Creamy Dreamy Shrimp Chowder Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Creamy seafood lovers adore this hearty shrimp chowder that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Rich coastal flavors burst through tender chunks of succulent shellfish and velvety potatoes.

Corn kernels add sweet bursts of texture against the smooth backdrop.

Our recipe draws inspiration from traditional New England cooking techniques.

Robust ingredients combine to create a warming meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Freshness matters most when selecting your seafood, so pick plump, vibrant shrimp from reliable sources.

You’ll want to savor each delightful bite of this soul-satisfying soup.

Why Shrimp Chowder Stands Out

• Create a Sensational Seafood Feast: Dive into a luxurious chowder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
• Master Complex Cooking with Ease: Learn professional techniques like making a perfect roux and perfectly cooking delicate seafood without stress.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Adapt this versatile recipe by swapping seafood types or adding your favorite vegetables for a personalized gourmet experience.
• Impress Family and Friends: Serve a creamy, sophisticated chowder that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end coastal restaurant, making you the star chef.

What You’ll Need For Shrimp Chowder

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds a sweet, delicate flavor and tender texture to the chowder.
• White Fish: Mild-flavored fish that provides a delicate protein element to the creamy soup.

• Butter: Creates a rich, golden foundation that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Onions, Celery, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful base for the chowder.
• Flour: Helps thicken the chowder and create a smooth, velvety consistency.

• Chicken or Seafood Stock: Provides a deep, savory liquid base for the chowder.
• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Delivers a luxurious, creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Potatoes: Hearty vegetable that adds substance and helps thicken the chowder.

• Bay Leaves, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that infuse the chowder with subtle, complex flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Bright, fresh herbs that add color and a light, crisp finish.

Easy Steps For Shrimp Chowder

Step 1: Clean and Dry Seafood

Rinse shrimp and white fish under cold water. Gently pat each piece dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure perfect cooking texture.

Step 2: Create Butter Base

Place a large heavy-bottomed pot on medium heat. Melt butter slowly, allowing it to develop a golden, rich foundation for the chowder.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Diced celery
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables. Stir continuously to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form while developing deep flavor layers.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquid Base

Slowly pour in chicken or seafood stock. Whisk constantly to blend smoothly and prevent any clumping in the developing chowder.

Step 6: Simmer Potato Mixture

• Diced potatoes
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes become tender but maintain a slight firmness.

Step 7: Create Creamy Texture

Pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Stir gently to combine, creating a luxurious and velvety consistency that defines a perfect chowder.

Step 8: Cook Seafood Perfectly

Gently add white fish pieces and shrimp into the simmering liquid. Cook for 3-4 minutes until seafood turns just opaque and reaches perfect doneness.

Step 9: Final Flavor Adjustment

Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasonings, balancing flavors with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 10: Prepare and Garnish

• Freshly chopped parsley
• Thinly sliced green onions

Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the rich flavors to tantalize taste buds.

Tips To Make Shrimp Chowder Better

• Clean Seafood with Care: Pat shrimp and white fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a perfect tender texture and preventing watery chowder.
• Control Roux Consistency: Sprinkle flour gradually and stir continuously while cooking to create a smooth, lump-free base that thickens the chowder beautifully without clumping.
• Simmer Potatoes Precisely: Cook potatoes for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy, maintaining their shape and preventing them from becoming a starchy mess in the chowder.
• Balance Seafood Cooking: Add white fish and shrimp at the end, cooking for just 3-4 minutes to keep them opaque and tender, avoiding overcooking that can make seafood tough and rubbery.

New Ideas For Shrimp Chowder Lovers

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream and whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Ocean Bowl: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrates while keeping the chowder's hearty consistency and seafood-rich flavor.
• Spicy Seafood Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, and a splash of hot sauce to transform the classic chowder into a zesty, heat-packed meal.
• Mediterranean Seafood Medley: Incorporate Mediterranean herbs like oregano, replace chicken stock with fish stock, and add kalamata olives for an Aegean-inspired interpretation.

What To Serve With Shrimp Chowder

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a medium-bodied, lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy seafood chowder's rich texture without overpowering delicate fish flavors.
• Create Sourdough Bread Companion: Toast thick slices of rustic sourdough bread to serve alongside the chowder, providing a perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth, velvety soup and helping soak up every delicious drop.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the chowder's richness, adding a refreshing and peppery counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

Best Way To Store Shrimp Chowder

• Transfer cooled chowder to airtight containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate seafood from liquid to prevent overcooking when reheating.
• Pour chowder into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing potatoes as they may become grainy and lose texture.
• Gently warm chowder in a pot over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or stock to restore creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst. Add a little liquid if needed to maintain smooth texture and prevent separation.

FAQs About Shrimp Chowder

• How do I prevent the seafood from becoming rubbery?

Pat the seafood dry before cooking and avoid overcooking. Add shrimp and fish in the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, removing them from heat as soon as they turn opaque to maintain their tender texture.

• Can I use frozen seafood instead of fresh?

Yes, but thaw seafood completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Frozen seafood might release more liquid, so adjust your stock quantity accordingly and drain any extra water before adding to the chowder.

• What's the secret to a smooth, lump-free chowder?

Create a roux by slowly sprinkling flour over softened vegetables and stirring continuously. When adding stock, pour gradually and whisk constantly to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, creamy consistency.

Shrimp Chowder Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy shrimp chowder brings coastal comfort to your table with rich, velvety flavors. Packed with tender shrimp, hearty potatoes, and a silky broth, you’ll savor each spoonful of this classic seafood delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Seafood Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 lb white fish (such as cod or halibut), diced

Vegetables:

• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Liquid Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 cups chicken or seafood stock

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Thickening Agents:

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp green onions, sliced

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Instructions

1. Prep seafood by cleaning shrimp and white fish, then pat dry with paper towels to ensure optimal texture and remove excess moisture.
2. Melt butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, creating a golden base for the chowder’s rich foundation.
3. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, releasing their aromatic essence into the butter.
4. Sprinkle flour over the softened vegetables, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux that will thicken the chowder without lumps.
5. Gradually pour in chicken or seafood stock, whisking constantly to integrate the liquid and prevent any potential clumping.
6. Add diced potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper, then simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes are tender but not mushy.
7. Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring gently to combine and create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
8. Introduce white fish pieces and shrimp, cooking for 3-4 minutes until seafood is just opaque and perfectly cooked through.
9. Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
10. Ladle chowder into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions for a vibrant finishing touch.
11. Serve immediately while steaming hot, allowing the rich, creamy texture and delicate seafood flavors to shine.

Notes

• Enhance seafood quality by selecting fresh, high-grade shrimp and white fish from local markets or reputable seafood suppliers for optimal flavor and texture.
• Control moisture by thoroughly patting shrimp and fish dry before cooking, preventing watery consistency and ensuring proper searing and flavor retention.
• Develop deeper flavor complexity by using homemade seafood or chicken stock instead of store-bought versions, which can elevate the chowder’s overall taste profile.
• Customize dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative or using gluten-free flour to make the recipe suitable for different nutritional requirements.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg