Chowders

South Carolina Shrimp Chowder

Name: South Carolina Shrimp Chowder
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium celery stalks, chopped; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

By Gabriel Mowbray · June 19, 2026 · Chowders

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

South Carolina Shrimp Chowder — Creamy shrimp chowder

As a coastal home cook, I've always been drawn to the simplicity and flavor of a well-made shrimp chowder. Growing up in a family of fishmongers, I learned the importance of using only the freshest ingredients and respecting the delicate flavor of seafood. This South Carolina Shrimp Chowder recipe is a staple in my household, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The key to a great shrimp chowder is in the balance of flavors and textures. You want a rich, creamy broth that's not too thick or too thin, with succulent shrimp that are cooked to perfection. To achieve this, I use a combination of aromatics like onion, garlic, and celery, along with a blend of spices that add depth and warmth to the dish.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, and it's easily customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you like a little heat in your chowder or prefer it mild, you can adjust the level of spice to your liking. And the best part? It's ready in under an hour, making it a great option for busy home cooks.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make a delicious and authentic South Carolina Shrimp Chowder. From the initial prep work to the final finishing touches, I'll share my tips and techniques for creating a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. So let's get started!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish for a larger gathering. It's also a great option for a casual dinner party or potluck, as it's easy to transport and serve. And with its rich, comforting flavor, it's sure to be a hit with your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The dish is customizable to suit your tastes, so you can adjust the level of spice or add your favorite ingredients.
It's a great option for a casual dinner party or potluck, as it's easy to transport and serve.
The recipe is versatile and can be served as a main course or side dish.
It's a comforting and indulgent dish that's sure to be a hit with your guests.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great shrimp chowder is in the layering of flavors. By sautéing the aromatics in butter until they're soft and fragrant, you create a rich and savory base for the dish. Then, by adding the shrimp and cooking them until they're pink and curled, you add a pop of color and texture to the chowder.

Another important factor is the balance of liquids in the dish. By using a combination of chicken broth, milk, and cream, you create a creamy and indulgent broth that's not too thick or too thin. And by seasoning the chowder with a blend of spices, including paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper, you add depth and warmth to the dish.

The key to cooking the shrimp is to not overcook them. You want to cook them until they're just pink and curled, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This will ensure that they're tender and juicy, rather than tough and rubbery. And by finishing the chowder with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of parsley, you add a touch of freshness and elegance to the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious South Carolina Shrimp Chowder, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include fresh shrimp, aromatics like onion and garlic, and a blend of spices that add depth and warmth to the dish. You'll also need some chicken broth, milk, and cream to create a rich and creamy broth.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to choose the freshest shrimp you can find. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet, slightly salty smell. You should also choose aromatics that are fresh and fragrant, as these will add the most flavor to the dish.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedFresh shrimp are essential for this recipe, so be sure to choose the best you can find. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet, slightly salty smell.
2 tablespoons unsalted butterButter adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality unsalted butter.
1 medium onion, choppedOnion adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, so be sure to choose a fresh and fragrant one.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the dish, so be sure to use fresh and high-quality garlic.
2 medium celery stalks, choppedCelery adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the dish, so be sure to choose stalks that are fresh and fragrant.
1 teaspoon paprikaPaprika adds a smoky and savory flavor to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality paprika.
1/2 teaspoon dried thymeThyme adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish, so be sure to use fresh and high-quality thyme.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperCayenne pepper adds a spicy and pungent flavor to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality cayenne pepper.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors in the dish, so be sure to use high-quality salt.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and aromatic flavor to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality black pepper.
2 cups chicken brothChicken broth adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality chicken broth.
1 cup milkMilk adds a creamy and indulgent texture to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality milk.
1/2 cup heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality heavy cream.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyParsley adds a fresh and fragrant flavor to the dish, so be sure to use high-quality parsley.

Ingredients for South Carolina Shrimp Chowder

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerSlotted spoon

How to Make South Carolina Shrimp Chowder

1
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
2
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3
Add the chopped celery and cook for 2 minutes, until it's tender.
4
Add the paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, until the spices are fragrant.
5
Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
6
Add the milk and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until it's hot and creamy.
7
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they're pink and curled, about 2-3 minutes. Check the internal temperature of the shrimp with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 145 F (63 C).
8
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and then stir in the chopped parsley.
9
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Serve the chowder hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
11
Let the chowder rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best flavor.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Adjust the level of spice to your liking by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Use a variety of spices to add depth and warmth to the dish.
Let the chowder rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a fresh and fragrant flavor.
Serve the chowder with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can result in a lackluster flavor.
Not adjusting the level of spice to your liking, which can make the dish too spicy or not spicy enough.
Not letting the chowder rest for a few minutes before serving, which can result in a disjointed flavor.
Not garnishing with fresh herbs, which can make the dish look and taste dull.
Not serving the chowder with crusty bread or crackers, which can make the meal feel incomplete.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding diced bell peppers or carrots to the pot for added flavor and texture.
Using different types of protein, such as chicken or fish, for a variation on the recipe.
Adding a splash of wine or lemon juice to the pot for added depth and brightness.
Using different types of milk or cream, such as coconut milk or almond milk, for a non-dairy version.
Adding a sprinkle of grated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan, for added flavor and texture.
Using different types of spices, such as cumin or coriander, for a unique flavor profile.
Serving the chowder with a side of rice or noodles for a filling meal.

What to Serve With South Carolina Shrimp Chowder

This South Carolina Shrimp Chowder is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal, or pair it with a side of rice or noodles for a filling meal.

The chowder is also a great option for a casual dinner party or potluck, as it's easy to transport and serve. You can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a fresh and fragrant flavor, and serve it with a side of crackers or bread for a crunchy texture.

Crusty breadCrackersRiceNoodlesFresh herbs, such as parsley or thymeGrated cheese, such as cheddar or parmesan

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This South Carolina Shrimp Chowder can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the chowder overnight in the fridge and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

When storing the chowder, be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing. This will help prevent the formation of ice crystals and ensure that the chowder remains creamy and smooth.

To freeze the chowder, simply ladle it into airtight containers or freezer bags and label them with the date and contents. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the chowder overnight in the fridge and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

Reheating the chowder is easy and convenient, and it's a great way to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal without having to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Simply reheat the chowder over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy, and serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but large shrimp work best for this recipe. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a sweet, slightly salty smell.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Simply thaw them according to the package instructions and pat them dry with paper towels before using.

How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

The shrimp are cooked when they're pink and curled, which should take about 2-3 minutes. You can also check the internal temperature of the shrimp with an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches 145 F (63 C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

What can I serve with this recipe?

You can serve this recipe with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal, or pair it with a side of rice or noodles for a filling meal. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a fresh and fragrant flavor.

Can I use different types of protein for this recipe?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as chicken or fish, for a variation on the recipe. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasoning accordingly.

How do I store the chowder?

You can store the chowder in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Simply let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing, and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

Can I freeze the chowder?

Yes, you can freeze the chowder for up to 2 months. Simply ladle it into airtight containers or freezer bags and label them with the date and contents. When you're ready to reheat, simply thaw the chowder overnight in the fridge and reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and creamy.

The Full Recipe

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