Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder is the ultimate comfort food that combines smoky, spiced shrimp with the natural sweetness of tender corn kernels. The creamy base provides a velvety texture that perfectly complements the bold flavors, creating a dish that feels both hearty and indulgent. Whether you’re seeking a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining, this chowder ticks all the boxes.
Ideal for seafood enthusiasts, this recipe offers a unique twist on traditional chowders. The blackened shrimp add a touch of spice and depth, while the corn lends a hint of natural sweetness, resulting in a dish that feels both familiar and elevated. Pair it with crusty garlic bread, buttery biscuits, or a crisp garden salad for a well-rounded meal.
If you love soups that bring robust flavors and comforting warmth, you might also enjoy our Sausage Tortellini Soup, a dish that delivers hearty satisfaction in every bite. Like this chowder, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or serving at special gatherings.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring a quiet night at home, Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder is the kind of recipe that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder Recipe
1. Smoky and Sweet Harmony
This chowder masterfully balances the smoky, spicy flavors of blackened shrimp with the natural sweetness of fresh corn. Each spoonful delivers an exciting contrast of bold and comforting flavors, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and memorable.
2. Quick and Easy
With a cook time of just 30 minutes, this chowder is surprisingly simple to make. Despite its gourmet appearance, the recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
3. Versatile and Customizable
This chowder is as flexible as it is flavorful. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste, or add other seafood like scallops, crab, or clams for an extra indulgent version. Toss in vegetables like diced potatoes or bell peppers for added texture and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for mild comfort or bold flavors, this recipe adapts effortlessly.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Ingredients for Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons blackened seasoning
For the Chowder:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Season and Cook the Shrimp
- Toss the shrimp with olive oil and blackened seasoning until coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and celery, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Base
- Add the corn, potatoes, and smoked paprika to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken or seafood broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Blend for Creaminess
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the chowder, leaving some texture. Alternatively, puree half the chowder in a blender and return it to the pot.
Add the Cream
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve with Shrimp
- Ladle the chowder into bowls and top each with blackened shrimp. Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Ingredient Background
Blackened Seasoning
This spice mix, often made with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs, adds a smoky, spicy flavor to the shrimp, elevating the dish.
Corn
Corn kernels add natural sweetness, providing a delightful contrast to the spiced shrimp.
Potatoes
Diced potatoes give the chowder a hearty, thick texture, making it filling and satisfying.
Heavy Cream
Cream adds richness and ties together all the flavors for a smooth and luxurious chowder base.
Chicken or Seafood Broth
The broth acts as the foundation, infusing the chowder with savory depth.
Technique Tips for the Best Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder
- Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp
Shrimp cooks in just a few minutes, so keep a close eye on it. Remove the shrimp from heat as soon as it turns pink and opaque to maintain its tender, juicy texture. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and chewy, diminishing the dish’s quality. - Warm the Cream Before Adding
Cold cream added to hot soup can curdle or separate. To avoid this, gently warm the cream in a small saucepan or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before incorporating it into the chowder. This simple step ensures a smooth, creamy consistency. - Blend for Texture
For a chowder that’s both creamy and chunky, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. This creates a velvety base while leaving some whole kernels of corn and pieces of potato for satisfying texture in each bite. - Season Gradually
Seasoning in stages allows the flavors to develop without overpowering the dish. Start with a modest amount of salt and spices, then adjust to taste after the chowder has simmered. This ensures a balanced, flavorful result every time. - Serve Fresh
While the chowder reheats well, it’s at its absolute best when served immediately after cooking. This preserves the shrimp’s tenderness and ensures the flavors remain vibrant and fresh. If you must reheat, do so gently over low heat.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
- Bread Bowls
Transform your chowder into a fun and hearty meal by serving it in hollowed-out bread bowls. The bread absorbs the rich flavors, making every bite satisfying. - Shrimp and Corn Tacos
Repurpose the chowder’s filling into tacos. Spoon the shrimp and corn mixture into tortillas, top with crunchy slaw, a squeeze of lime, and a dollop of sour cream for a creative twist. - Vegetarian Corn Chowder
For a meat-free version, omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. Enhance the flavors with a pinch of smoked paprika for depth. - Seafood Medley Chowder
Take this chowder up a notch by incorporating other seafood like crab, scallops, or clams. This luxurious variation makes for an indulgent, special-occasion dish. - Cajun-Style Chowder
Add diced Andouille sausage and extra cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy, Cajun-inspired version. This variation pairs beautifully with cornbread or hush puppies.
