Chowders

North Carolina Fish Chowder

Name: North Carolina Fish Chowder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) cod fillets, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 lb (225g) mussels, scrubbed and debearded; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (250ml) whole milk

By Gabriel Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Chowders

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

North Carolina Fish Chowder — Creamy Fish Chowder

As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always loved cooking with seafood. There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of fish chowder that just feels like home. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious and easy North Carolina Fish Chowder that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

This recipe is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you. It's made with fresh seafood, including cod, shrimp, and mussels, and is flavored with aromatics like onions, garlic, and thyme. The best part? It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights.

I remember growing up and watching my father work at the fish market. He'd always bring home the freshest seafood, and my mother would cook up a storm in the kitchen. Those were some of my favorite memories, and they're what inspired me to start cooking with seafood in the first place.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves seafood, but is intimidated by cooking it. It's easy to follow, and the instructions are clear and concise. Plus, it's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s and other essential nutrients.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy fish chowder recipe, you've come to the right place. Let's get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3s and other essential nutrients
The combination of fresh seafood and aromatics creates a rich and flavorful broth
The recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but is also special enough for a occasion
It's a great way to impress your family and friends with a delicious and easy-to-make meal
The recipe is highly customizable, so you can add your own favorite ingredients and flavors

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it uses a combination of fresh seafood and aromatics to create a rich and flavorful broth. The cod, shrimp, and mussels are all cooked to perfection, and the onions, garlic, and thyme add a depth of flavor that's hard to beat.

The key to this recipe is to cook the seafood just until it's done, and then to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, and the seafood to stay tender and moist.

I also like to use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk to create a creamy and indulgent broth. This adds a richness to the dish that's perfect for a special occasion, but is still easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you'll need a few basic ingredients, including fresh seafood, aromatics, and dairy products. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, as they'll make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

Here are the ingredients you'll need:

1 lb (450g) cod fillets, cut into 1-inch piecesCod is a mild-flavored fish that works well in this recipe. You can also use other types of fish, such as haddock or halibut, if you prefer.
1/2 lb (225g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedShrimp add a nice pop of flavor and texture to the dish. Be sure to peel and devein them before adding them to the pot.
1/2 lb (225g) mussels, scrubbed and debeardedMussels are a type of shellfish that are commonly used in seafood dishes. Be sure to scrub and debeard them before adding them to the pot.
2 tablespoons unsalted butterButter adds a richness and flavor to the dish that's hard to beat. You can also use other types of fat, such as olive oil, if you prefer.
1 medium onion, choppedOnions add a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Be sure to chop them finely before adding them to the pot.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a classic ingredient in many seafood dishes, and it adds a depth of flavor that's hard to beat. Be sure to mince it finely before adding it to the pot.
1 teaspoon dried thymeThyme is a herb that pairs well with seafood, and it adds a nice flavor to the dish. You can also use other herbs, such as parsley or dill, if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt is a necessary ingredient in many dishes, and it helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Be sure to use a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperPepper is a classic ingredient in many dishes, and it adds a nice flavor to the seafood. Be sure to use a high-quality pepper, such as freshly ground black pepper.
1 cup (250ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a richness and creaminess to the dish that's hard to beat. You can also use other types of dairy products, such as whole milk or half-and-half, if you prefer.
1 cup (250ml) whole milkWhole milk adds a nice flavor and texture to the dish. Be sure to use a high-quality milk, such as organic or grass-fed, if possible.

Ingredients for North Carolina Fish Chowder

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerSlotted spoonWhisk

How to Make North Carolina Fish Chowder

1
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3
Add the cod, shrimp, and mussels to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the seafood is lightly browned.
4
Add the thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
5
Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the seafood is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
6
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the seafood. It should reach 145 F (63 C) in the thickest part.
7
Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the seafood to stay tender and moist.
8
Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until it's melted and the sauce is smooth.
9
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
11
Let the chowder rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, as they'll make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.
Don't overcook the seafood, as it can become tough and rubbery. Cook it until it's just done, then let it rest for a few minutes.
Use a high-quality salt and pepper, as they'll add a nice flavor to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of seafood and ingredients to find the combination that you like best.
Let the chowder rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the chowder with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a filling and satisfying meal.
Consider adding other ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or chopped celery, to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the seafood, which can make it tough and rubbery.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not letting the chowder rest for a few minutes before serving, which can cause the flavors to not meld together.
Not stirring the chowder regularly, which can cause it to stick to the bottom of the pot.
Not using enough liquid, which can cause the chowder to be too thick and sticky.
Not seasoning the chowder enough, which can cause it to be bland and unflavorful.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced bell peppers or chopped celery to the pot for added flavor and nutrition.
Using different types of seafood, such as scallops or lobster, for a unique and delicious twist.
Adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the pot for added brightness and flavor.
Using coconut milk or cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly option.
Adding some heat to the chowder with a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper.
Using different types of herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a unique and delicious flavor.
Serving the chowder with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a filling and satisfying meal.

What to Serve With North Carolina Fish Chowder

This chowder is perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread or crackers. You can also serve it with a salad or other side dish for a filling and satisfying meal.

Some other options for serving the chowder include:

Crusty breadCrackersSaladRoasted vegetablesGrilled cheese sandwichCroutons

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This chowder can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the chowder overnight in the fridge, then reheat it over low heat until it's warmed through.

Here are some tips for storing and reheating the chowder:

Be sure to let the chowder cool completely before storing it in the fridge or freezer. This will help to prevent bacterial growth and keep the chowder fresh.

When reheating the chowder, be sure to stir it regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of seafood can I use in this recipe?

You can use a variety of seafood, including cod, shrimp, mussels, and scallops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Simply reheat it over low heat until it's warmed through.

What is the best way to serve this chowder?

This chowder is perfect for serving with a side of crusty bread or crackers. You can also serve it with a salad or other side dish for a filling and satisfying meal.

Can I use frozen seafood in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen seafood in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the pot.

What is the best way to reheat this chowder?

The best way to reheat this chowder is over low heat, stirring regularly, until it's warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Simply brown the seafood and cook the vegetables in a pan, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

What is the nutritional information for this recipe?

The nutritional information for this recipe will depend on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. However, it is generally high in protein and low in fat and calories.

Can I freeze this chowder?

Yes, you can freeze this chowder. Simply let it cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

The Full Recipe

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