Creamy Diver Scallop Chowder Recipe: Chef Tips and Flavorful Variations

by Oleg Nikitenko November 19, 2024

Diver Scallop Chowder: Recipe

Diver scallop chowder is a luxurious, creamy seafood dish that combines the sweet, tender flavor of premium diver scallops with hearty vegetables and rich broth. Perfect for dinner parties or cozy evenings at home, scallop chowder is both a comfort food and a culinary delight.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of creating the perfect diver scallop chowder. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into the best scallops to use, professional chef tips for elevating the recipe, and long-tail keyword strategies to ensure your seafood culinary creations stand out online.

What Makes Diver Scallops Ideal for Chowder?

Diver scallops are hand-harvested from ocean floors, making them superior in quality and sustainability. Here's why these scallops are a top choice:

  • Unmatched Flavor and Texture: Diver scallops are sweeter and more tender than other varieties, making them perfect for rich chowders.
  • Perfect Size for Cooking: Their larger size ensures they hold up well during cooking, maintaining their natural juiciness.
  • Eco-Friendly Harvesting Practices: Hand-harvesting minimizes environmental disruption, making these scallops a sustainable seafood choice.

Use high-quality scallops like Jumbo Sea Scallops or Hokkaido Scallops for the best results.

Key Ingredients for Diver Scallop Chowder

Here’s what you’ll need to make a creamy, flavorful scallop chowder that will wow your guests:

Ingredients List

  • 1 pound fresh diver scallops (dry-packed for optimal flavor)
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 cups seafood or chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Scallops

  • Rinse the scallops in cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
  • If needed, remove the side muscle for a smoother texture.

2. Cook the Bacon

  • Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy.
  • Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

  • Add butter to the bacon fat and sauté the onion and celery until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Potatoes and Broth

  • Stir in the potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
  • Pour in the seafood or chicken stock, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged.
  • Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

5. Blend for Creaminess (Optional)

  • Use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup for a thicker consistency. Be sure to leave some chunks for texture.

6. Add Scallops and Dairy

  • Gently fold the scallops into the soup and simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until they turn opaque.
  • Stir in the cream and milk, heating gently until warmed through.

7. Final Seasoning and Garnish

  • Season the chowder with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with lemon zest, crispy bacon, and freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Scallop Chowder

Tip 1: Use Dry-Packed Scallops

Dry-packed scallops retain their natural juices and caramelize better during cooking, unlike wet-packed scallops that contain added water.

Tip 2: Don’t Overcook Scallops

Scallops cook quickly—about 2–3 minutes is all you need. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery texture.

Tip 3: Enhance the Broth with Wine

Deglaze the pot with 1/2 cup of white wine after sautéing the aromatics to add depth to the chowder.

Tip 4: Add Depth with Smoked Paprika

A pinch of smoked paprika enhances the smokiness from the bacon and adds a subtle layer of flavor.

Tip 5: Perfect Pairings

Serve scallop chowder with crusty bread or a fresh green salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the soup.

Where to Try and Buy the Best Diver Scallops

If you’re not ready to cook at home, several top seafood restaurants are renowned for their scallop chowder:

  • Legal Sea Foods (Boston, MA): Famous for their creamy, rich seafood soups.
  • The Walrus and The Carpenter (Seattle, WA): Offers inventive scallop dishes that highlight local ingredients.
  • Swan Oyster Depot (San Francisco, CA): Known for their fresh, premium scallops in seasonal recipes.

For home chefs, buy your scallops from trusted suppliers like Global Seafoods to ensure premium quality.

Health Benefits of Scallops

  • Rich in Lean Protein: Supports muscle repair and overall health.
  • Packed with Nutrients: High in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and selenium.
  • Low in Calories: Ideal for a low-fat, nutrient-dense diet.

Conclusion

Diver scallop chowder is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that highlights the sweetness and tenderness of scallops. By following these chef-approved tips and using premium ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress.

For more recipes and inspiration, visit Global Seafoods or check out the Global Seafoods YouTube Channel

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