Shrimp Chowder – This warm and hearty shrimp chowder is the perfect dish to whip up! with its velvety smooth texture, plump shrimp, and layers of creamy and savory goodness for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party.
What Is Shrimp Chowder?
Shrimp chowder is a creamy, rich soup made primarily with shrimp, broth, cream, and vegetables like potatoes, onions, and celery. The essence of this chowder lies in its deep seafood flavor, which is enhanced by simmering the shrimp and vegetables in a flavorful broth, then enriching it with cream for a decadent finish.
While clam chowder often gets the spotlight, shrimp chowder is just as delicious and even more versatile. It combines the briny sweetness of shrimp with a comforting cream base—ideal for those cooler months when you’re looking for something hearty but not too heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Shrimp Chowder
To make this luscious chowder, gather the following ingredients:
Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined.
Vegetables: Potatoes, onions, celery, and garlic are typical, but you can also add corn or carrots.
Broth: Seafood or chicken broth adds depth to the chowder’s flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the chowder its creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even milk.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory punch.
Butter and Flour: For thickening the soup into that velvety chowder consistency.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and bay leaves are common. Some people like to add Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Chowder
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly, and overcooking them can make them rubbery. Sauté them just until they turn pink, then remove them from the heat.
- Use seafood stock for extra flavor: If you can find it, seafood stock gives your chowder a more authentic and deep seafood flavor.
- Season gradually: Start with a little salt and add more after the chowder has simmered. The broth, shrimp, and bacon all add salt, so it’s easy to overdo it.
- Add corn for sweetness: Adding a cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels can bring a delightful sweetness and texture to the chowder.
Recipe Variations to Try
Here are some fun variations:
Gluten-Free Shrimp Chowder: Omit the flour and use cornstarch as a thickener for a gluten-free version.
Spicy Chowder: Add cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat lovers. You could even throw in a chopped jalapeño for extra spice.
Shrimp and Corn Chowder: Corn complements shrimp beautifully. You can also add bell peppers for color and sweetness.
Cajun Chowder: Infuse the chowder with Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne, and thyme. Toss in some sausage for extra richness!
Creamy Tomato Chowder: Swap the broth for tomato stock and stir in tomato paste for a unique seafood bisque-style chowder.
How to Serve Shrimp Chowder
Shrimp chowder is best served hot, with a crusty loaf of bread, biscuits, or oyster crackers on the side to soak up the creamy broth. You can also pair it with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced meal.
If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve your chowder in a bread bowl—there’s something magical about eating the soup and then tearing into the soft, broth-soaked bread.
How to Store and Reheat Shrimp Chowder
Shrimp chowder can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so over low heat to avoid curdling the cream or overcooking the shrimp. If the chowder thickens too much, simply add a splash of broth or cream while reheating.
Can you freeze shrimp chowder?
Yes, but be mindful that the texture may change when frozen due to the cream. To freeze, allow the chowder to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently warm on the stove, adding extra broth or cream as needed to restore the texture.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for chowder?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them first by running cold water over the shrimp for a few minutes before cooking.
Can I make shrimp chowder ahead of time?
Yes, shrimp chowder can be made a day ahead. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just be sure to add the shrimp right before serving so they don’t overcook.
What’s the best way to thicken chowder?
The best way to thicken chowder is by using a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. For a gluten-free option, you can use cornstarch or even mashed potatoes.
Shrimp Chowder (Creamy)
Shrimp Chowder - This warm and hearty shrimp chowder is the perfect dish to whip up! with its velvety smooth texture, plump shrimp, and layers of creamy and savory goodness for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 1 package (6-8 oz) spreadable cheese wedges
- 8 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 (8 oz) brie cheese wheel
- 1–2 stalks celery, thinly sliced or diced
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2–1 Tbsp dry herbs and spices (Old Bay, garlic powder, parsley, etc.)
- 1–2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill), minced for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Water/Broth: In a medium pot, bring 8 cups of water (or broth) to a boil.
- Prep Cheese: Peel the cheese wedges and cut the rind off the brie. Cube the brie (discard the rind).
- Prep Veggies: Chop the onion, grate the carrot, slice the celery, and cube the potatoes.
- Melt Cheese: Add the cheese wedges to the boiling water and whisk until they dissolve. Stir in the brie cubes, which will soften but may not fully melt.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the onion, carrot, celery, potatoes, and bay leaves.
- Season with salt, pepper, and your preferred herbs and spices. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Cook Shrimp: While the soup is simmering, prep the shrimp. Add the shrimp to the soup and cook for about 5 minutes, just until they turn pink. Avoid overcooking.
- Finish & Garnish: Remove from heat, discard the bay leaves, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve hot!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 238Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 169mgSodium 1029mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 4gSugar 3gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp chowder is a versatile, rich, and comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making the classic version or experimenting with spicy or Cajun variations, this chowder is guaranteed to satisfy. Plus, with its straightforward preparation and ability to be made ahead of time, it’s the perfect go-to recipe for any seafood lover.
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