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A steaming bowl of vibrant red spicy shrimp soup garnished with fresh herbs.

Ultimate Spicy Shrimp Soup

This ultimate spicy shrimp soup recipe delivers incredible flavor with a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and tang. It's simple to make and perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Dutch oven

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil or Coconut Oil
  • 1 Yellow Onion large, diced
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece Fresh Ginger grated
  • 1-2 Jalapeños or Serrano Peppers finely diced (seeds removed for less heat, optional)
  • 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) can, undrained
  • 1 Full-Fat Coconut Milk (13.5 oz) can
  • 2 tbsp Red Curry Paste
  • 1 tbsp Fish Sauce
  • 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
  • ½ tsp Cumin Powder
  • 1 Large Shrimp lb, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 1 Lime Juice Juice of 1 Lime
  • ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
  • 1 tbsp Brown Sugar or Palm Sugar

Optional Garnishes

  • Green onions
  • extra lime wedges
  • chili flakes

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Heat the olive or coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and diced jalapeños or serrano peppers, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the red curry paste, turmeric powder, and cumin powder, stirring well and cooking for about 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and full-fat coconut milk, stirring to combine.
  • Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then add fish sauce and brown sugar or palm sugar; let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes for flavors to meld and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering soup and cook for only 2-4 minutes until pink and opaque, being careful not to overcook.
  • Remove the soup from the heat, then stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.
  • Ladle the spicy shrimp soup into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro, green onions, or a lime wedge, if desired.

Notes

For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or serrano peppers. Taste and adjust spice levels to your preference. This soup is also delicious with added vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.