Creamy Crab Chowder
Creamy Crab Chowder offers a rich, comforting blend of tender crab, savory bacon, and hearty potatoes in a creamy corn and milk base. Perfect for seafood lovers and those seeking a warming, flavorful soup, it combines fresh flavors with a velvety texture suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 6 or 8 oz. pkg. frozen Alaska King crab ⓘ
- 4 strips bacon ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 cups diced potatoes ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 16 oz. can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 2 cups milk ⓘ
- 15 oz. can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Defrost, drain, and slice the frozen King crab.
- Partially fry the diced bacon in a large pot until crispy. Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic, and sauté lightly until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes, water, salt, pepper, and thyme to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Add the sliced crab, cream-style corn, milk, and evaporated milk to the pot. Heat slowly until the chowder reaches a gentle simmer.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour with softened butter to form a paste. Stir this mixture into the chowder to thicken. Heat gently, stirring until thickened.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh crab instead of frozen. If you don't have evaporated milk, you can substitute it with an equal amount of heavy cream or whole milk. Adding a dash of hot sauce can enhance the chowder's depth. For a thicker consistency, allow the chowder to simmer longer after adding the flour paste. This creamy crab chowder pairs well with a side of crunchy bread or a fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy crab chowder with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of Crunchy Pea Salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light veggie mound or a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or as a comforting lunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chowder on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the milk to curdle. For longer storage, consider freezing the chowder for up to 2 months, but be aware that the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Crab Chowder contains roughly 2837 calories, with 39g protein, 282g carbohydrates, and 172g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), iron (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2471mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of crab in this chowder?
Absolutely! While Alaska King crab offers a sweet flavor, you can substitute it with Dungeness crab or even imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option. Just ensure that any crab meat you use is fully cooked before adding it to the chowder.
How can I make this chowder dairy-free?
To make this chowder dairy-free, substitute the milk and evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk. Use a dairy-free cream alternative for a similar texture. Be mindful that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor but will still result in a delicious chowder.
Can I add other vegetables to the chowder?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Vegetables like corn, carrots, or celery can add extra flavor and texture to your chowder. Just ensure they are diced small enough to cook through within the same time as the potatoes. Adding veggies can also enhance the healthiness of your dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).