Freezing and Storing Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover chowder in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store shrimp separately if possible to maintain their texture when reheated.
Freezing Instructions
Cool the chowder completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Leave an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the chowder on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the chowder appears too thick after thawing, add a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.
Healthier Twist Ideas
- Lighten the Cream
Substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half for a lighter chowder without sacrificing creaminess. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or coconut milk. - Use Low-Sodium Broth
Swap regular broth for a low-sodium variety to keep salt levels in check. Add fresh herbs and spices to boost flavor naturally. - Add More Vegetables
Include nutrient-rich vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also increase the dish’s fiber and vitamin content. - Swap Butter for Olive Oil
Use heart-healthy olive oil instead of butter for sautéing the onions and garlic. This simple change cuts saturated fats while keeping the chowder flavorful. - Whole Corn Alternatives
Blend a portion of the corn with broth to naturally thicken the chowder, reducing the need for cream. This technique adds sweetness and body to the soup. - Skip the Cheese Garnish
If you’re watching calories, omit the cheese topping. Use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for a bright and flavorful garnish instead.
Serving Suggestions for Events
- Family Dinners
Serve the chowder in generous bowls alongside warm, crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth. - Date Nights
Pair the chowder with roasted asparagus or grilled vegetables, and serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay for an elegant, romantic dinner. - Holiday Gatherings
Present the chowder as a festive starter in small, decorative bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with buttery dinner rolls for an impressive holiday touch. - Game Day Parties
Offer the chowder in smaller bowls or mugs for easy handling during game day festivities. Pair it with tortilla chips, guacamole, and spicy salsa for a crowd-pleasing spread. - Potluck Favorites
Transport the chowder in a slow cooker to keep it warm and ready to serve. Provide toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, and green onions so guests can customize their portions. - Cozy Lunches
Pair the chowder with a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey wrap for a comforting midday meal that feels indulgent yet satisfying. - Seafood Nights
Serve the chowder alongside other seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, or baked scallops for a themed dinner. Add a side of lemon rice or steamed green beans to round out the meal. - Elegant Dinner Parties
Elevate the chowder’s presentation by serving it in soup crocks with a slice of toasted baguette on top. Include an appetizer like a light Caprese salad for a sophisticated start to the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but reduce cooking time for the shrimp and simply warm it before serving.
2. What can I substitute for blackened seasoning?
A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder works as a homemade alternative.
3. Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chowder without the shrimp. Cook and add the shrimp just before serving.
4. How do I adjust the spice level?
Use less cayenne in the seasoning or add extra cream to mellow the heat.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free option.
6. Can I use canned corn?
Yes, but fresh or frozen corn gives the chowder better texture and flavor.
7. What sides pair well with this chowder?
Crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.
8. Is there a similar recipe I can try?
For another hearty and comforting soup, check out our Sausage Tortellini Soup.
Conclusion
Blackened Shrimp and Corn Chowder is a perfect blend of bold and comforting flavors. The smoky shrimp adds depth, while the sweet corn and creamy broth create a delightful balance. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and approachable, suitable for any occasion.
Whether served as a cozy family dinner or the star of a special gathering, this chowder never fails to impress. Customize it to your liking, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy the rich flavors in every spoonful.
Make this recipe a staple in your kitchen and delight your family and friends with its irresistible charm!