Shrimp and Corn Chowder
A creamy, hearty New England classic packed with tender shrimp, sweet corn, and potatoes. This comforting chowder, flavored with smoky bacon, is a perfect one-pot meal for a chilly evening.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Render the Bacon
- b.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp and the fat has rendered, about 6-8 minutes.
- c.Using a slotted spoon, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Add the butter to the bacon fat in the pot. Once melted, add the chopped onion and celery.
- c.Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Chowder Base
- b.Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. This creates a roux that will thicken the chowder.
- c.Slowly and gradually whisk in the chicken broth and clam juice, ensuring you scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- d.Add the diced potatoes, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer the Potatoes
- b.Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer.
- c.Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Add Final Ingredients
- b.Stir in the heavy cream and corn kernels. Bring the chowder back to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Do not let it come to a rolling boil, as this can cause the cream to curdle.
- c.Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for just 2-4 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat. Taste the chowder and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- c.Stir in half of the reserved crispy bacon.
- d.Ladle the hot chowder into bowls. Garnish with the remaining crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chives before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a thicker chowder, use an immersion blender to briefly pulse the soup a few times before adding the cream and shrimp. Alternatively, mash a few potatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon.
- 2Do not overcook the shrimp. They cook in minutes and will become tough and rubbery if left on the heat for too long.
- 3If using fresh corn, slice the kernels off the cob. Scrape the cobs with the back of your knife to extract the sweet 'corn milk' and add it to the chowder for extra flavor.
- 4Let the chowder rest for 10 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- 5For a hint of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce along with the salt and pepper.
- 6Ensure frozen shrimp are fully thawed before adding them to the pot to prevent them from cooling the chowder down too much and cooking unevenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Sauté one finely diced jalapeño with the onion and celery for a spicy kick.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Add 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves along with the garlic for a more aromatic flavor.
Lower FatLower-Fat
Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon. Note that the chowder will be less rich.
Vegetable ForwardVegetable-Forward
Add 1 cup of diced carrots or red bell pepper along with the celery and onions for extra vegetables and color.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lean Protein
Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality, lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle maintenance, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Source of Selenium
Shrimp provides a significant amount of selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, supports healthy thyroid function, and boosts the immune system.
Provides Key B Vitamins
This chowder contains important B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12 from the shrimp, which is crucial for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. The vegetables also contribute other B vitamins essential for energy metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A 1.5-cup serving of this Shrimp and Corn Chowder contains approximately 650-750 calories, primarily from the heavy cream, bacon, and butter. The exact amount can vary based on the specific ingredients used.