Description
This Quick Spicy Shrimp Soup features tender shrimp in a creamy coconut milk broth, enhanced with red curry paste and fresh vegetables. It’s a deliciously comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pot. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, add the diced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bell pepper softens.
- Stir in the red curry paste, ensuring it coats the vegetables evenly. Cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes. Stir to incorporate all the flavors. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Once the soup is simmering, add the shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.
- After the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let the soup sit for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.
- To serve, ladle the spicy shrimp soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side, allowing each person to squeeze fresh lime juice over their soup for added brightness.
- For a heartier meal, consider serving the soup with a side of steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot before adding the shrimp.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach, bok choy, or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute shrimp with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of chili flakes or using a milder curry paste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes