Sweet Corn And Shrimp Chowder Recipe

Cozy Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Creamy sweet corn and shrimp chowder offers a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Kernels burst with summer sweetness alongside tender seafood morsels.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of flavors.

Coastal inspirations shine through each spoonful of this hearty soup.

Regional culinary traditions merge effortlessly in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Rich, velvety textures complement the delicate balance of corn and ocean-fresh shrimp.

Hunger pangs will instantly awaken when you smell this incredible chowder simmering.

Grab a ladle and prepare to savor every incredible bite.

Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder Summary

  • Craft a Cozy Comfort Meal: Dive into a bowl of pure warmth with this shrimp and corn chowder that transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dining experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Pack Incredible Flavor Punch: Smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne create a depth of taste that elevates this chowder from ordinary to extraordinary, making every spoonful memorable.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Whether hosting a casual family dinner or serving a hearty lunch, this chowder brings people together with its rich, satisfying profile that appeals to multiple taste preferences.

Ingredients for Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a succulent and tender texture to the chowder.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic base that creates a deep and flavorful foundation for the chowder.
  • Corn Kernels, Potatoes: Sweet corn adds natural sweetness while potatoes provide heartiness and thickness to the soup.
Liquid and Dairy:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich and savory liquid base for the chowder.
  • Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Adds luxurious creaminess and smoothness to the soup.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Smoked Paprika, Dried Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs and spices that contribute complex and warm flavor layers.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle heat to the chowder.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the overall taste.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing shrimp and vegetables, adding a light and clean flavor.

How to Prepare Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

Step 1: Sizzle the Shrimp

Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Remove shrimp from pan, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In a large pot, warm a splash of oil over medium heat.

Add:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until vegetables soften and onions become translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Layer in Vegetables

Stir in:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Sweet corn kernels

Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing vegetables to develop deeper flavors.

Step 4: Awaken the Spices

Sprinkle in:
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

Stir to coat vegetables thoroughly with spices.

Step 5: Create the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.

Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat. Let the soup bubble softly for 15-20 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender.

Step 6: Bring in the Creaminess

Stir in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk

Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chowder to thicken and develop a luxurious texture.

Step 7: Final Touch and Seasoning

Add chopped shrimp back into the chowder.

Let them warm through for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper until the flavors sing.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting blend of sweet corn and succulent shrimp in this creamy chowder.

Tips for Flavorful Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

  • Choose fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor and texture, ensuring they're firm and have a mild ocean scent.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on your heat tolerance, starting with a small pinch and adding more gradually.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the chowder.
  • Add cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy base.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Variations on Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

  • Vegetarian Corn Chowder: Replace shrimp with diced firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes, sautéed until golden brown for a meat-free version packed with protein and texture.
  • Spicy Southwest Corn Chowder: Add roasted green chiles, jalapeños, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired variation with extra heat.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Corn Chowder: Substitute heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk, creating a creamy, rich chowder that's suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals and offers a tropical flavor profile.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the sweet corn and shrimp, cutting through the creamy texture with its bright, zesty acidity and subtle herbal notes.

Serve warm, toasted sourdough or rustic French baguette slices alongside the chowder to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast.

Prepare a light, citrusy green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the chowder’s richness and provide a fresh, palate-cleansing element.

Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley on top of the chowder to enhance the seafood flavor and add a pop of color and brightness to the dish.

Storage Guidelines for Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

  • Transfer cooled chowder to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
  • Pack the chowder in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Note that cream-based soups might slightly separate when thawed.
  • Pour chowder into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the soup reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

  • Is this chowder spicy?

The recipe includes a small amount of cayenne pepper, which adds a mild heat. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

  • What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute.

  • Can I make this chowder ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chowder in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it becomes too thick.

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Sweet Corn And Shrimp Chowder Recipe

Sweet Corn And Shrimp Chowder Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting sweet corn and shrimp chowder blends creamy textures with ocean-fresh seafood and summer’s golden kernels. Rich, hearty spoonfuls deliver a coastal New England experience that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, with shells and veins removed

Vegetables:

  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
  • 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Sear shrimp in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then chop into small pieces and reserve.
  2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium temperature, sauté onions, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Incorporate diced potatoes and corn kernels, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop flavor profiles.
  4. Sprinkle smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper over vegetables, stirring to ensure even spice distribution.
  5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing mixture to a gentle simmer and reducing heat to allow potatoes to become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  6. Introduce heavy cream and whole milk, allowing chowder to simmer and slightly thicken for 5-7 minutes.
  7. Reintegrate chopped shrimp into the chowder, warming through for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Perform final seasoning adjustment with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring balanced flavor profile.
  9. Remove bay leaf before serving to prevent bitter undertones.

Notes

  • Prep shrimp quickly over high heat to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and sweetest taste in the chowder.
  • Use smoked paprika sparingly to add depth without overwhelming the delicate seafood profile.
  • Swap dairy for lactose-free alternatives like coconut milk or almond cream to make the recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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