Description
This Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is a flavorful and comforting seafood dish ready in just 25 minutes. Combining succulent shrimp with a robust blend of spices, vegetables, and simmered tomatoes, it offers a perfect balance of heat and zest. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner, this hearty soup warms you up while delivering a nourishing meal with fresh herbs and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups seafood broth (or chicken broth)
- 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
Garnish and Optional
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and celery stalk. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add liquids and spices: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, seafood broth, chili flakes, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and let the soup cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors and soften the vegetables further.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Finish with lemon and seasoning: Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili flakes if more heat is desired.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately, optionally with crusty bread or over cooked rice to make a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for seafood broth if preferred or unavailable.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Fresh cilantro provides a bright herbal finish but can be omitted if you are not a fan.
- Adding crusty bread or rice makes this a more filling meal.
- For a thicker soup, simmer longer to reduce liquid or add a little tomato paste.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Seafood
