Bahamian Seafood Chowder from Bahama Breeze features tender shrimp, fresh fish, and juicy crab meat simmered in a savory tomato-based broth with aromatic herbs and spices, garnished with vibrant bell peppers and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, delivering a hearty and flavorful Caribbean comfort in every spoonful.
Equipments
- Large soup pot
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Can opener
- Skimmer or slotted spoon
- Small serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450g) fresh fish fillets (such as grouper or snapper), cut into chunks
- 8 oz (225g) lump crab meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood or fish stock
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Using fresh seafood like shrimp, fish fillets (grouper or snapper), and lump crab meat is essential for authentic Bahamian Seafood Chowder and ensures the best flavor and texture. Properly peeling and deveining the shrimp enhances the chowder's smooth consistency. The combination of diced bell peppers, celery, carrots, and aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano creates a rich, layered taste characteristic of Caribbean cuisine. Adjust the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to your preferred spice level for a perfectly balanced broth. Your Bahamian Seafood Chowder from Bahama Breeze copycat menu will deliver a hearty, flavorful Caribbean comfort in every spoonful.
Instructions
- Prep all seafood: peel and devein shrimp, cut fish into chunks, check crab meat for shells.
- Dice onion, celery, carrots, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper.
- Mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in large soup pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and bell peppers until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), seafood stock, and tomato juice.
- Add thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.
- Gently add fish chunks; simmer 5 minutes.
- Add shrimp and crab meat; cook until shrimp are pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped parsley.
- (Optional) Gently swirl in heavy cream for a creamier chowder.
- Remove bay leaves.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with extra parsley.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Bahamian Seafood Chowder from Bahama Breeze copycat menu can be easily adapted if you don't have access to fresh seafood; frozen shrimp, firm white fish, or canned crab meat work well as substitutes. If seafood stock is unavailable, chicken broth combined with a splash of fish sauce can provide a similar depth of flavor. Olive oil can be replaced with vegetable oil or butter depending on your preference and dietary needs. When fresh herbs are not on hand, dried thyme and oregano still deliver aromatic notes but should be added earlier to release their flavor. You can adjust the level of heat by varying the cayenne pepper or omitting it entirely to suit your taste.
Tips
Check the shrimp and crab meat carefully for any residual shells to avoid unpleasant bites. When sauteing the vegetables, maintain medium heat to soften without browning, preserving their fresh flavors. The fish chunks are delicate; add them toward the end of simmering to prevent overcooking and tough texture. Your final seasoning adjustments are crucial -- taste before serving to balance the heat and acidity perfectly.
Nutritions
Bahamian Seafood Chowder is packed with lean protein from shrimp, fish, and crab, supporting muscle health and repair. The tomato-based broth is rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and celery provide essential vitamins, fiber, and minerals that aid digestion and boost your immune system. You can enjoy this hearty chowder as a nutrient-dense, low-fat meal option that balances flavorful seafood and wholesome vegetables.
Storage
Store your Bahamian Seafood Chowder in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Keep it chilled at or below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal taste and safety. For longer storage, freeze the chowder in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute fresh grouper or snapper with firm white fish like cod or halibut to maintain texture in your Bahamian Seafood Chowder. You might replace tomato juice with coconut milk to introduce a subtly sweet, tropical flavor that complements the seafood richness. Consider swapping smoked paprika and cayenne for a more mild seasoning blend such as sweet paprika and a pinch of black pepper, ideal if you prefer less heat. You can also add diced potatoes during simmering for extra heartiness, enhancing the chowder's comforting appeal.
Allergies
Bahamian Seafood Chowder contains common allergens such as shrimp, crab meat, and fresh fish, which may trigger allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to shellfish or seafood. Bell peppers, celery, and tomato-based ingredients can also cause sensitivities in some people. Be sure to consider your allergies before enjoying this hearty Caribbean dish.
Why this recipe?
Bahamian Seafood Chowder from Bahama Breeze is celebrated for its rich blend of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice that delivers an authentic taste of the islands. The chowder's hearty texture and vibrant flavors create a comforting yet exotic dining experience that seafood lovers crave. You can replicate this dish at home to enjoy a gourmet, restaurant-quality meal that transports your palate to the Bahamas without leaving your kitchen. Mastering this chowder recipe brings the perfect balance of taste and tradition to your culinary repertoire.