Zesty Shrimp Soup Recipe: Fast, Fiery & Flavor-Packed

Steaming bowls of comfort call to seafood enthusiasts seeking a quick and spicy shrimp soup that packs serious flavor.

Vibrant spices dance through this broth, creating a culinary adventure on your plate.

Tender shrimp swim alongside colorful vegetables in a rich, aromatic liquid that warms from the first spoonful.

Each ingredient has been carefully selected to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.

The soup balances heat and depth, making it a perfect meal for chilly evenings or when you crave something bold.

Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime brighten the entire dish, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey.

Spicy Shrimp Soup Variations and Ideas

• Vegetarian Seafood Alternative: Replace shrimp with firm tofu cubes or hearts of palm, maintaining the spicy broth's flavor profile while creating a plant-based version.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari, use salt-free broth, and reduce added salt to minimize sodium content without compromising taste.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Eliminate tomatoes, use bone broth instead of regular broth, and add extra healthy fats like avocado or coconut cream for a low-carb, high-fat soup.
• Coastal Mediterranean Remix: Substitute shrimp with white fish like cod or halibut, add capers, and include a splash of white wine for a Mediterranean-inspired seafood soup.

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp Soup

• Zesty Seafood Bowl Companion: Serve this soup over steamed white rice for a hearty, filling meal that soaks up all the delicious broth.
• Crispy Texture Topper: Sprinkle crunchy tortilla strips or toasted bread crumbs on top to add a delightful contrast to the tender shrimp.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Pair with extra fresh cilantro, a dollop of tangy sour cream, or sliced avocado to enhance the soup's vibrant flavors and create a complete dining experience.
• Mexican-Inspired Side: Accompany with warm corn tortillas or a small side salad with citrus vinaigrette to complement the soup's spicy and zesty profile.

Storing Spicy Shrimp Soup Bowls

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep shrimp separate if possible to prevent overcooking during reheating.
• Carefully pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing soup with fresh garnishes like cilantro or green onions.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even warming and prevent rubbery shrimp.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this shrimp soup?

Red pepper flakes, paprika, and cumin provide the soup’s signature spicy and warm flavor profile, creating a bold and zesty taste experience.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before adding to the soup to prevent excess water and maintain the soup’s desired consistency.

• How spicy is this soup?

The soup has a moderate heat level from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste preference.

• Is this soup nutritious?

This soup is protein-rich from shrimp, packed with vegetables, and offers a good balance of nutrients while being low in calories and high in flavor.

Spicy Shrimp Soup Perks

• Whip Up Fast Flavors: This soup delivers bold, zesty taste in mere minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a quick and satisfying meal.
• Master Easy Cooking Skills: The straightforward recipe requires minimal culinary expertise, making it ideal for beginners wanting to explore delicious seafood dishes.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adaptable ingredients allow personalization with spice levels, protein choices, and garnish options to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Packed with protein from shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, this soup offers a wholesome and delicious dining experience that nourishes body and taste buds.

Spicy Shrimp Soup Ingredient List

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood that provides the primary protein and adds a delightful oceanic flavor to the soup.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic base ingredients create a rich, savory foundation for the soup.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika, Cumin: These spices bring warmth, depth, and a spicy kick to the dish.

• Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base that carries all the flavors of the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Add texture and a tangy sweetness to the soup.
• Soy Sauce: Provides a deep umami flavor and enhances the overall taste profile.
• Lime Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy note that balances the rich and spicy elements.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that help balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that add a crisp, aromatic finish to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and create a flavorful base for the soup.

Easy Instructions for Spicy Shrimp Soup

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, then sauté until they release their delightful aroma and become slightly translucent.

Step 2: Ignite The Spice Explosion

Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, paprika, and cumin.

Stir these fiery spices and let them dance in the hot oil for about a minute, releasing their deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Create The Soup Base

Pour in chicken or vegetable broth, add diced tomatoes, and splash in some soy sauce.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 4: Introduce The Star Ingredient

Gently slide the shrimp into the bubbling liquid.

Let them cook for 3-4 minutes, watching as they transform from gray to a beautiful pink, signaling they’re perfectly done.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup and sprinkle in chopped green onions.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, giving the soup a final flavor punch.

Step 6: Serve And Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown each serving with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

The bright green herbs will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.

Tips for Flavorful Spicy Shrimp Soup

• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat tolerance, adding gradually for a personalized kick without overwhelming the soup.
• Choose plump, fresh shrimp and cook them just until pink to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Use homemade or high-quality seafood or chicken broth for deeper, richer flavor that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.
• Replace shrimp with chicken or tofu for alternative protein options that work perfectly with the existing spice blend.
• Serve immediately after cooking to preserve the vibrant colors and prevent shrimp from becoming overcooked and tough.

Quick And Spicy Shrimp Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican Shrimp Soup delivers zesty ocean flavors with fiery chili peppers and fresh cilantro. Spicy broth and tender shrimp create a soul-warming coastal dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces/397 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken or seafood broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, creating a fragrant base with sautéed onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic.
2. Introduce a vibrant blend of red pepper flakes, paprika, and cumin, allowing the spices to bloom and release their intense flavors for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Cascade broth, tomatoes, and soy sauce into the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle bubbling state that creates a robust, flavorful foundation.
4. Gently nestle shrimp into the simmering liquid, monitoring carefully as they transform from translucent to a bright pink hue, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
5. Elevate the soup’s brightness by incorporating fresh lime juice and delicate green onions, then calibrate the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
6. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a final burst of herbaceous freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for milder or spicier preferences.
• Select fresh, high-quality shrimp for optimal flavor and texture, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced.
• Replace shrimp with tofu or white fish for vegetarian or alternative protein options, maintaining similar cooking times.
• Quick cooking prevents shrimp from becoming tough, so watch carefully during the 3-4 minute window to preserve tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg