Discover how to make the most delicious homemade Shrimp Soup Recipe that's both satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. This warming bowl of goodness combines succulent shrimp with aromatic vegetables and herbs in a rich, flavorful broth that's perfect for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Shrimp Soup Recipe
This comforting shrimp soup recipe is more than just a meal – it's a bowl of warmth that brings together the sweetness of fresh shrimp with perfectly balanced seasonings. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen. The best part? It comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Shrimp Soup Recipe
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Soup Recipe
- Equipment For Shrimp Soup Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- Recipe Variations
- Dietary Benefits
- Serving Suggestions
- The Hidden Flavor Secret Behind Grandma’s Shrimp Soup
- FAQ
- How did your Shrimp Soup Recipe turn out?
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Shrimp Soup Recipe
Ingredients
the Soup Base:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined (shells reserved for stock)
- Olive oil
- Onion, finely diced
- Celery stalks, chopped
- Carrots, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Tomato paste
- Seafood stock (or homemade shrimp stock)
- Bay leaf
- Dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Crusty bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp Stock (Optional)
If making homemade stock:
- Place reserved shrimp shells in a large pot with 9 cups of water
- Add 1 quartered onion, 1 celery stalk, and 1 carrot
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes
- Strain and reserve 8 cups of stock
Make the Soup Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to develop deeper flavor
- Pour in the seafood stock or homemade shrimp stock
- Add bay leaf and dried thyme
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender
Add the Shrimp
- Season the peeled shrimp with salt and pepper
- Add shrimp to the simmering soup
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Soup Recipe
- Don't overcook the shrimp – they should be just pink and tender
- Make your own shrimp stock using the shells for the most flavorful soup
- Cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture
Equipment For Shrimp Soup Recipe
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh strainer (if making homemade stock)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: For best results, freeze the soup base without the shrimp for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking the shrimp
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Version: Add ½ cup of heavy cream at the end
- Spicy Kick: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Asian-Inspired: Add ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk
- Low-Carb: Replace carrots with cauliflower florets
- Mediterranean Style: Add diced tomatoes and fresh herbs like oregano
Dietary Benefits
This shrimp soup recipe is naturally:
- Low in calories
- High in protein
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Packed with vegetables
Serving Suggestions
Serve your shrimp soup with:
- Crusty French bread for dipping
- A fresh green salad
- Steamed rice
- Quinoa for added protein
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
The Hidden Flavor Secret Behind Grandma’s Shrimp Soup
When I was a kid, I’d sit at the edge of my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her stir a steaming pot of shrimp soup recipe with quiet precision. I always thought it was just the fresh ingredients that made it so magical—until one day, she leaned in and whispered her secret: “It’s all in the shells.” Instead of tossing them, she simmered the shrimp shells into a rich homemade stock, coaxing out a deep, ocean-kissed flavor that no store-bought broth could match. Just a handful of discarded shells turned a good soup into an unforgettable one. Add a touch of love and a squeeze of lemon, and suddenly, you're tasting tradition in every spoonful.
FAQ
What is the secret ingredient in soup?
The secret is homemade shrimp stock made from shells, which adds deep umami flavor.
For an extra boost, a splash of fish sauce or a parmesan rind works wonders.
What is in Mexican shrimp soup?
Mexican shrimp soup (caldo de camarón) typically includes shrimp, tomatoes, garlic, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
It’s often spiced with cumin and chili, served with lime and warm tortillas.
Why do you soak shrimp in baking soda?
Soaking shrimp in baking soda helps them stay plump and tender when cooked.
It raises the pH slightly, preventing the proteins from tightening too much.
Is shrimp soup good for you?
Yes! Shrimp soup is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in omega-3s.
It’s also naturally gluten-free and packed with nourishing vegetables.
How did your Shrimp Soup Recipe turn out?
We hope this Shrimp Soup Recipe brought warmth, comfort, and coastal vibes to your kitchen! Whether you followed it step-by-step or added your own twist, we'd love to see your creation. Snap a pic, leave a review, and share your story in the comments your feedback helps inspire our growing family of food lovers.
And if you're craving more seafood goodness, don’t miss these next favorites:
Creamy Crab Pasta Salad Recipe a cool and satisfying dish perfect for picnics or light lunches
Easy Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe quick, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors
Because when it comes to cooking, the best dishes are the ones made with heart and a little help from the sea.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Shrimp Soup Recipe
Easy Shrimp Soup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large soup pot or Dutch oven For cooking the soup
- 1 Sharp knife For chopping vegetables
- 1 Cutting board Prep surface for vegetables and shrimp
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons For accurate ingredient measurements
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer Only needed if making homemade shrimp stock
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula For stirring soup during cooking
Ingredients
- 1 pound Large shrimp Peeled and deveined,shells reserved
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Large onion Finely diced
- 3 stalks Celery Chopped
- 2 medium Carrots Diced
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 2 tablespoon Tomato paste
- 8 cups Seafood stock Or homemade shrimp stock
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- Salt and pepper To taste
- Fresh parsley Chopped,for garnish
- Lemon wedges For serving
- Crusty bread Optional,for dipping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
- Sauté onion, celery, and carrots until softened (5–7 min)
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (1 min)
- Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes
- Pour in seafood or shrimp stock
- Add bay leaf and thyme, bring to simmer for 15 min
- Season shrimp, add to soup, cook 3–4 min until pink
- Taste and adjust seasoning
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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