Shrimp and Corn Soup

This Creamy Shrimp and Sweet Corn Chowder brings warmth and comfort in every spoonful. Packed with juicy shrimp, sweet bursts of corn, and a velvety broth, it’s the perfect one-pot meal for cooler days or cozy nights indoors. The gentle spice of paprika and cumin adds a subtle depth of flavor, making it as nourishing as it is flavorful.

Perfectly suited for weeknight dinners or as a starter at your next gathering, this dish is simple to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Serve it with a side of warm crusty bread or crackers for a complete and heartwarming meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this shrimp and corn soup will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 4 cups seafood stock (or chicken stock)

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 ears of fresh corn, kernels cut off (or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn)

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley

• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

2. Stir in paprika, cumin, and cayenne; cook for another 30 seconds.

3. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw taste.

4. Gradually whisk in seafood stock and bring to a simmer. Add milk and continue to simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Stir in corn and simmer for another 5-7 minutes. Then add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.

6. Stir in heavy cream and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired and garnish with parsley.

7. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Shrimp and Sweet Corn Chowder: A Heartwarming Coastal Classic

There’s something uniquely comforting about a bowl of chowder. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, chowders are among the most beloved comfort foods across coastal regions of the world. This Creamy Shrimp and Sweet Corn Chowder brings together the briny sweetness of shrimp with the golden pop of corn kernels, suspended in a velvety broth that soothes the soul as much as it satisfies the appetite.

This dish is more than just a soup; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by traditional cooking methods. Whether you’re preparing a quiet dinner for two or serving a comforting bowl to friends and family, this chowder has a way of making any moment feel cozy and special.

The Coastal Roots of Shrimp Chowder

Shrimp chowder finds its roots along the coasts of the American South and the Eastern Seaboard, where seafood is plentiful and hearty dishes are a way of life. Historically, chowder evolved as a fisherman’s stew, prepared with the day’s catch, hearty vegetables, and whatever ingredients were available.

The term “chowder” is believed to come from the French word chaudière, which referred to a large cooking pot used by fishermen. Over time, chowder evolved from a rustic stew to a creamy, savory soup thickened with flour, cream, or potatoes. It has since taken many forms clam chowder, corn chowder, chicken chowder but seafood chowders like this shrimp and corn version remain at the top for their depth of flavor and nourishing quality.

The addition of corn gives this version a touch of Southern sweetness and texture, while the shrimp offers that classic coastal character. The combination is truly timeless.

The Star Ingredients: Simple, Accessible, Flavorful

What makes this chowder recipe so special is that it doesn’t require fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Each element plays a key role in developing flavor and body without overcomplicating the dish.

• Shrimp

Shrimps are the heart of this chowder. Tender, slightly sweet, and quick to cook, they bring a seafood richness without overwhelming the dish. Fresh or frozen shrimp both work beautifully, but for the best texture, opt for large or extra-large shrimp that have been peeled and deveined. Cooking them just until opaque is crucial, they should be succulent, not rubbery.

• Corn

Sweet corn balances the richness of the cream and the savoriness of the shrimp. Fresh corn kernels sliced off the cob give this soup a burst of color and crunch. If fresh corn isn’t in season, high-quality frozen corn works just as well and allows this recipe to be enjoyed year-round.

• Aromatics and Base

A mirepoix of onion, celery, and garlic forms the flavor base, lightly sautéed in butter and olive oil. These aromatics add depth and set the stage for the spices to bloom.

Smoked paprika and cumin add a touch of warmth and complexity, while cayenne pepper (used sparingly) adds just a hint of heat, enough to tingle the tongue without overpowering the creamy goodness.

• Cream and Stock

The combination of seafood or chicken stock with whole milk and heavy cream results in a chowder that is both silky and satisfying. The flour roux created in the early stage of cooking gives the soup its thickness, while the milk and cream bring that luscious texture we associate with chowders.

Don’t be tempted to skip the stock, it adds essential savory undertones that ground the sweetness of the corn and shrimp.

Cooking Tips and Variations

Though the base recipe is reliable and flavorful as-is, there’s room for personalization depending on your dietary needs or ingredient availability.

• To make it dairy-free, substitute olive oil for the butter and use a dairy-free cream or full-fat coconut milk. The result will be slightly different but still rich and delicious.

• For a gluten-free option, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or thicken the soup using mashed potatoes.

• Add extra vegetables such as red bell pepper, diced carrot, or even chopped spinach for more color and nutrients.

• Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who prefer a little more heat.

• Want extra protein? Add lump crab meat or chunks of firm white fishlike cod or halibut for a seafood medley.

As always, taste as you go and season to your preference. Soup, especially chowder, is highly forgiving, just make sure to cook gently and avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas

This chowder is a complete meal in itself, but you can elevate the experience with some thoughtful accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast: Perfect for dunking, a good rustic bread with a crisp edge complements the creamy texture of the chowder.

• Side Salad: A bright, acidic salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the soup. Think arugula, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing.

• Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the creamy base and seafood flavors.

• Toppings: Finish with a swirl of extra cream, a few more shrimp on top, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

If you’re serving this for guests, ladle it into pre-warmed bowls to maintain its heat and garnish right before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this chowder is how well it stores. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, avoid boiling to prevent the cream from separating.

• Freezer: While the soup can be frozen, dairy-based soups may separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the cream, and add the cream fresh during reheating.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

This Creamy Shrimp and Sweet Corn Chowder delivers on all fronts: taste, texture, simplicity, and versatility. It’s the kind of recipe that feels special enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a quiet night at home. You can prepare it in under an hour, and it always feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Whether you grew up on coastal fare or are simply looking for a delicious way to enjoy shrimp, this chowder offers the best of land and sea. The balance of sweet corn and savory shrimp is irresistible, and every bite carries the comfort of a recipe passed down through generations.

Conclusion

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Creamy Shrimp and Sweet Corn Chowder is a shining example of that. Using wholesome ingredients and a straightforward process, it’s a recipe that brings joy with every spoonful. From the depth of the stock to the creaminess of the base and the burst of sweetness from the corn, this dish invites you to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of homemade food.

If you’re new to chowders or just looking to shake up your soup routine, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s adaptable, dependable, and above all, absolutely delicious. Keep it in your recipe box, bookmark it for cozy nights, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen.