From classic chowders to light, aromatic broths, this collection of easy seafood soups has the perfect recipe for every occasion, and they all make seafood the star.
Seafood soups seem fancy, but they are easier to pull off at home than you might expect. Whether you’re craving creamy chowder, a tomato-based cioppino or a bright, coconut milk-based Thai soup, these recipes use easy techniques to build meals with deep layers of flavors and, of course, plenty of seafood.
Here you will find weeknight-friendly soups ready in about 30 minutes, easy slow cooker recipes that practically cook themselves and luxurious soups for days when you have nowhere else to be. Many of these recipes rely on canned crab or frozen shrimp, so you can stock your freezer and pantry to make easy seafood soups whenever the mood strikes. You don’t even need to thaw and cook frozen shrimp; just toss them right into the pot of simmering soup to save time. For an impressive entertaining menu, try some of the recipes with fresh clams, mussels or lobster to infuse their briny flavor in the soup.
For a deeper flavor base, save shrimp shells in a food storage bag in the freezer and then simmer them in water with aromatics like onions, garlic and celery for a quick homemade stock. Seafood-based stocks don’t need to cook nearly as long as beef or chicken stock, and they add a more complex taste than using water alone. Serve these comforting seafood soups with toasted sourdough French bread, buttered rolls or oyster crackers. Ready to stir, simmer and serve? Let’s find your perfect seafood soup.
1/26
Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
2/26
Lobster Bisque
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother would make lobster bisque all the time, so I've always thought of it as comfort food. If you don't care to cook live lobsters, they can usually be cooked where you buy them. Just be sure to say that you want to keep the shells; they are the key to the most delicious soup! —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 373 calories, 26g fat (17g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 942mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
3/26
Sweet Potato and Crab Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This sweet and savory soup is quick and easy to prepare. You can substitute butternut squash or pumpkin for the sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 370 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 994mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
4/26
Authentic Cajun Gumbo
From the Recipe Creator:
I learned to cook in Louisiana and I love to cook Cajun food. This cajun gumbo recipe is one of my favorites. —Paul Morris, Kelso, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 319 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein.
5/26
Shrimp Pad Thai Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Pad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington.
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 252 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
6/26
Thai Shrimp Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This tasty crowd-pleasing soup comes together in minutes, and I like the fact that the ingredients are available in my little local grocery store. —Jessie Grearson, Falmouth, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 163 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 505mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
7/26
Slow-Cooked Manhattan Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this simple, delicious soup years ago when my husband and I both worked. It’s easy to dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning and then wonderful to come home to the aroma of dinner ready. —Mary Dixon, Northville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
8/26
Crab and Asparagus Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I get rave reviews from family and friends whenever I make this soup, but the biggest compliment was when my son called to ask for the recipe so he could make it for his roommates. —Patti Bogetti, Magnolia, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 257 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
9/26
Lauren’s Bouillabaisse
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden-colored soup is brimming with an assortment of seafood and is paired with savory, colorful sourdough toast with spread.— Lauren Covas, New Brunswick, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups with 2 teaspoons spread on 1/2 slice of bread: 239 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 684mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
10/26
Creamy Seafood Bisque
From the Recipe Creator:
This deceptively simple bisque makes a special first course or even a casual meal with a salad or bread. I like to top bowlfuls with shredded Parmesan cheese and green onions. —Wanda Allende, Orlando, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 453 calories, 36g fat (22g saturated fat), 197mg cholesterol, 1232mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
11/26
Shrimp Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I simmer my rich and creamy shrimp soup in the slow cooker. Because the chowder is ready in less than four hours, it can be prepared in the afternoon and served to dinner guests that night. —Will Zunio, Gretna, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
12/26
Maryland Crab Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Try this hearty soup that incorporates the best of vegetable soup and flavorful crab. I break whole crabs and claws into pieces and drop them into the soup to cook, then serve it with saltine crackers and a cold beer. —Freelove Knott, Palm Bay, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 202 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 1111mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 7g fiber), 15g protein.
13/26
Cream of Crab Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
One of our Chesapeake Bay delicacies is the Maryland Blue Crab. It's abundant from May through October and used in a variety of dishes, like this rich soup.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 262 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 16g protein.
