As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of creamy seafood soup to lift your spirits. And when that soup is packed with fresh seafood, rich flavors, and velvety textures, you’ll be in culinary heaven. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 20 mouthwatering creamy seafood soup recipes from around the world.
From classic New England Clam Chowder to exotic Thai Coconut Seafood Soup and spicy Cajun Seafood Gumbo, these soups are sure to satisfy your cravings. So grab a spoon and get cozy – we’re about to dive into the world of creamy seafood soups like never before!
New England Clam Chowder
This classic New England Clam Chowder recipe is a staple of the region’s cuisine, combining tender clams, creamy potatoes, and savory spices for a warm and comforting bowl of goodness.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound clams, scrubbed and rinsed (fresh or canned)
– 2 cups all-purpose potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, potatoes, milk, and cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low; let cook for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
5. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Coconut Seafood Soup
This creamy and flavorful soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, packed with succulent seafood and aromatic spices. With its rich coconut milk base and spicy kick, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 4 cups fish stock or water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened.
2. Add curry paste; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add seafood, coconut milk, and fish stock or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Spicy Cajun Seafood Gumbo
A hearty and flavorful gumbo that combines the bold flavors of cajun cuisine with the sweetness of seafood.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb shrimp, scallops, and crab meat (or to your liking)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 stalks celery, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 1 cup long-grain rice
– 2 cups fish stock
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and garlic; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, rice, and fish stock; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until rice is cooked.
6. Stir in seafood; cook until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Classic French Bouillabaisse
This iconic Provençal fish stew originated from the port city of Marseille, where fishermen would combine leftover catch with aromatic vegetables and saffron-infused broth. Our recipe honors this tradition by using a variety of fish and shellfish, along with aromatics and spices to create a rich and flavorful bouillabaisse.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound assorted fish (such as cod, snapper, and mussels), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1/4 cup saffron-infused water
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add fish, tomatoes, broth, saffron water, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
3. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the bold flavors of lemongrass, lime leaves, and chilies. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 piece ginger, sliced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 kaffir lime leaves
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Combine water, mushrooms, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and lime leaves in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and white pepper. Stir well.
4. Add shrimp and chilies. Simmer until shrimp are pink and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cioppino (San Francisco Seafood Stew)
This hearty seafood stew, also known as “San Francisco’s fisherman’s stew,” is a beloved dish that originated in the city’s Italian-American community. Cioppino is a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for a cold evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb mussels, scrubbed and debearded
– 1 lb clams, rinsed
– 1 lb fish (such as cod or halibut), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 2 cups fish broth
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine onion, garlic, mussels, clams, fish, white wine, crushed tomatoes, fish broth, and oregano.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot and transfer it to the preheated oven.
4. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until seafood is cooked through and shellfish are open.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lobster Bisque
Transform a luxurious lobster into a rich and creamy bisque, perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds lobster meat (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup dry white wine
– 1/2 cup fish stock (or chicken stock)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add lobster meat, flour, wine, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
4. Return the bisque to the pot, add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Portuguese Fish Stew with Saffron
This traditional Portuguese stew is a staple of coastal cuisine, with its rich and aromatic flavors. This recipe combines the freshness of seafood with the warmth of saffron for a truly unique and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fish (such as cod or haddock), cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 2 tablespoons hot water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add fish, seafood, tomatoes, broth, saffron mixture, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Spicy Seafood Soup (Haemul Jeongol)
Savor the bold flavors of Korea with this spicy seafood soup, a staple of Korean cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup diced clams
– 1/2 cup diced squid
– 1/2 cup diced shrimp
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Noodles or rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine Gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Add clams, squid, and shrimp. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with scallions and accompanied by noodles or rice if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mexican Shrimp Soup (Caldo de Camarón)
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or as a comforting meal any time of the year. This Mexican-inspired shrimp soup is made with succulent prawns, vegetables, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the shrimp, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Vietnamese Crab and Asparagus Soup
This refreshing soup is a popular Vietnamese dish that combines the sweetness of asparagus with the savory flavor of crab. A perfect blend of textures and flavors, it’s a great option for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups asparagus, trimmed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
2. Add asparagus, chicken broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, and ginger. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in crab meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek Kakavia (Fisherman’s Soup)
A hearty, comforting soup originating from the Greek islands, perfect for a cold winter evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of fish (any white fish works well), cut into small pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of tomato paste
– 2 cups of water
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the fish pieces and cook until they turn opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Japanese Miso Seafood Soup
This hearty soup is a staple of Japanese cuisine, combining the rich flavors of miso paste with succulent seafood and noodles. In just 20 minutes, you can create a comforting and nourishing meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon white miso paste
– 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms (such as shiitake or cremini)
– 1/2 cup diced seafood (such as shrimp, scallops, and mussels)
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup cooked soba noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring dashi broth to a simmer in a large pot.
