When the craving for something warm and spicy hits, this Spicy Shrimp Soup is the perfect answer. It’s a delightful mix of tender shrimp, vibrant spices, and aromatic herbs that come together in a comforting bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a need for a flavorful meal, this soup promises to deliver a satisfying experience. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful.
Steps
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped shallots and minced garlic, then lower the heat slightly. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and light golden, ensuring the garlic does not brown.
- Sprinkle gluten-free flour over the mixture and stir well. Continue to sauté for another minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Pour in tomato sauce and stir until smooth with no lumps. Add chicken stock, seafood stock, the jalapeño sliced away from ribs and seeds, bay leaves, dried oregano, salt, thyme, and white pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and partially cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Remove bay leaves and jalapeños from the pot. Squeeze in fresh lime juice to taste, adding more salt if necessary.
- Increase the heat to high to bring the soup back to a simmer and add peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with cooked white rice, sliced raw jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups seafood stock (such as Imagine brand)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 jalapeños, divided (1 jalapeño sliced from the ribs/seeds, 1 sliced into rings)
- 3 small bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3/4 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 limes (1 cut in half, 1 cut into wedges)
- For serving: cooked white rice, chopped fresh cilantro
Nutritional Values
Calories: 289kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 143mg | Sodium: 1800mg | Potassium: 667mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 883IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- How spicy is the Spicy Shrimp Soup?
- The Spicy Shrimp Soup is moderately spicy. On a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is as mild as ice cream and 10 is as hot as a ghost pepper, this soup rates around a 5. The heat comes primarily from the jalapenos, and the spice level can be adjusted by omitting the raw jalapeno slices or by leaving the ribs and seeds in the simmered jalapeno for extra heat.
- Can this soup be made gluten-free?
- Yes, the Spicy Shrimp Soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of gluten-free flour to thicken the soup.
- What type of stock is recommended for this recipe?
- The recipe uses a combination of chicken stock and seafood stock. It is recommended to use stock instead of broth to achieve a richer and more comforting flavor. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, the Imagine brand is suggested for seafood stock.
- How should the shrimp be prepared for the soup?
- The shrimp should be peeled and deveined before being added to the soup. Whether to leave the tails on or off is a personal preference. The shrimp cook quickly, in about 1 to 2 minutes, until they are pink and plump.
- What are some recommended garnishes for the soup?
- The Spicy Shrimp Soup is typically garnished with cooked white rice, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced raw jalapenos. Lime wedges are also served on the side to add a fresh citrus flavor. These garnishes enhance the overall taste and presentation of the dish.
Tips
- Adjust Spice Level: For those who prefer a spicier kick, consider leaving the ribs and seeds in the simmered jalapeno or using two jalapenos instead of one. This will enhance the heat without altering the base flavors of the soup.
- Use Quality Stock: Opt for stock rather than broth to achieve a richer and more comforting soup. If you’re going for a gluten-free option, the Imagine brand seafood stock is highly recommended.
- Don’t Skimp on Butter: Ensure you use the full amount of butter as suggested in the recipe. This contributes significantly to the depth of flavor and richness in the soup.
- Serve with Fresh Additions: When serving, don’t skip the fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and raw jalapeno slices. These ingredients add freshness and an extra layer of flavor that complements the warm, spicy broth beautifully.
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large soup pot
- Garlic press (if you don’t already have one)
- Citrus juicer (for juicing fresh limes)
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for straining the soup if desired)
