Name: Easy Shrimp Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined (shells reserved)); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large onion (finely diced); 3 celery stalks (chopped); 2 medium carrots (diced); 4 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 8 cups seafood stock (or homemade shrimp stock); 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (chopped); Lemon wedges; Crusty bread (optional)

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 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
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch
FAQ
How did your Shrimp Soup Recipe turn out?
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Easy Shrimp Soup Recipe

Ingredients

the Soup Base:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (shells reserved for stock)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, finely diced
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8 cups seafood stock (or homemade shrimp stock)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon 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 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

Top Tip

The key to exceptional shrimp soup lies in not overcrowding the pot when adding the shrimp. If necessary, add them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain their tender texture.

Grandma's Magic Touch

You know that special something that makes grandma's cooking unforgettable? That's exactly what we're bringing to this Shrimp Soup Recipe. The secret isn't just in the ingredients – it's in those little tricks passed down through generations of home cooks. Like adding the shrimp shells to the broth (a technique my grandmother swore by), or letting the vegetables slowly caramelize to release their natural sweetness.

My grandmother always said, "Patience makes perfect soup," and she was right. When you give the broth time to develop its flavors, magic happens. She taught me to add a pinch of love (and a tiny splash of fish sauce!) to transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. This recipe captures all those special touches that made everyone gather around her kitchen table, eagerly waiting for their bowl of comfort.

FAQ

What is the secret ingredient in soup?

The secret ingredient in shrimp soup is using homemade shrimp stock made from the shells. The shells contain natural compounds called glutamates that create a rich, savory umami flavor that enhances the entire soup. Additionally, adding a small splash of fish sauce or a parmesan rind during cooking can dramatically boost the soup's depth of flavor.

How to cook shrimp for beginners?

To cook shrimp perfectly, follow these simple steps: 1) Start with room temperature shrimp 2) Season lightly with salt 3) Add to simmering (not boiling) liquid 4) Cook just until they turn pink and opaque (3-4 minutes) 5) Remove immediately to prevent overcooking. Watch for the shrimp to form a "C" shape – if they curl into a tight "O," they're overcooked.

How to make homemade soup more flavorful?

To enhance your shrimp soup's flavor, use these professional techniques: 1) Sauté vegetables until properly caramelized 2) Use homemade stock 3) Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking 4) Include umami-rich ingredients like tomato paste or fish sauce 5) Season in layers throughout cooking, not just at the end 6) Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten all flavors.

Why add baking soda to shrimp before cooking?

Adding a small amount of baking soda (¼ teaspoon per pound) to shrimp helps them stay plump and juicy when cooked. The alkaline baking soda prevents the proteins from bonding too tightly during cooking, resulting in more tender shrimp with better texture. This technique, known as velveting, is particularly useful in soups where overcooking can easily occur.

How did your Shrimp Soup Recipe turn out?

This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet seafood flavor and aromatic vegetables in a rich, warming broth. If you're a fan of comforting seafood dishes, be sure to try our Grilled Chicken Wrap Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

Did you make this Shrimp Soup Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.

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