2. Add miso paste and whisk until dissolved.
3. Add mushrooms, seafood, onion, and garlic. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Cook soba noodles according to package instructions.
6. Combine soup and noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Spanish Seafood Fideuà
Experience the rich flavors of Spain with this seafood-packed fideuà recipe, a twist on traditional paella. This dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fideuà (short, thin noodles made from durum wheat semolina)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams, squid), cleaned and rinsed
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook fideuà according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add seafood; cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and smoked paprika. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add cooked fideuà to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Brazilian Moqueca (Fish and Seafood Stew)
Moqueca is a classic Brazilian dish that originated from the African traditions of the country’s northeast region. This flavorful stew combines fish, seafood, and spices to create a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound white fish (such as tilapia or catfish), cut into chunks
– 1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup fish stock
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the fish and shrimp; cook for 2-3 minutes or until they start to flake apart.
4. Pour in the coconut milk, fish stock, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chinese Hot and Sour Seafood Soup
A flavorful and spicy soup that combines the freshness of seafood with the boldness of Chinese hot and sour flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until tender.
4. Add seafood, water, chicken broth, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch, and hot pepper flakes (if using).
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Peruvian Chupe de Camarones
This hearty and flavorful Peruvian dish is a staple of coastal cuisine, made with succulent shrimp, aromatic spices, and creamy potatoes. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups fish broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the potatoes, fish broth, and shrimp. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Filipino Sinigang na Hipon (Sour Shrimp Soup)
Sinigang na Hipon is a classic Filipino soup that combines the sweetness of shrimp with the tanginess of tamarind broth. This recipe is a flavorful and refreshing take on this beloved dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup tamarind broth or tamarind paste dissolved in 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as tomatoes, eggplant, and okra)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked.
4. Pour in the tamarind broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with fish sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Swedish Saffron Seafood Soup
This traditional Swedish soup is a hearty and flavorful combination of seafood, saffron, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or as a comforting treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and rinsed
– 2 cups fish stock
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, soaked in 1 tablespoon hot water
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add seafood, fish stock, heavy cream, saffron mixture, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
3. Reduce heat and let soup cook for 15-20 minutes or until seafood is cooked through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Caribbean Coconut Seafood Chowder
This creamy and flavorful chowder combines the sweetness of coconut with the savory flavors of seafood, perfect for a cozy Caribbean-inspired meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, cod), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1 cup fish broth
– 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the mixed seafood and cook until pink and tender, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in the coconut milk, fish broth, and curry powder. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let chowder cook for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to dive into the world of seafood soups with these 20 creamy and delicious recipes! From classic New England Clam Chowder to spicy Thai Coconut Seafood Soup, there’s something for every palate. Explore international flavors like French Bouillabaisse, Mexican Shrimp Soup, and Korean Spicy Seafood Soup. Or stick to comforting favorites like Lobster Bisque or Portuguese Fish Stew with Saffron. With a range of textures and flavors, these soups are sure to warm your belly and your heart.