From Asian-Inspired to Classic Chowders: The Best Seafood Soup Recipes Out There

There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of seafood soup on a chilly evening. Whether you prefer a creamy chowder or a tangy broth, seafood soup has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the best seafood soup recipes out there.

1. Classic New England Clam Chowder

This creamy, rich soup is a staple in any seafood lover's recipe book. Start by frying some bacon in a large pot, and then sautéing onions and celery in the bacon fat. Add in some flour and clam juice to thicken the soup, and then add potatoes and clams. Finish with some heavy cream and seasonings, and you've got a perfect bowl of clam chowder.

2. Spicy Thai Seafood Soup

If you're in the mood for something a little more exotic, try this spicy Thai seafood soup. Start by simmering some chicken or vegetable broth with Thai curry paste, lemongrass, and ginger. Add in your choice of seafood (shrimp, mussels, or squid all work well), and then finish with coconut milk and lime juice. Top with fresh cilantro and scallions for a burst of flavor.

3. Classic Lobster Bisque

If you're looking to impress dinner guests, a bowl of lobster bisque is sure to do the trick. Start by cooking some lobster tails in butter and then set them aside. In the same pot, cook onions, carrots, and celery until soft, and then add in flour and brandy to create a roux. Add in chicken broth, tomatoes, and cream, and let simmer. Blend the soup until smooth, and then add in the cooked lobster meat. Top with crème fraîche and chives, and you've got a restaurant-quality soup in no time.

4. Cioppino

This Italian-American seafood stew is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of shellfish. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, and then add in crushed tomatoes, white wine, and chicken stock. Add in your choice of seafood (clams, mussels, shrimp, and crab all work well), and then let simmer until the seafood is cooked through. Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the broth.

5. Manhattan Clam Chowder

If you're looking for a lighter, tomato-based seafood soup, you can't go wrong with Manhattan clam chowder. Start by sautéing onions, celery, and bell pepper in olive oil, and then add in garlic and crushed tomatoes. Add in your choice of seafood (clams, shrimp, and scallops all work well), as well as some chicken broth and thyme. Let simmer until the seafood is cooked through, and then serve with oyster crackers.

No matter what your seafood preferences are, there's a seafood soup recipe out there that's sure to please. Whether you opt for a classic chowder or a spicy Thai soup, you can't go wrong with a warm bowl of seafood soup on a chilly evening.