14/26
Salmon Sweet Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe as a healthier alternative to whitefish chowder, which is a favorite in the area where I grew up. The salmon and sweet potatoes boost the nutrition and the slow cooker makes it more convenient. It's especially comforting on a cold fall or winter day! —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 279 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 834mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/26
Manhattan Clam Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I typically serve this chowder with a tossed salad and hot rolls. It is easy to make and tastes wonderful on a cold winter evening. My family has enjoyed it for more than 30 years. —Joan Hopewell, Columbus, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
16/26
Split Pea Soup with Bacon & Crab
From the Recipe Creator:
Many split pea soups use ham and bacon for good, smoky flavor. Taking it one amazing step farther-add crabmeat. Freeze this one without toppings (freeze the cooked bacon separately), then reheat soup in a saucepan. Feel free to add more chicken stock or broth when reheating if you need it. Sprinkle bacon and fresh crab on top of bowls of hot soup. —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups with about 3 tablespoons crab mixture: 533 calories, 24g fat (10g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1036mg sodium, 50g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 20g fiber), 32g protein.
17/26
Cioppino
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're looking for a great seafood recipe for your slow cooker, this classic fish stew is just the ticket. It's brimming with clams, crab, fish and shrimp, and it is fancy enough to be an elegant meal. —Lisa Moriarty, Wilton, New Hampshire
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 205 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 125mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
18/26
Crab and Corn Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
I started cooking at a local restaurant when I was 16 years old. This creamy chowder was one of the soups we made. The recipe had been passed from cook to cook— but had never been written down, until now!
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 402 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 859mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
19/26
Salmon Dill Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best soup I have ever made, according to my husband, who loves salmon so much that he could eat it every day. It's a treat for both of us, so when I get some, I try to make it a very special dish like this one. —Hidemi Walsh, Plainfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 398 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
20/26
Shrimp Ramen
From the Recipe Creator:
A package of store-bought ramen noodles speeds up assembly of this colorful broth with shrimp and carrots. My mother passed the recipe on to me. —Donna Hellinger, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 148 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 857mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
21/26
Fish Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was handed down by my mother, although I have changed it a bit. This really reflects our region, since New England is famous for its fish.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 659mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
22/26
Carolina Shrimp Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh shrimp from the Carolina coast is one of our favorite foods. We add kale, garlic, red peppers and black-eyed peas to complete this wholesome, filling soup. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 188 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
23/26
Shrimp Gazpacho
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
24/26
Best Seafood Chowder
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband is an avid fisherman. When a family get-together was planned and we had to bring something, we created this recipe using fish from our freezer. The chowder got rave reviews from the relatives! —Heather Saunders, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
25/26
Shrimp Bisque
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy both Cajun and Mexican cuisine, and this rich, elegant soup combines the best of both. I serve it with a crispy green salad and glass of white wine for a simple but very special meal.—Karen Harris, Castle Rock, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 317 calories, 23g fat (11g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 206mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
26/26
Shrimp and Sausage Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This dish is a variation on a creamy southern Louisiana corn stew. The bold flavor of andouille sausage blends beautifully with the shrimp and subtle spices. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 390 calories, 27g fat (15g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 751mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein.
Seafood Soups FAQ
What are the different kinds of seafood soup?
Seafood soups come in many styles, from creamy chowders and bisques to lighter, tomato or broth-based recipes like bouillabaisse or cioppino. Each one enhances the natural sweet and briny taste of seafood and some take inspiration from regional specialties. Thicker soups may have flour to give the broth extra body or rely on potato for heft. Lighter soups use ingredients like wine, citrus, herbs and spices to for complex flavors.
What are the most comforting seafood soup recipes?
The best comforting seafood soup recipes lean on creamy bases, gentle spices like paprika or white pepper and familiar ingredients such as garlic, potatoes or sweet corn. Some of our picks for the most comforting options include crab bisque, creamy clam chowder and seafood gumbo. That’s not to say brothy soups aren’t comforting. Scallop ramen, tomato seafood soup and pho are all perfect when you want a cozy bowl.
What seasonings can you use to make easy seafood soups taste more flavorful?
While seafood brings a lot of salty, deep flavor on its own, starting easy seafood soups with aromatics like onions, garlic and celery, and then adding earthy or woodsy spices like thyme, smoked paprika and bay leaves ensures the soup will be flavorful, not bland. Tender, soft, fresh herbs such as dill, parsley or tarragon can enhance the final dish and the taste of the seafood. Seafood soups also stand up to bolder flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients like curry paste, Old Bay, miso or lemongrass to introduce complexity to the flavor of the soup.
