Savory Lobster and Corn Chowder
This Savory Lobster and Corn Chowder is a delightful fusion of flavors that will transform your perception of chowder. Despite a childhood aversion, this recipe has proven to be one that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Each bite reveals the richness of sweet corn paired with succulent lobster chunks, all enveloped in a creamy, savory broth. Easy to prepare using cooked lobster meat or quick-cooked frozen tails, this chowder is perfect for a family dinner or any gathering. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh chives, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen lobster tails
20 ounces (Thawed; if using raw, cook in boiling water and remove meat from shells.)
Frozen corn kernels
8 cups (Thawed (about 2 1/4 pounds).)
Low sodium chicken broth
3 cups (Set aside.)
Bacon
8 slices (Chopped.)
Onions
2 cups (Chopped.)
Carrot
3/4 cup (Peeled and finely diced.)
Celery
2/3 cup (Finely diced.)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground.)
Bottled clam juice
3 cups (Set aside.)
Whipping cream
1 1/2 cups (Set aside.)
Sour cream
6 tablespoons (Set aside.)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted in skillet.)
Fresh chives
3 tablespoons (Chopped for garnish.)
Instructions
1
If using frozen lobster tails, begin by thawing them under cold running water. In a pot of boiling water, cook the lobster tails until they are almost done, approximately 6 minutes. Drain and let them cool. Using kitchen shears, cut open the lobster shells and carefully remove the meat. Cut the lobster meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside, discarding the shells.
2
In a food processor, purée 4 cups of the thawed corn with 1 1/4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth until almost smooth. Set aside.
3
In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving about 3 tablespoons of the drippings in the pot. Discard any excess drippings.
4
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them in the bacon drippings until they turn light golden, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the remaining 4 cups of corn and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
5
Add the diced carrots, diced celery, and cayenne pepper to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables begin to soften slightly, about 5 minutes.
6
Pour in the bottled clam juice and add 1 3/4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes.
7
Stir in the reserved corn purée and the whipping cream, allowing it to simmer for another 5 minutes. Season the chowder with salt and black pepper to taste.
8
For advanced preparation, both the lobster and the bacon can be cooked a day ahead. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Allow the chowder to cool slightly, cover, and refrigerate.
9
When ready to serve, reheat the chowder until it simmers, while allowing the bacon to reach room temperature.
10
Remove the chowder from heat and stir in the sour cream until well combined.
11
In a medium nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the lobster meat and sauté just until warmed through, about 2 minutes.
12
Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish each serving with pieces of lobster, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Lobster and Corn Chowder?
It is a creamy, savory soup featuring succulent lobster meat, sweet corn, bacon, and a rich broth seasoned with cayenne pepper.
How many ingredients are required for this lobster chowder?
This recipe requires 13 main ingredients including lobster tails, corn, chicken broth, bacon, onions, carrots, celery, cayenne pepper, clam juice, whipping cream, sour cream, butter, and chives.
Can I use frozen lobster tails for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 20 ounces of frozen lobster tails, thawed before preparation.
How do I prepare the lobster if using raw tails?
Cook the tails in boiling water for about 6 minutes, cool them, then use kitchen shears to remove the meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
What is the first step in preparing the corn?
You need to purée 4 cups of thawed corn with 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth in a food processor until almost smooth.
How much corn total is used in this chowder?
The recipe uses 8 cups (about 2 1/4 pounds) of thawed frozen corn kernels.
How should the bacon be cooked?
Chop 8 slices of bacon and cook them in a large pot over medium heat until crispy, which takes about 5 minutes.
Do I use the bacon fat for cooking other ingredients?
Yes, keep 3 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the pot to sauté the onions and other vegetables.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté 2 cups of chopped onions in the bacon drippings for about 5 minutes until they are light golden.
What vegetables are finely diced for this soup?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of peeled and finely diced carrots and 2/3 cup of finely diced celery.
Is this chowder spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
What liquid provides the seafood base for the chowder?
The recipe uses 3 cups of bottled clam juice along with chicken broth.
How much chicken broth is needed in total?
A total of 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth is used throughout the recipe.
When do I add the corn purée?
Add the corn purée and whipping cream after the vegetables and broth have simmered for 10 minutes.
How much whipping cream is added?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of whipping cream.
What role does sour cream play in the recipe?
Six tablespoons of sour cream are stirred in at the end, after removing the pot from the heat, to add extra creaminess.
Can I make components of this chowder in advance?
Yes, you can cook the lobster and the bacon a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.
How do I prepare the lobster meat right before serving?
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet and sauté the lobster meat for about 2 minutes just until warmed through.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish each bowl with the sautéed lobster pieces, crispy bacon bits, and chopped fresh chives.
How many chives are used for garnish?
The recipe suggests 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives.
Does the recipe use fresh or frozen corn?
The recipe specifies frozen corn kernels that have been thawed.
What should I do if the chowder has been refrigerated?
Reheat the chowder until it simmers before adding the sour cream and lobster.
How long do the carrots and celery need to sauté?
Sauté the carrots and celery for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly.
What type of broth is best for this recipe?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish.
How do I remove lobster meat from the shell?
Use kitchen shears to cut open the shells after boiling and carefully extract the meat.
How long does the final simmer take after adding the purée?
The chowder should simmer for about 5 minutes after stirring in the corn purée and cream.
Do I need to season the soup?
Yes, you should season the chowder with salt and black pepper to taste during the final simmering stages.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a comfort food dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
How many cups of onions are used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped onions.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The chowder is rich and creamy with a mix of smooth puréed corn and chunky textures from whole kernels and lobster.