Shrimp soup with coconut milk

Here’s a delicious recipe for shrimp soup with coconut milk, inspired by Southeast Asian flavors:

Shrimp Soup with Coconut Milk Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) shrimp: Peeled and deveined (tail-on or tail-off, as preferred).
  • 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk: Full-fat for richness.
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Low-sodium.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For sautéing.
  • 1 medium onion: Sliced or diced.
  • 3 cloves garlic: Minced.
  • 1-inch piece of ginger: Minced or grated.
  • 1-2 red chili peppers: Sliced (adjust for spice level).
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Optional, for umami flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice: Freshly squeezed.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar: To balance the flavors.
  • 2 cups vegetables: Such as bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas.
  • Fresh cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.
  • Lime wedges: For serving.

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chili peppers, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  2. Add Broth and Coconut Milk: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

  3. Add Shrimp and Vegetables: Once the soup is simmering, add the shrimp and your choice of vegetables. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque and the vegetables are tender.

  4. Season the Soup: Stir in the fish sauce (if using), lime juice, and brown sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more fish sauce or lime juice as needed.

  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Tips

  • Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients like mushrooms, bok choy, or even a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop further as it sits.
  • Freezing: It's best to freeze the soup without shrimp, as they can become tough when reheated. You can add fresh shrimp when reheating.

Enjoy your shrimp soup with coconut milk! It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. If you have any preferences or want to explore variations, let me know!