Description
This Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines succulent shrimp with a spicy tomato-based broth infused with chili flakes, smoked paprika, and cumin. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
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
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
- Add Broth and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, seafood broth, chili flakes, smoked paprika, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering soup. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through. Avoid overcooking to maintain shrimp tenderness.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and chili flakes as desired for extra heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a fresh, herbal note. Serve immediately, paired with crusty bread or over cooked rice to complete the meal.
Notes
- You can substitute seafood broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice tolerance for a milder or spicier soup.
- For added depth, simmer the soup longer before adding shrimp, but avoid overcooking shrimp to keep them tender.
- Pair the soup with a side of crusty bread or steamed rice for a filling meal.
- Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish—omit if you don’t like cilantro or substitute with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
