Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup

Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dish

If you’re in the mood for a quick, spicy, and satisfying dish that packs a punch, this Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is the perfect choice. With a blend of aromatic vegetables, bold spices, and succulent shrimp, this soup is both comforting and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale: Adjust based on servings

• 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)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by prepping your ingredients to make the cooking process go smoothly.

• Chop the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the bell pepper, and slice the carrot. Set these aside.

• Peel and Devein the Shrimp: If not already done, peel and devein the shrimp. Set them aside and ensure they’re ready to be added to the soup.

2. Cook the Soup Base

Now it’s time to start building the flavors for the soup!

• Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

• Add the Garlic and Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced carrot. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.

• Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, and then add the chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

3. Add the Spices

Now, let’s spice things up!

• Season the Soup: Add the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, ground cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the soup. Let the soup simmer for about 5-6 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Cook the Shrimp

It’s time to bring the star of the dish—shrimp—into the mix!

• Add the Shrimp: Carefully drop the shrimp into the soup, stirring them in gently. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp, as they cook quickly and can become tough if left too long.

5. Finish the Soup

We’re almost there—just a couple more steps!

• Add Lime Juice: Stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavor of the soup and give it a nice tangy finish.

• Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper if you like your soup spicier.

6. Serve the Soup

Now it’s time to serve up this flavorful soup!

• Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and additional lime wedges, if desired. The fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Tips for the Perfect Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup

• Adjust the Spice Level: The cayenne pepper and fresh chili peppers are optional, so feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!

• Make It Heartier: If you’d like to make this soup more filling, you can add cooked rice or a handful of your favorite beans to the mix.

• Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp if possible. However, frozen shrimp works just as well and is a convenient option.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is everything you need for a tasty meal: bold flavors, a satisfying texture, and a wonderful balance of spice. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients, from lean shrimp to vitamin-packed veggies. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a starter, it’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings.

Give this soup a try, and let the comforting, zesty flavors take over your kitchen!