Why Make This Recipe
Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is a perfect dish for busy days. It comes together in just a matter of minutes and gives you a warm, hearty meal. The combination of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and spices creates a delicious flavor that will warm you up from the inside out. This soup is not only easy to prepare, but it also packs a punch with its spicy kick, making it a delightful choice for those who love bold flavors.
How to Make Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1-2 fresh chili peppers, finely chopped (for extra spice)
Directions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Having everything ready will make cooking easier.
Cook the Soup Base:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Add the Spices:
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes, enhancing their flavors.
Cook the Shrimp:
Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
Finish the Soup:
Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want more spice, add finely chopped fresh chili peppers. Stir in the cilantro if using.
Serve the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. You can serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.
How to Store Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup
To store your delicious soup, let it cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup
- Adjust the spice level to your preference. Feel free to add more cayenne pepper or fresh chili peppers if you like it hotter.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen shrimp can work as well. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
- If you have leftover vegetables, toss them in for added nutrition and flavor.
Variation
You can make this soup even heartier by adding beans, corn, or diced potatoes. For a creamier version, stir in some coconut milk when you add the chicken broth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine! Just make sure they are thawed before adding them to the soup.
What can I do if I don’t like spicy food?
If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and fresh chili peppers.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute the shrimp with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a tasty vegetarian version.
Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Gather all your ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp, chop the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Once the vegetables are softened, add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine and let the spices cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh chili peppers and cilantro if using.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a more filling meal.