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