The Zesty Cajun Shrimp And Vegetable Chowder Recipe You Need

Whipping up a delectable cajun shrimp and vegetable chowder brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Spicy aromas will dance through your kitchen, promising comfort in every spoonful.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with zesty seasonings, creating a robust meal that satisfies deeply.

Maritime flavors mingle with hearty vegetables, offering a rich culinary experience.

New Orleans inspiration transforms this classic chowder into something extraordinary and memorable.

Perfectly balanced ingredients ensure each bite delivers bold, exciting taste sensations.

You will fall in love with this soul-warming recipe that celebrates coastal cooking traditions.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically contains a blend of paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme, creating a spicy and flavorful mix that adds bold Louisiana-style taste to dishes.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure proper texture and flavor absorption.

• Is this chowder spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust the heat by using less seasoning or choosing a mild Cajun blend if you prefer a milder flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Shrimp Chowder

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with bold Cajun seasoning that transforms ordinary ingredients into a zesty culinary adventure.
• Quick and Nourishing Comfort: Create a hearty one-pot meal packed with protein-rich shrimp and colorful vegetables that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Perfect for Gathering Crowds: This crowd-pleasing chowder works brilliantly for family dinners, potlucks, or casual get-togethers where everyone craves something warm and delicious.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients Needed for Shrimp Veggie Chowder

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that brings a delightful coastal flavor and protein to the chowder.

• Onion, Carrot, Celery, Red Bell Pepper: Classic vegetable combination that provides a rich, aromatic foundation for the chowder.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and deep flavor to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Potatoes: Hearty ingredient that creates a thick and satisfying texture for the chowder.
• Corn: Adds a sweet and fresh element to balance the savory components.

• Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a luxurious and smooth base that gives the chowder its signature rich consistency.

• Cajun Seasoning: Brings a spicy and bold Southern-style flavor to the dish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the shrimp with a golden finish.

• Parsley, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that provide a bright, crisp garnish and additional layer of flavor.

• Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation that helps cook the vegetables and build the chowder's depth.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté vegetables and start the cooking process with a light, healthy oil.

Making Cajun Shrimp Chowder from Start to Finish

Step 1: Prepare Zesty Seafood

Sprinkle Cajun spice blend over shrimp, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Let the flavors mingle while preparing other ingredients.

• Shrimp
• Cajun seasoning

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in chopped vegetables and sauté until they become tender and release their delightful aromas.

• Onion
• Carrot
• Celery
• Red bell pepper
• Garlic

Step 3: Build Hearty Base

Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture. Add diced potatoes and corn, allowing everything to simmer and develop rich flavors.

Cook until potatoes become soft and easily pierced with a fork.

• Potatoes
• Corn
• Chicken broth

Step 4: Create Luxurious Texture

Introduce cream and milk to transform the chowder into a silky, smooth dish.

Stir gently and let the liquid marry with existing ingredients.

• Heavy cream
• Milk

Step 5: Cook Golden Seafood

In a separate skillet, melt butter and quickly sear seasoned shrimp until they turn beautiful pink and become perfectly cooked.

• Butter
• Seasoned shrimp

Step 6: Bring Together Delicious Elements

Carefully fold cooked shrimp into chowder. Garnish with fresh herbs for a burst of color and additional flavor.

• Fresh parsley
• Green onions

Best Tips for Creamy Cajun Chowder at Home

• Marinate shrimp in Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking to intensify the spicy, bold taste.
• Cut potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain their perfect texture.
• Slowly add cream and stir gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, silky chowder base.
• Replace shrimp with crab, crawfish, or white fish for a delightful variation that keeps the Cajun spirit alive.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk to reduce calories without sacrificing rich flavor.

New Takes on Cajun Shrimp Chowder Bowl

• Seafood Fusion Chowder: Replace shrimp with a mix of crab, scallops, and white fish for a luxurious seafood medley.
• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Swap shrimp with smoked tofu or plant-based protein cubes, using vegetable broth and adding extra roasted vegetables.
• Spicy Andouille Chowder: Incorporate sliced andouille sausage for a richer, spicier Cajun-style experience with more robust flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining creamy texture and hearty feel.

What Tastes Great with Shrimp Chowder Tonight

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the chowder's richness, complementing the spicy Cajun shrimp with its bright, zesty profile.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Warm, tangy sourdough slices provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up the creamy chowder, adding textural contrast and absorbing the flavorful broth.
• Match with Refreshing Citrus Slaw: A light, tangy coleslaw with lemon and lime zest helps balance the chowder's creaminess, offering a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the hearty dish.

Best Method to Keep Chowder Fresh Longer

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer chowder to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing portions with cream to prevent separation.

Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Place serving in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Stop when thoroughly warm and steaming.

Cajun Shrimp And Vegetable Chowder Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Cajun Shrimp and Vegetable Chowder blends spicy Louisiana flavors with creamy coastal comfort. Rich seafood and garden-fresh vegetables combine in a soul-warming bowl that brings southern charm straight to your kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

Liquid and Dairy:

• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by coating generously with Cajun seasoning, allowing the spices to adhere and infuse flavor while setting aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium temperature, sautéing onion, carrot, celery, and red bell pepper until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 5-6 minutes.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable mixture, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to release its aromatic essence without burning.
4. Incorporate diced potatoes, corn, and broth into the pot, bringing the liquid to a vigorous boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for 10-12 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency.
5. Blend heavy cream and milk into the simmering base, allowing the chowder to return to a gentle bubble for an additional 5-7 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent scorching.
6. Meanwhile, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium heat, carefully adding seasoned shrimp and cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform into a vibrant pink and become fully opaque.
7. Gently fold the perfectly cooked shrimp into the creamy chowder, ensuring even distribution of seafood throughout the dish.
8. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, adding a bright, fresh element to the rich and spicy chowder.

Notes

• Boost shrimp flavor by marinating in Cajun seasoning for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and intensity.
• Maximize vegetable tenderness by cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the chowder.
• Prevent cream from curdling by lowering heat and adding dairy slowly while stirring continuously during the creamy stage.
• Transform into gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or using gluten-free flour blend for thickening purposes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg