Savor the flavors of the Lowcountry with this indulgent Crab Chowder recipe from The Sea Pines Resort. Creamy, rich, and packed with fresh local crab, this dish is a true taste of coastal comfort, perfect for cozy winter nights or any time you crave Lowcountry warmth. 

The Sea Pines Resort 

Lowcountry Crab Chowder

Kick off the new year with a bowl of coastal comfort. This Lowcountry crab chowder from chef Michael Porter, resort chef de cuisine at The Sea Pines Resort, is the perfect way to warm up on chilly January days. Packed with jumbo lump crab meat, tender potatoes and a creamy blend of Lowcountry flavors, it’s a recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this chowder is guaranteed to impress. So grab your apron and let the aroma of Old Bay, garlic and simmering crab turn your kitchen into a seaside escape.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced

3 ribs celery, diced

8 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

1 cup cooked jasmine rice

2 cups heavy cream

2 cups clam juice

2 dried bay leaves

1 tablespoon dry thyme

2 tablespoons Old Bay

2 tablespoons Worcestershire

2 tablespoons hot sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

4-6 baby red potatoes, diced

1 can jumbo lump crab meat

Salt and pepper, to taste

Bacon bits and chives, for garnish

Directions

[1]Heat a large pot over medium heat and add oil and butter. Add garlic, half the onion and celery. Sauté until onions and celery soften, about 5 minutes. [2] Add clam juice and heavy cream, and stir until mixed. Add dry herbs, Worcestershire, hot sauce, Old Bay, salt and pepper. [3] Add cooked rice and bring to a boil for 8 minutes. [4] Blend chowder in a blender until fully incorporated. Once blended, add potatoes, corn and the other half of the onions and celery. Bring to a boil until potatoes are soft, about 10 minutes. [5] Garnish with crab meat, bacon and chives.

Cracking the code

Delicious ways to cook with crabs

Crabs are a Lowcountry favorite, and for good reason — they’re versatile, flavorful and perfect for everything from casual meals to gourmet dishes. If you’re lucky enough to have some fresh crab on hand, here are a few delicious ways to cook with them. 

Steam it up: Steaming is one of the simplest and most popular methods for cooking crabs. Add Old Bay seasoning, lemon and a splash of vinegar to your steam pot for maximum flavor. Pair with melted butter or cocktail sauce for a classic feast.

Toss in pasta: Turn crab into a decadent pasta dish. Toss lump crab meat with linguine, garlic, olive oil and a squeeze of lemon. Top with fresh parsley and Parmesan for an elegant meal.

Roll into sushi: Crab is a star in sushi rolls like the classic California Roll. Use imitation or real crab to create a delicious combination of crab, avocado and cucumber wrapped in rice and nori.

Stir into salads: Fresh crab meat adds luxury to any salad. Toss it with greens, avocado and a citrus vinaigrette, or go retro with a chilled crab Louie salad.

Try a boil or bake: A crab boil is a Southern staple. Boil crabs with corn, potatoes and sausage for a communal feast. Or bake stuffed crabs with breadcrumbs, herbs and cheese for a rich treat.

Experiment with international flavors: Crab pairs beautifully with spices and sauces. Make Singaporean chili crab, Thai crab curry or Indian spiced crab for a global twist on your seafood.

Make a classic crab cake: Mix lump crab meat with breadcrumbs, mayo, mustard and seasonings, then pan-fry to golden perfection. Serve with tartar sauce or a zesty aioli for a satisfying bite.