Cream Of Shrimp Soup Recipe

Shrimp soup, particularly Cream of Shrimp Soup, is one of those comforting yet elegant dishes that manages to strike a perfect balance between rich flavors and smooth textures. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer for a fancy dinner or as a stand-alone meal for a cozy evening at home. The combination of creamy broth and tender shrimp brings a sense of luxury to any meal, all while being relatively easy to prepare.

If you’ve never had it before, it’s a smooth, velvety soup that wraps your taste buds in a warm embrace, with shrimp adding a hint of sweetness and complexity. It’s also one of those dishes where the ingredients complement each other beautifully, and each bite feels like a little indulgence. Let’s break down the recipe, ingredients, and tips for making the best Cream of Shrimp Soup at home.

Making Cream of Shrimp Soup at home isn’t as difficult as it sounds. With just a few key ingredients and some careful steps, you’ll have a dish that looks like it’s straight out of a gourmet restaurant. The flavor is creamy, savory, and just slightly briny, thanks to the shrimp, which is the star of the show.

This recipe serves about 4-6 people and should take around 45 minutes from start to finish. So, whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just because, you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness in no time.

Ingredients Needed

To make this creamy, comforting shrimp soup, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before getting started:

Shrimp (peeled and deveined): The foundation of the soup. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but fresh will give you the best flavor.
Butter: For sautéing the shrimp and creating a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
Onion (finely chopped): Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the broth.
Garlic (minced): Brings a savory depth to the dish that perfectly complements the shrimp.
Celery (diced): For some crunch and freshness in the soup.
Carrot (diced): A mild sweetness and vibrant color to balance out the savory ingredients.
Chicken broth or seafood stock: A flavorful liquid base to bring the soup together. Seafood stock works best, but chicken broth is a good substitute.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the soup rich and luxurious, adding that signature creaminess.
Flour: Used to thicken the soup slightly, giving it that velvety texture.
Salt and pepper: To season the soup to your preference.
Paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smokiness and an extra layer of flavor.
Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish): For color and a fresh, herby finish.

Cooking Instructions

Making the soup involves a few easy-to-follow steps, so let’s get right into it:

Prepare the Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure they’re thawed and drained well. Peel and devein them if they aren’t already prepped.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they start turning pink. Don’t overcook them at this stage because they’ll cook more as the soup simmers later.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the shrimp and veggie mixture, stirring constantly to make sure the flour is evenly incorporated. This will thicken your soup later. Let it cook for about 2 minutes, so the flour can get rid of its raw taste.
Add the Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth or seafood stock while stirring to avoid lumps. Once the broth is added, bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Stir in the Cream: Once the broth has simmered, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring it becomes thick and creamy.
Season and Serve: Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional paprika to your liking. Once the soup is perfectly seasoned, ladle it into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Shrimp: Not only does shrimp bring that natural briny sweetness to the soup, but it’s also packed with protein and low in fat. Choosing wild-caught shrimp over farmed can ensure you’re getting a more sustainable and flavorful option.
Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is the magic that makes this soup indulgent. It adds that rich mouthfeel and smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
Broth: Using seafood stock instead of regular chicken broth elevates the flavor profile of this dish. Seafood stock, made by simmering fish bones and shells, imparts a deep, oceanic flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. If you can’t find it, a good quality chicken stock works just fine.
Paprika: While not strictly necessary, paprika can really enhance the soup with its subtle smokiness. It pairs well with shrimp, adding just enough depth to keep the flavor interesting without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

Expert Tips

To really bring this soup to the next level, here are a few pro tips that will help you fine-tune the recipe:

Don’t overcook the shrimp: The key to perfect shrimp is making sure they’re just cooked through. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery and tough, which can ruin the texture of the soup.
Blend for a smoother texture: If you prefer a silky, smooth soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree the soup right in the pot. This will give the soup a velvety consistency, with the shrimp bits blending seamlessly into the broth.
Use homemade stock: If you have the time, making your own seafood or chicken stock is well worth it. Homemade stock has more depth and flavor than store-bought options.
Add a splash of brandy or white wine: For a more sophisticated touch, add a splash of brandy or dry white wine to the soup right before adding the cream. This will add a subtle complexity to the flavor profile.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can mix it up:

Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables for a kick of heat.
Lobster or Crab: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, swap out the shrimp for lobster or crab meat, or even use a mix of all three for a luxurious seafood chowder.
Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, leave out the shrimp and use a medley of vegetables, like mushrooms or roasted cauliflower, as the base. Add in some tofu or tempeh for added protein.
Herbed Version: Switch up the flavor profile by adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the soup. These herbs work particularly well with seafood.

Final Words

Cream of Shrimp Soup is an ideal recipe when you’re looking for something both comforting and luxurious. Its richness comes from the smooth, creamy broth, while the shrimp lend a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that makes each spoonful a treat. This is the kind of dish that feels special but isn’t complicated to make. You can adjust the seasonings and even the base ingredients to match your own tastes, making it your own.

Cream Of Shrimp Soup Recipe