich, velvety broth, this chowder is as comforting as it is delicious. Serve with warm soda bread for a truly authentic Irish meal!