Hearty Seafood Chili Recipe: A One-Pot Wonder with Crab, Shrimp, and Scallops
Imagine a culinary masterpiece that marries the robust, comforting flavors of classic chili with the delicate, rich taste of the ocean’s bounty. This Seafood Chili recipe takes everything you adore about a traditional hearty chili and elevates it into an extraordinary dining experience. Featuring a delightful blend of three distinct types of beans, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, succulent crabmeat, tender bay scallops, and plump shrimp, this easy-to-prepare one-pot meal is not only impressive but also an excellent source of lean protein and an explosion of delicious flavors. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, it promises warmth, satisfaction, and a taste that will linger long after the last spoonful.
Why This Seafood Chili Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
Our seafood chili stands out for several compelling reasons, blending convenience with gourmet taste. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience.
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Unmatched Flavor and Texture in a Healthy Dish
This seafood chili is utterly delicious, offering a perfect balance of comforting warmth, satisfying richness, and a touch of elegance. The complex flavor profile comes from a harmonious blend of three different types of beans – great northern, black, and red kidney beans – alongside diced tomatoes, crisp celery, aromatic onions, sweet carrots, and an incredible array of carefully selected spices. These foundational elements are then beautifully complemented by the freshness of delicate crabmeat, the subtle sweetness of bay scallops, and the succulent tenderness of shrimp. This combination creates a chili that is robust yet refined, hearty yet light, and packed with an abundance of lean proteins with very little fat, making it a fantastic healthy meal option.
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Effortless One-Pot Preparation for Busy Lifestyles
Like most chilis, the beauty of this seafood chili lies in its simplicity. It’s a true one-pot wonder that’s ridiculously easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a flavorful meal without a mountain of dishes. The process involves minimal fuss: simply sauté your aromatics, add the bulk of your ingredients to a single pot, and let it simmer. While there’s a *little* more technique involved than just “throwing everything in,” the steps are straightforward and quick. You’ll be ready to savor a steaming bowl of this exquisite chili within an hour and a half of starting, most of which is passive cooking time.
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Customizable Toppings for a Personalized Touch
Seafood chili is wonderfully delicious all on its own, offering a complete and satisfying meal. Therefore, you certainly don’t have to add any toppings if you prefer to enjoy its pure flavors. However, for those who love to elevate their culinary creations, the possibilities for customization are endless. We highly recommend trying a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, a touch of creamy diced avocado, some vibrant sliced jalapeños for a subtle kick, and a sprinkle of sharp shredded cheddar cheese. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also introduce delightful contrasts in flavor and texture, truly taking the dish to the next level.
Chef’s Expert Tips for the Best Seafood Chili
Achieving the perfect seafood chili involves a few key insights and techniques. These tips from the chef will ensure your dish is flavorful, well-textured, and free from common pitfalls.
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Enhance the Seafood Flavor with Homemade Stock
For an even more profound seafood flavor that truly sings, consider replacing the vegetable broth specified in this seafood chili recipe with a rich homemade shrimp stock. This simple substitution will infuse every spoonful with an oceanic depth that canned broth simply can’t match. Alternatively, if you’re looking to boost the nutritional value without introducing additional seafood flavor, a homemade bone broth makes for an excellent, nutrient-dense base, adding body and richness to the chili.
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Invest in Quality Crabmeat for Superior Taste
We highly, HIGHLY recommend investing in high-quality crabmeat for this recipe. We’re talking about the kind you’ll find impeccably refrigerated at your local grocery store’s seafood counter or directly from a reputable fish market. While some recipes might allow for lesser quality crab, and you could probably get by here, the difference in taste and texture when using premium crabmeat is truly noticeable and worth the extra effort. High-quality crab provides a sweeter, more delicate flavor and a superior texture that elevates the entire dish.
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Carefully Inspect Crabmeat for Shell Fragments
Before incorporating the crabmeat into your chili, it’s crucial to take a moment to meticulously run the meat through your fingers (very carefully, of course). This step allows you to detect and remove any small, hard pieces of shell that might have inadvertently made their way into the packaging. There’s truly nothing worse than enjoying a mouthful of delicious food only to bite down unexpectedly on a piece of hard crab shell, which can be a real meal-spoiler. A quick inspection ensures a smooth and enjoyable eating experience for everyone.
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Rinse Canned Beans Thoroughly
Rinsing your canned beans is a surprisingly important step that should never be skipped. This process serves multiple purposes: it effectively removes any excess sodium and starch that might have been added during the canning process, contributing to a healthier and better-tasting chili. Additionally, rinsing helps to eliminate that subtle metallic flavor that some canned goods can impart, ensuring your beans taste fresh and pure, allowing their natural earthiness to shine through.
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Explore Other Seafood Options
While our recipe features a classic combination of crabmeat, shrimp, and bay scallops, the beauty of this chili is its adaptability. You are absolutely encouraged to experiment with other seafoods if you prefer, or if you simply want to try something new. Luxurious lobster, briny mussels, flavorful crawfish, or tender baby clams would all be utterly delicious additions, each bringing its unique character to the pot. If you opt for sea scallops instead of bay scallops, remember to cut the larger sea scallops into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the chili to ensure they cook evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients.
Health Benefits of This Delicious Seafood Chili
Beyond its incredible taste, this seafood chili is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s designed to be a healthy and satisfying meal for the whole family. The combination of various seafood and beans offers a multitude of health advantages:
- High in Lean Protein: Shrimp, scallops, and crab are excellent sources of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied, aiding in weight management.
- Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Many types of seafood, especially shrimp, provide beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and support for heart and brain health.
