Description
This Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is a flavorful, easy-to-make seafood broth packed with tender shrimp, vegetables, and warming spices. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines a zesty kick with comforting warmth, garnished with fresh cilantro and complemented by crusty bread or rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Broth
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant, which will build the base flavor of the soup.
- Add Broth and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, seafood broth, chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.
- Flavor and Season: Stir in the lemon juice, enhancing the soup’s brightness, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili flakes if more heat is desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal note.
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over cooked rice to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can swap seafood broth with chicken broth for a different flavor profile.
- Adjust chili flakes and red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your liking.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp beforehand speeds up cooking and ensures the best texture.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
