Easy Lemon Shrimp Soup
Lemon Shrimp Soup is a wonderfully refreshing, light dish that brings together the bold flavors of lemon, garlic, and fresh cilantro with tender shrimp. It’s a soup that’s quick to prepare, yet full of zesty flavors, making it perfect for a comforting meal on chilly days or as a refreshing dish on warm days. With a short list of ingredients, you can whip up this tasty soup in just minutes, and it’s versatile enough to adjust based on your flavor preferences. Lemon Shrimp Soup is an ideal choice for seafood lovers looking for a low-calorie, high-protein meal that still satisfies.
Ingredients
- Peeled Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp for the soup. The shrimp cook quickly adding a delicate seafood flavor to the broth.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest give the soup its bright tangy flavor, making it taste fresh and lively.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the soup’s base flavor.
- Garlic: Provides an aromatic base that complements the lemon and shrimp.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh slightly peppery finish to the soup. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onions can work too.
- Vegetable Broth or Water: Vegetable broth adds more flavor but water works fine if you don’t have broth on hand.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste to balance the flavors.
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This forms the base flavor for the soup.
- Cook the Shrimp
- Add the peeled shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 2 minutes, just until the shrimp start turning pink. Be careful not to overcook, as they’ll continue cooking in the soup.
- Add Broth and Lemon
- Pour in the vegetable broth or water, then add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Season and Finish with Cilantro
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Add fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. Stir and serve immediately.