This Shrimp and Corn Soup is a warm and hearty dish, perfect for those cool evenings when you crave something comforting yet full of flavor. The tender shrimp, sweet corn, and rich, creamy base come together in this easy-to-make recipe that tastes like it was simmered all day. What sets this soup apart is its versatility and balance of flavors. The shrimp adds a fresh, oceanic touch while the double dose of corn—both cream-style and kernels creates an irresistible texture. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 4 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 (15-ounce) can cream-style corn
- 1 ½ cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, uncooked
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (plus more to taste)
Directions:
- Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the celery and white parts of the green onions. Cook for about 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for 1 additional minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables, stirring until they are coated. Remove the pot from the heat and pour in the milk and heavy cream.
- Return the pot to the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
- Stir in the cream-style corn and corn kernels, simmering for 5 minutes until the soup thickens.
- Add the shrimp and Old Bay seasoning to the thickened soup. Stir and cook until the shrimp is fully cooked and no longer translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning as needed, then garnish with the green parts of the onions. Serve warm with bread if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 628 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Bowl of Comfort: Shrimp and Corn Soup
When it comes to cozy, comforting meals that are both hearty and delicious, a creamy Shrimp and Corn Soup is hard to beat. This dish effortlessly combines the sweetness of corn with the succulent, briny flavors of shrimp, creating a soup that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or looking for an easy, satisfying meal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe has it all: flavor, texture, and simplicity. Let’s dive into what makes this Shrimp and Corn Soup so special and why it deserves a place in your regular meal rotation.
A Flavorful Fusion of Ingredients
At the heart of this soup is the perfect pairing of two key ingredients: shrimp and corn. Shrimp, with its tender texture and delicate, slightly sweet flavor, complements the natural sweetness of corn in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The corn brings its own complexity, especially when using a combination of cream-style corn and whole kernels. The cream-style corn provides a luscious, velvety base that helps thicken the soup while adding a sweet, almost buttery flavor. The whole kernels, on the other hand, add bursts of texture, giving the soup a delightful contrast that makes every bite interesting.
The addition of other classic soup vegetables—like celery and green onions—along with seasonings such as garlic, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning, helps round out the flavor profile. Old Bay, a seasoning blend commonly associated with seafood dishes, adds just the right amount of spice, giving the soup a subtle kick without overpowering the natural sweetness of the corn and shrimp. The butter, milk, and heavy cream create a silky-smooth base that gives this dish its irresistible richness.
Creamy Yet Light
While this soup is undeniably creamy, it manages to feel light rather than overly heavy, which is often a concern with rich dishes. Thanks to the balance of milk and heavy whipping cream, the soup achieves the perfect silky texture without being cloying. It’s satisfying without feeling too dense, making it a wonderful option for lunch or dinner. If you’re someone who loves the idea of a chowder but often finds traditional versions too rich or heavy, this recipe strikes a beautiful balance.
One of the best things about Shrimp and Corn Soup is its ability to be customized. Prefer a thinner consistency? You can easily add more milk or broth to the soup until it reaches your desired thickness. On the other hand, if you want an even heartier meal, you can let it simmer for longer to reduce the liquid, or add a bit more flour to thicken the base.
Perfect for Any Season
Although this Shrimp and Corn Soup is perfect for warming up on a cold day, it’s also light enough to be enjoyed in warmer months. Corn, being a summer staple, gives the dish a fresh and vibrant feel, especially if you use fresh corn kernels. Shrimp, too, is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with all kinds of seasonal produce. In summer, this soup can be served with a light side salad or crusty bread for a quick meal that doesn’t feel too heavy. In winter, you might want to serve it alongside a warm, buttery biscuit or a hearty vegetable side for a more filling meal.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this soup delicious, but it also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Shrimp is an excellent source of high-quality protein while being relatively low in calories. It’s rich in important nutrients like selenium, which supports thyroid function and helps protect your body against free radical damage. Shrimp is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties and their role in heart health.
Corn, meanwhile, is rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, and provides essential vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins (especially thiamine and folate). The fiber in corn helps keep you full and satisfied, making this soup a great option for those looking for a balanced meal.
The milk and cream used in this recipe add calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients, contributing to the overall richness of the dish without tipping the scales too far toward indulgence. While this soup contains fats from butter and cream, these fats can help your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins in the shrimp and corn. That said, you can always opt for lower-fat versions of the milk and cream if you’re looking to reduce the overall calorie content of the dish without sacrificing too much of its creamy texture.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
One of the standout features of this soup is how easy it is to prepare. It’s a true one-pot meal, which not only means minimal clean-up but also makes the cooking process straightforward. The total cook time is around 30 minutes, with just 10 minutes of prep work. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast but still want something homemade and comforting. Even better, the ingredients used in this recipe are common pantry and fridge staples, meaning you won’t need to go on a special grocery run just to make it.
While the recipe calls for fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works just as well, making it even more convenient. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp properly before cooking, and remove the shells for ease of eating. If you want to get the best flavor out of the shrimp, you can even reserve the shells and use them to make a quick shrimp stock, adding yet another layer of flavor to the soup.
How to Serve and Pair
This Shrimp and Corn Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides and garnishes. A slice of warm, crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment, as it’s great for soaking up the creamy broth. For a little added texture and freshness, consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a few dashes of hot sauce if you enjoy a little heat.
For those who want to add more protein or vegetables to the meal, you can easily serve this soup alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re planning to serve this soup for a special occasion, it works beautifully as either a first course or a main dish. It’s versatile enough to be dressed up for a dinner party or kept casual for a family meal.
Conclusion:
In summary, Shrimp and Corn Soup is a deliciously creamy, satisfying dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the tender, succulent texture of shrimp. It’s a comforting bowl of goodness that’s easy to make, highly customizable, and works well in any season. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or serving it up at a gathering with friends and family, this soup is sure to impress. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.
