Description
This Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is a flavorful, warming dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Combining tender shrimp, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables in a rich seafood broth, it offers a subtly spicy kick balanced by tangy lemon juice and fresh cilantro garnish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth)
Seasonings & Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to desired spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes, seafood broth, chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, then adjust the soup’s seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and extra chili flakes if more heat is desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread or cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use seafood broth for a richer flavor; chicken broth is a good substitute if unavailable.
- Adjust chili flakes to control spiciness according to your taste.
- Peeling and deveining shrimp beforehand ensures even cooking and a better texture.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly by simmering longer before adding shrimp.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish and can be substituted with fresh parsley if preferred.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the shrimp.