- Fiber-Packed Beans: The three types of beans contribute a substantial amount of dietary fiber, crucial for digestive health, blood sugar regulation, and reducing cholesterol levels.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This chili is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals from both the seafood and vegetables, including Vitamin B12, selenium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
- Antioxidant Rich: Tomatoes, corn, and chili powder contribute antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
This versatile seafood chili can be enjoyed in many ways. While it’s a complete meal on its own, here are some ideas to make your dining experience even better:
- Classic Toppings: As mentioned in our tips, don’t forget a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Bread Companions: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side of rice to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light lager, would complement the seafood flavors beautifully.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
One of the many advantages of chili is how well it stores, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors meld. This seafood chili is no exception.
- Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chili in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Note that seafood can sometimes change texture slightly after freezing and reheating, but it will still be delicious.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results.
Love Seafood? Try These Other Delicious Recipes!
- Instant Pot Crab Legs
- Easy Salmon Patties & Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Instant Pot Lobster Tails
- Seafood Jambalaya
- Instant Pot Paella
- Creamy Fish Chowder
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For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.
Seafood Chili
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
For the Seafood Chili
- 2 teaspoons neutral oil avocado oil, olive oil, etc.
- 1 medium onion finely chopped, approximately 1 ½ cups
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped, approximately 1 cup
- 1 large carrot finely chopped, approximately 1 cup
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes drained
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles drained
- 1 15.5-ounce can great northern beans drained, rinsed
- 1 15.5-ounce can black beans drained, rinsed
- 1 15.5-ounce can red kidney beans drained, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth, or shrimp stock
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup corn kernels canned or frozen
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder blend see Notes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper more or less to taste
- 1 pound shrimp raw, peeled, deveined
- 1 pound bay scallops see Notes
- juice from 1 medium lemon approximately 2 tablespoons, divided
- 8 ounces fresh crab meat claw, lump, or both; see Notes
- ⅓ cup heavy cream see Notes
- 1 handful finely chopped cilantro
Suggested Toppings (All Optional)
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced avocado
- sliced or chopped jalapeños
- hot sauce
Equipment
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dutch oven with lid or other large, heavy-bottomed pot with lid
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large wooden spoon
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Large mixing bowl
Instructions
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Heat your dutch oven or large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the pot is warm, add the 2 teaspoons of neutral oil and allow it to heat until hot and shimmering.
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Add the 1 medium finely chopped onion, 2 finely chopped celery stalks, and 1 large finely chopped carrot to the pot with the hot oil. Stir quickly with a large wooden spoon to thoroughly coat the vegetables. Cook, uncovered, until the veggies have softened considerably, which should take approximately 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Once the onion, celery, and carrots have softened, add the 4 minced garlic cloves to the pot and stir to incorporate them. Continue to cook, uncovered, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and further softened, usually about 3 to 4 minutes, taking care not to burn it.
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Now, add the 1 14.5-ounce can of drained petite diced tomatoes, 1 4-ounce can of drained diced green chiles, 1 15.5-ounce can of drained and rinsed great northern beans, 1 15.5-ounce can of drained and rinsed black beans, and 1 15.5-ounce can of drained and rinsed red kidney beans to the dutch oven. Stir all these ingredients thoroughly to combine them well.
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Pour in the 2 cups of vegetable broth (or your chosen broth), add the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, ½ cup of corn kernels, 1 ½ tablespoons of chili powder blend, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper into the dutch oven. Stir everything thoroughly to integrate all ingredients. Cook, uncovered, for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to begin melding.
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Reduce the heat under the dutch oven to medium-low and cover the pot securely with its lid. Allow the chili to simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. This simmering time allows the vegetables to fully tenderize and the spices to deepen their flavors.
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Towards the end of the chili’s simmering time, prepare your seafood. Add the 1 pound of raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp and the 1 pound of bay scallops to a large mixing bowl. Add 50% of the fresh juice from 1 medium lemon to the bowl. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the seafood. Gently toss or stir the seafood to coat it evenly in the lemon juice and spices. This brief marinade helps to season the seafood and prepares it for cooking.
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Carefully add the seasoned shrimp and bay scallops to the dutch oven, then incorporate the 8 ounces of fresh crab meat, the ⅓ cup of heavy cream, and the remaining lemon juice. Gently stir all ingredients to carefully incorporate the delicate seafood without breaking it apart. Cover the pot with its lid and cook until the shrimp turn opaque and the scallops are just cooked through, which typically takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid overcooking the seafood, as it can become tough.
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Once the seafood is fully cooked, sprinkle the 1 handful of finely chopped cilantro generously over the top of the chili. Portion the hot chili into individual serving bowls. If desired, top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, sliced or chopped jalapeños, and/or a dash of hot sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, flavorful seafood chili!
Notes
- Chili Powder Blend: A good chili powder blend is crucial for authentic flavor. If you find yourself without a pre-made blend or wish to customize it, you can easily create your own. A common homemade blend consists of chili pepper, paprika, sea salt, oregano, cumin, thyme, a pinch of cayenne for heat, and garlic powder. Adjust quantities to suit your taste preference.
- Bay Scallops Alternatives: Bay scallops are delicate and sweet, but if they are unavailable, sea scallops make an excellent substitute. Due to their larger size, simply cut the sea scallops into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the chili to ensure they cook quickly and evenly alongside the shrimp and crab.
- Crab Meat Purity: As mentioned in our chef’s tips, a crucial step for an enjoyable experience is to meticulously scan the crab meat with your fingers before adding it to the chili. This helps to identify and remove any tiny shell fragments that might be mixed in, preventing an unpleasant bite.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this delicious seafood chili suitable for those with dairy sensitivities or preferences, simply swap the heavy cream for an equal amount of full-fat coconut cream. This alternative will add a lovely richness and a subtle, complementary flavor without any dairy.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.