There's nothing like a steaming bowl of Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup to warm you up on a chilly day. Packed with bold flavors, tender shrimp, and a rich, aromatic broth, this dish is both comforting and exciting.
I first made this soup on a whim, throwing together ingredients I had on hand, and it turned out to be a family favorite. Now, it's my go-to recipe when I need something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Why You'll Love This Quick And Spicy Shrimp Soup
Get ready to fall in love with this easy, flavor-packed soup. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly simple to make.
First, it's super quick. You can have this soup on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast but satisfying meal.
The flavors are bold and exciting. A mix of garlic, ginger, chili, and lime creates a vibrant, spicy broth that pairs beautifully with the sweet, succulent shrimp.
It's light yet filling. While the broth is rich and flavorful, this soup won’t weigh you down. It’s perfect for a cozy meal without feeling overly heavy.
Best of all, this recipe is highly customizable. Adjust the spice level, swap in different proteins, or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this soup lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating a perfect balance of spice, warmth, and freshness.
Shrimp is the star of this dish. I prefer using medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined, for the best texture. Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works just as well—just be sure to thaw them first.
Garlic and ginger bring an incredible depth of flavor to the broth. Fresh is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, pre-minced versions will work too.
Red chili flakes or fresh chilies add the perfect amount of heat. Adjust to your preference—if you love spice, go for extra chili!
Fish sauce and soy sauce work together to create a deep, umami-rich base. Fish sauce can be strong, but a small amount adds the perfect balance to the soup.
Lime juice and fresh cilantro bring brightness and freshness, cutting through the richness of the broth and rounding out the flavors beautifully.
You’ll also need a large pot, a sharp knife for chopping, and a ladle for serving.
How To Make This Quick And Spicy Shrimp Soup

This soup comes together in just a few easy steps, making it perfect for a fast, no-fuss meal.
Start by heating a tablespoon of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Next, pour in the chicken or seafood broth, followed by the soy sauce and fish sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add the shrimp and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Shrimp cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Once the shrimp are done, squeeze in the lime juice and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more fish sauce for saltiness, more lime for tang, or extra chili for spice.
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, warming flavors.
Storage Options
This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers for later.
If you have extra, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that shrimp can become a bit rubbery after freezing, so it’s best to reheat gently.
To reheat, warm the soup over low heat on the stove until hot. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand.
For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili or omit it altogether. You can always add a little sriracha or chili oil at the end for individual heat preferences.
Swap out shrimp for other proteins like chicken, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
Add noodles for extra heartiness. Rice noodles or ramen work beautifully in this soup, making it a more filling meal.
Try tossing in extra veggies like mushrooms, baby bok choy, or bell peppers to add more texture and nutrition.
If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce alone works, though the soup won’t have the same deep umami flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can help mimic some of that complexity.
No matter how you customize it, this Quick and Spicy Shrimp Soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a bold, comforting bowl of goodness!
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Quick And Spicy Shrimp Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This quick and spicy shrimp soup is a flavorful and comforting dish made with fresh shrimp, aromatic spices, and a delicious broth. It's the perfect balance of heat and savoriness, making it an ideal meal for seafood lovers. Easy to prepare and packed with nutrients, this soup is great for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra spice)
- 1 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, diced tomatoes, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, until pink and opaque.
- Stir in coconut milk (if using), cilantro, and lime juice. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne and red pepper flakes.
- For a richer flavor, use seafood broth instead of chicken broth.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
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