Super Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup

Super Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup is a flavorful and spicy dish perfect for warming up on chilly days. Packed with shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh herbs, it offers a delicious balance of sour, salty, spicy, and umami flavors. This Asian-inspired soup is quick to prepare, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Plus, leftovers freeze well, making it an excellent make-ahead dish.

Essential Ingredients

To make this bold and flavorful soup, you will need:

  • 4 cups shrimp stock
  • 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon grated lime zest
  • 1 (15-ounce) can whole straw mushrooms, drained
  • 1 pound frozen fully cooked salad shrimp, thawed
  • 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
  • ΒΌ cup fresh lime juice
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 red chile pepper, seeded and chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Steps

  1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, bring the shrimp stock to a boil. Add grated lemon zest and lime zest. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the broth with citrusy flavor.
  2. Add Mushrooms and Shrimp: Stir in the drained straw mushrooms and thawed shrimp. Cook for about 5 minutes until the shrimp are fully heated through.
  3. Season the Soup: Add the Asian fish sauce, fresh lime juice, chopped green onions, cilantro, and red chile pepper.
  4. Adjust the Flavor: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. The soup should have a perfect balance of sour, salty, spicy, and hot flavors.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately!

Health Benefits

  • High in Protein: Shrimp provides lean protein that helps support muscle health and repair.
  • Rich in Antioxidants: Lime, lemon zest, and cilantro contain antioxidants that support immune health.
  • Boosts Digestion: The combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers aids digestion and metabolism.
  • Low in Calories: With only 140 calories per serving, this soup is a light yet fulfilling meal.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot as an appetizer before a stir-fry or noodle dish.
  • Pair with jasmine rice or vermicelli noodles for a heartier meal.
  • Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced red chili for an extra flavor kick.

Creative Variations

  • Add More Vegetables: Include bok choy, bean sprouts, or sliced bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
  • Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a slightly creamy texture.
  • Swap the Protein: Replace shrimp with tofu, chicken, or fish for a different twist.
  • Extra Spicy Version: Add more red chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste for an extra heat boost.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This soup freezes well! Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Thaw frozen soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Pro Tips

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and chili peppers enhance the flavor dramatically.
  • Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of red chili to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the broth to simmer with lemon and lime zest enhances the citrusy depth of the soup.
  • Avoid Overcooking Shrimp: Since shrimp is already cooked, only heat it until warmed through to prevent toughness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute shrimp stock with vegetable broth and replace shrimp with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

2. What can I use instead of fish sauce?

Soy sauce or tamari can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor.

3. How do I make the soup less spicy?

Reduce or omit the red chili pepper and use milder varieties of peppers if needed.

4. Can I use fresh shrimp instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them before adding to the soup. Cook until they turn pink and opaque.

5. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors develop even more when stored. Just reheat gently before serving.

Super Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup is a quick and easy dish that packs a punch of flavor, perfect for spice lovers and soup enthusiasts alike!

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