EcuadorianMedium · Hot
Garlic and onion go in first, then potato and corn that bring sweetness and bite to the pot, and finally shrimp that cook through in just a few minutes in the fragrant broth. The corn bleeds a milky sweetness into the liquid that thickens it naturally as everything simmers. Cilantro scattered over the top at serving is non-negotiable.
20 min
30 min
2 min
52 min
Method
Dice the yellow-onion into small pieces. Roughly chop the tomatoes. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Heat the olive-oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring with a wooden-spoon, for 8 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
Add the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, and black-pepper. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, mashing slightly, until they release their juices and form a rich base.
Add the corn kernels and cook for another 5 minutes.
Pour in the whole-milk and stir gently to combine. Let the chowder simmer on low heat for 5 minutes without boiling.
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through. Use a food thermometer to verify internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
Remove the pot from heat. Squeeze in the juice of both limes and stir in the fresh cilantro.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -4
Calories
520
per serving
Protein
43g
Carbs
66g
Fat
14g
Sat. fat
5g
Fiber
11g
Sugar
25g
Sodium
1478mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Very high impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
4.3
per serving
Water
23m³
Land
60Pt
Runoff
1.1g P
shrimp drives 79% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Primary Tool
StockpotSafety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Shrimp must reach an internal temperature of 145°F to be safely consumed. Cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and opaque.
Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If substituting chicken for shrimp, adjust cooking time accordingly and verify with a thermometer.
High Risk Population
Shellfish allergens can cause severe reactions. Those with shellfish allergies must avoid this dish entirely.
Cross Contamination
Use dedicated utensils and surfaces when handling raw shrimp to prevent cross-contact with other ingredients.
Storage
Refrigerate chowder within 2 hours of preparation. Store in airtight containers at 40°F or below.
Shelf Life
Consume leftover chowder within 3-4 days. Reheat to165°F before serving.
Handling
Purchase fresh or properly frozen shrimp from reputable suppliers. Avoid shrimp with black spots or unpleasant odor.
Allergen Warning
Individuals with milk allergies or lactose intolerance should avoid this dish. Offer dairy-free alternatives if serving to mixed populations.
Pro Tips
Technique
The onion must soften and turn slightly golden before you add the garlic — this is where the flavor foundation lives. Rushing this step means a flat broth instead of a deep, sweet one.
Flavor Boost
Don't skimp on the lime at the end. A full squeeze into each bowl brings the whole pot alive — it cuts through the richness and makes the shrimp taste brighter.
Substitution
Fresh cod works beautifully here if shrimp isn't available. Just add it a few minutes earlier so it has time to cook through.
Time Saver
Use frozen corn kernels if fresh ears aren't in season — they still provide sweetness and body to the chowder.
From the chef
This chowder earns its richness the honest way — onion and garlic coaxed low and slow until they sweeten, tomatoes broken down into a fragrant base, then potato and corn going in to drink up the broth. The corn does something generous here: as it simmers it bleeds a natural milkiness into the liquid that thickens everything without any heaviness. Shrimp go in last, just long enough to turn pink and stay tender. A good squeeze of lime before serving, cilantro stirred in off the heat — that is the coastal finish this pot deserves.
Source: generated · May 30, 2026