How to Make Chef John's Bay Scallop Chowder - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Bay Scallop Chowder is a delectable and comforting dish that features the sweet and delicate flavors of bay scallops. This recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers and chowder enthusiasts alike. Filled with creamy broth, tender scallops, and flavorful vegetables, this chowder is the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly evening. Whether you're serving it as a starter or as a main course, it's sure to impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 2 slices bacon, cut into small pieces
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup cubed Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 red Fresno chile pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • salt to taste
  • 1 pound bay scallops
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir until fat renders and bacon is slightly browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Add onion to bacon; cook and stir until soft and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir celery and garlic into onion mixture, cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
  • Pour clam juice, chicken broth, potato, cayenne pepper, and black pepper into bacon mixture; bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium low, and cook until potatoes are almost tender, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir cream and chile pepper into potato mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until potatoes are completely tender and chowder flavors combine, about 5 minutes. Season with lemon zest and salt.
  • Stir scallops into chowder and cook over medium heat until scallops are tender and white, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tarragon.
  • Nutrition

    300 cal.

    • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 97mg
    • Sodium: 642mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 17g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 2g
    • Protein: 33g
    • Vitamin C: 6mg
    • Calcium: 80mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 683mg