Frozen Seafood Mix Soup Recipe

When the weather turns chilly or you’re craving something hearty and comforting, few dishes can beat a steaming bowl of soup. But why settle for a basic soup when you can make it a special, flavorful meal that is both nutritious and satisfying? Enter the Frozen Seafood Mix Soup-a dish that combines the rich, briny flavors of assorted seafood with the depth of a savory broth. This soup is an absolute crowd-pleaser, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a cozy family meal, or just want something quick and nourishing.

Using a frozen seafood mix as the star of the dish makes this recipe not only convenient but incredibly versatile. You’ll get the benefits of a variety of seafood without the hassle of purchasing each type separately. Add to that a blend of aromatic herbs and vegetables, and you have yourself a masterpiece in a bowl.

Let’s dive into the recipe, so you can whip this up and enjoy it as soon as possible!

Ready to create a mouthwatering seafood soup that will have everyone asking for seconds? The great thing about this recipe is that it’s simple, yet packed with layers of flavor. The frozen seafood mix will bring a combination of shrimp, calamari, mussels, and fish, making the dish both hearty and satisfying. Add in some fresh veggies, herbs, and a savory broth, and you’ve got a soup that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients Needed

To make this delicious frozen seafood mix soup, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry-most of these are pantry staples, and you can easily find the seafood mix in your local grocery store’s freezer section.

Frozen seafood mix (about 500g or 1 lb)
- This mix typically contains a variety of seafood like shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish pieces. It’s a great time-saver and ensures a well-balanced dish.
Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- For sautéing the vegetables and providing richness to the broth.
Yellow onion (1 medium, chopped)
- Adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Garlic is the secret to bringing out the seafood’s natural flavors.
Carrot (1 medium, sliced)
- Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
Celery stalks (2, chopped)
- This gives the soup a fresh, earthy crunch.
Tomatoes (2 medium, diced, or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
- Tomatoes bring a rich umami element to the broth.
Fish stock or vegetable broth (4 cups)
- This serves as the base of your soup and gives it a savory depth.
White wine (1/2 cup)
- White wine adds a subtle acidity and helps enhance the seafood’s flavor.
Bay leaves (2)
- A classic addition to broths for extra aromatic flavor.
Thyme (1 tsp dried or a few sprigs of fresh thyme)
- Thyme pairs beautifully with seafood and adds a lovely earthy note.
Salt and pepper (to taste)
- The essentials for seasoning and bringing the flavors together.
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds brightness and freshness.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of how to prepare this flavorful frozen seafood mix soup:

Prepare the vegetables: Start by chopping the onion, celery, and carrots into small pieces. Mince the garlic and dice the tomatoes (if you’re using fresh ones). Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process a lot smoother.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the diced tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes from a can) and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and meld with the vegetables.
Deglaze with wine: Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off. This step will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
Add the stock and herbs: Pour in the fish stock (or vegetable broth) and add the bay leaves and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to come together.
Cook the seafood: Once the broth has developed some depth of flavor, add the frozen seafood mix to the pot. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes. The seafood will cook quickly, so don’t let it go too long-overcooking can make it tough.
Season and garnish: Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to your liking. Remove the bay leaves and sprigs of thyme (if fresh). Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve: Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping and enjoy!

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup plays a crucial role in elevating the dish to a whole new level of flavor.

Frozen seafood mix: The beauty of using frozen seafood is convenience. It’s pre-cleaned, pre-cut, and ready to go. The variety of seafood adds complexity and texture to the soup, ensuring every bite is unique.
Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, and celery form the classic base of many soups (known as a mirepoix), providing sweetness and depth. They create the foundation for the savory broth and balance the richness of the seafood.
White wine: A key ingredient in many seafood dishes, white wine adds acidity that cuts through the natural sweetness of the seafood and enhances its flavor profile. It also adds a bit of sophistication to the soup.
Herbs: Bay leaves and thyme contribute subtle earthiness, making the broth smell amazing and taste more complex.
Fish stock: If you want an even deeper seafood flavor, fish stock is the way to go. If you can’t find fish stock, vegetable broth works just fine, though it won’t have the same depth.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the seafood: Seafood cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent it from becoming rubbery or tough. Once it turns opaque and is cooked through, remove the soup from the heat.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and parsley really elevate the soup, bringing a burst of vibrant flavor that dried herbs can’t quite match.
Customize the broth: If you love a more robust, spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small chopped chili when sautéing the vegetables. This adds a little heat without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a small potato, cut into cubes, and let it cook with the vegetables. It will break down and thicken the broth naturally.

Recipe Variations

This frozen seafood mix soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily modify it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to change it up:

Add more seafood: If you love seafood, feel free to add extra fish, crab, or scallops. A seafood medley will give the soup an even greater variety of textures.
Spicy version: For a little heat, add a couple of teaspoons of smoked paprika or even a dash of hot sauce to the broth. This works particularly well if you’re a fan of bold flavors.
Creamy version: Want a richer, more indulgent soup? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end to create a creamy base that complements the seafood perfectly.
Vegetarian version: For a non-seafood alternative, you can omit the seafood mix and instead use a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. This will create a hearty, comforting vegetable-based soup.

Final Words

Frozen seafood mix soup is a wonderful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves the flavors of the sea. With minimal prep and a straightforward cooking process, it delivers a satisfying and flavorful bowl that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe, meaning you can customize it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re preparing this as a weeknight dinner, a meal for special guests, or just to enjoy something comforting on a cold day, you’ll never regret making this seafood-packed delight. It’s nourishing, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Frozen Seafood Mix Soup Recipe