Creamy & Quick: Instant Pot Seafood Chowder Recipe

Craving a comforting bowl of seafood chowder but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Pot Seafood Chowder recipe delivers all the rich, creamy flavor you desire in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to achieve a velvety smooth texture and perfectly cooked seafood, all while minimizing hands-on effort. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you need a warm and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe features a blend of flavorful seafood, hearty vegetables, and a creamy, comforting broth. It’s easily customizable to your preferences – feel free to adjust the seafood selection, add extra vegetables, or tweak the seasonings to create your perfect bowl of chowder. Get ready to experience the magic of Instant Pot cooking and enjoy a restaurant-quality seafood chowder from the comfort of your own home.

## Why Use an Instant Pot for Seafood Chowder?

The Instant Pot offers several advantages when making seafood chowder:

* **Speed:** Pressure cooking significantly reduces cooking time. What would normally take an hour or more on the stovetop can be done in under 30 minutes in the Instant Pot.
* **Efficiency:** The Instant Pot is a hands-off appliance. Once you’ve added the ingredients, you can set it and forget it, freeing you up to do other things.
* **Flavor Infusion:** Pressure cooking helps meld the flavors together more quickly, resulting in a richer and more flavorful chowder.
* **Texture:** The Instant Pot creates a wonderfully creamy texture without requiring a lot of extra cream or thickening agents.
* **Easy Cleanup:** With fewer pots and pans to wash, cleanup is a breeze.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

* **Seafood:** 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod, or any combination you like), cut into bite-sized pieces. Frozen seafood is fine, just thaw it before using. Consider using a seafood mix for convenience.
* **Aromatics:** 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 bay leaf
* **Vegetables:** 2 cups Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced, 1 cup celery, diced, 1 cup carrots, diced, ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
* **Liquid:** 4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth), 1 cup clam juice (optional, but adds great flavor), 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
* **Thickening:** 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option), mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
* **Seasoning:** Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Garnish:** Fresh parsley, chopped, Oyster crackers or crusty bread, for serving

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Instant Pot Seafood Chowder:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Turn on your Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function. Add the olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and celery. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
* Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the pot. Sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth**

* Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and corn to the Instant Pot. Pour in the seafood broth (or chicken broth) and clam juice (if using). Add the bay leaf.
* Stir to combine all the ingredients.

**Step 3: Pressure Cook**

* Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to the “Sealing” position.
* Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 5 minutes.
* Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure by carefully turning the valve to the “Venting” position.

**Step 4: Thicken the Chowder**

* Carefully remove the lid from the Instant Pot. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (or cornstarch) and cold water to create a slurry.
* Turn the Instant Pot back to the “Sauté” function. Slowly pour the slurry into the chowder, stirring constantly until the chowder begins to thicken. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

**Step 5: Add Seafood and Cream**

* Gently stir in the mixed seafood and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
* Continue to simmer on the “Sauté” function for 3-5 minutes, or until the seafood is cooked through and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the seafood, as it will become tough.

**Step 6: Serve and Garnish**

* Turn off the Instant Pot. Ladle the seafood chowder into bowls.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with oyster crackers or crusty bread.

## Tips for the Best Instant Pot Seafood Chowder

* **Use High-Quality Seafood:** The quality of the seafood will greatly impact the flavor of the chowder. Opt for fresh or high-quality frozen seafood.
* **Don’t Overcook the Seafood:** Overcooked seafood can become rubbery and tough. Cook the seafood just until it’s opaque and cooked through.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker chowder, you can add more flour slurry. If you prefer a thinner chowder, you can add more broth.
* **Customize the Seafood:** Feel free to use your favorite types of seafood. Salmon, crab, and lobster are all great additions to seafood chowder.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Other vegetables that would work well in this chowder include leeks, potatoes, and green beans.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the chowder.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier chowder.
* **Use Good Quality Broth:** The broth forms the base flavor of the chowder. Using a good quality seafood or chicken broth will make a big difference.
* **Deglaze the Pot:** Before adding the broth, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the Instant Pot. This will add extra flavor to the chowder.
* **Don’t Skip the Aromatics:** Sautéing the onion, garlic, and herbs is essential for building flavor in the chowder.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Seafood Chowder:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chowder for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy sausage in place of some of the seafood.
* **Smoked Seafood Chowder:** Add smoked haddock or smoked salmon to the chowder for a smoky flavor.
* **Corn and Crab Chowder:** Omit the mixed seafood and add crabmeat and extra corn for a delicious corn and crab chowder.
* **Vegetarian Chowder:** Omit the seafood and use vegetable broth instead of seafood broth. Add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
* **Dairy-Free Chowder:** Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Be sure to choose a plain, unsweetened variety.

## Serving Suggestions

Serve your Instant Pot Seafood Chowder hot with the following accompaniments:

* **Oyster crackers:** These classic crackers are a must-have with seafood chowder.
* **Crusty bread:** Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
* **Garlic bread:** Adds a delicious garlicky flavor to the meal.
* **Side salad:** A light salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich chowder.
* **Lemon wedges:** A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors of the chowder.
* **Fresh herbs:** Sprinkle with fresh parsley, chives, or dill for added flavor and visual appeal.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover seafood chowder in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chowder gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as the seafood can become tough. If the chowder has thickened too much during storage, you can add a little broth or milk to thin it out.
* **Freezing:** While freezing is not recommended because the cream may separate and the potatoes can become mushy, if you must freeze it, allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some headspace in the container, as the chowder will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the chowder in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on the ingredients used)
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

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## Conclusion

This Instant Pot Seafood Chowder recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks who crave a comforting and flavorful meal. The Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy to achieve a creamy texture and perfectly cooked seafood in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of seafood chowder that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant. Enjoy!