This gluten-free smoked oyster chowder is quick, easy to make, and full of rich flavors. The unexpected smokiness from the smoked oysters adds so much flavor to this creamy chowder. No flour or Roux is needed!
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My son has been asking me to make a gluten free chowder since we went gluten free six years ago. I made a few attempts at a gluten free roux, but none worked the way I had hoped.
Creating a chowder without a roux might be easier. Potatoes would add a lot of substance and thickness to this soup...but I wasn't sure if these potatoes could thicken this soup enough that I could skip the roux.
This homemade chowder is the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves chowder! If you love chowder, here are some more delicious gluten free soup recipes you will want to make!
Why Make This Chowder:
- The star of this recipe is the canned smoked oysters. The smoked oysters added a smokey richness to this gluten free chowder recipe that is hard to duplicate. It cooks up quickly and is hearty enough to be a main meal.
- The cost of making this soup is very low.
- This soup isn't quite thick enough to be an oyster stew, but it could come close with more potatoes and seafood! And even better, my son LOVED this chowder.
- This chowder is full of cod, smoked oysters, and potato chunks....and even better, gluten and wheat-free!
This chowder recipe is based on my Gluten Free New England Clam Chowder. I love the milky creaminess of these types of chowders. New England chowders have a heavy cream base. You can also find chowders based on Manhattan Chowders. This type of chowder has a tomato base.
Ingredient Notes:
- Oysters - I used smoked canned oysters because they add a delicious smokey flavor to this chowder.
- Cod - This is optional. You can use any mild fish.
- Leeks - Leeks are mild, so substitute onion if you prefer a stronger onion flavor.
- Miso Paste - Always check to ensure your miso is gluten free.
- Milk - Use whole milk for the best results.
(I have a lot of delicious gluten free soup recipes on my blog, like this Shredded Chicken Taco Soup and my kids' favorite, Lentil Bacon Soup.)
Easy Variations:
You know how much we love soups and stews that you can adjust! This oyster chowder is no different and can be customized to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Red Potatoes - If you don’t have brown potatoes on hand, no biggie! You can replace them with red potatoes, and every bite will be just as scrumptious!
- Mushrooms - If you are a fan of mushrooms, you should add in a few! They give an earthy flavor to the dish that can’t be beaten.
- Onions - Can’t live without onions? Add some in this chowder and gobble up a bowl of hot soup.
- Bacon - Seriously, everything is better when you add some salty bacon!
- Spinach - Spinach is a perfect ingredient to add in so you can have some extra nutrients. Bonus points if your kids and spouse don’t notice!
You can also use my roux-free recipe to create a seafood chowder. Just use your favorite seafood!
Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:
Step 1: Add oil to a soup pot and sauté your sliced leeks on medium heat for 4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the raw whole cod filets and water to the pot. Bring to a boil
Step 3: Next, add in the remaining ingredients. Cover and reduce the heat to simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Stir frequently, so the chowder doesn't burn. Enjoy this cod chowder hot.
Interesting Facts About Smoked Oysters:
If you aren’t accustomed to eating smoked oysters, you might be a little scared of them. Don’t worry; they are delicious and packed full of healthy nutrients you are going to want in your life. Here are some interesting facts you might like to know:
- You can eat oysters right out of the can! You don’t have to heat them up or anything. Serve them with some gluten free crackers, and your taste buds will thank you!
- A can of smoked oysters has a shelf life of 3-5 years! If you want to stockpile healthy food, this is one to add to your list. And if you are in California, smoked oysters are a great idea for those earthquake supply kits!
- Oysters are shellfish that has vitamin C, zinc, protein, iron, and selenium. (Selenium is great for keeping your brain happy!)
- Smoked oysters are keto-friendly, gluten free, and paleo! So you can enjoy this guilt-free pleasure whenever you like!
Tips and Recipe FAQ:
Store any leftover oyster soup in an airtight glass container. The oyster chowder will last around 2 days in the fridge. If you notice an abnormally fishy odor or it becomes slimy, it is time to throw it out.
To reheat the oyster soup, occasionally warm it up on the stove in a pot. Heat it on low heat, so it doesn’t burn. It should be warm in 10-15 minutes.
Technically, yes, you can freeze oyster chowder. I don’t recommend it because the texture of the potatoes will not be very good once you reheat the chowder. You can always try it and see if you like it, but I typically don’t care for reheated potatoes after they have been frozen.
I have not tested this recipe dairy-free.
More Gluten Free Soup Recipes:
- This Chicken Taco Soup is a kid-favorite soup!
- Creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Soup is perfect for fall.
- If you love noodles, this Gluten Free Ramen Soup is going to become your favorite!
- Grab a slow cooker and try this homemade creamy Gluten Free Mushroom Soup.
📖 Recipe
Cod and Smoked Oyster Chowder
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cod
- 1 can smoked oysters in olive oil
- 3 cups water
- 3 cups milk
- 2 large russet potatoes peeled and chopped
- avocado or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage thinly sliced
- 2 large leeks sliced and washed
- ½ teaspoon Hungarian paprika
- 1 teaspoon yellow miso paste
- 1 teaspoon salt more if you like
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown leeks in oil for 4 minutes.
- Add cod and water.
- Cover and bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes until cod is cooked.
- Add potatoes, oysters, paprika, sage, miso, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to bottom of the pot.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- If you do not have smoked oysters, feel free to substitute clams or other seafood.
- I do not recommend making this dairy-free.
- This chowder will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container, or up to 4 months in the freezer.
- Red Potatoes - If you don’t have brown potatoes on hand, no biggie! You can replace them with red potatoes, and every bite will be just as scrumptious!
- Mushrooms - If you are a fan of mushrooms, you should add in a few! They give an earthy flavor to the dish that can’t be beaten.
- Onions - Can’t live without onions? Add some in this chowder and gobble up a bowl of hot soup.
- Bacon - Seriously, everything is better when you add some salty bacon!
- Spinach - Spinach is a perfect ingredient to add in so you can have some extra nutrients. Bonus points if your kids and spouse don’t notice!
SPECIAL NOTE
Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn't test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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Shirley
I’ve never had chowder before, but I really liked this! I used two tins of oysters and drained off most of the oil before adding them. My husband liked it too, though he said it’s not as thick as a traditional chowder. I also only added 2 cups of milk (ran out!).
Sandi Gaertner
I am so glad you loved the recipe, Shirley. You can thicken it with a little corn or potato starch next time if you like a thicker chowder.