shrimp noodle soup : Easy, Flavorful, and Authentic

Shrimp noodle soup recipe is a warm, comforting dish that’s loved in many Asian cuisines. It brings together savory broth, add the shrimp, cooked noodles, and bright herbs. It’s satisfying and easy to make at home.

This recipe walks you through making a rich shrimp broth, choosing the best cooked noodles, and creating a bowl full of flavor and comfort.

Why This Shrimp Noodle Soup Recipe Works

This soup is all about balance. Salty, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors come together in one bowl. It’s light, yet filling. The shrimp adds protein, while the broth warms you from the inside out.

Each region in Asia has its own version of spciy shrimp noodle soup. Thai versions might include coconut milk. Vietnamese bowls often feature rice noodles, herbs, and lime. You can adapt it based on your tastes and pantry.

Key Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make this soup. Here’s what you’ll need:

• add the shrimp: Fresh is best, but frozen works if thawed.
• Rice noodles: Thin or wide rice noodles soak up the broth nicely.
• Shrimp broth: Made from shrimp shells, garlic, and ginger.
• Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and onion add flavor depth.
• Vegetables: Bok choy, mushrooms, and bean sprouts are great picks.
• Seasonings: Soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice.
• Fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, or mint for garnish.
• Optional extras: Chili peppers for heat, coconut milk for creaminess.

add the shrimp shrimp and fresh veggies makes a big difference in taste and texture.

Choosing the Right Noodles

Noodles are the heart of this soup. Rice noodles are the most traditional and soak up the broth well. Other options include:

• Egg noodles: Richer flavor, a bit chewier.
• Glass noodles: Transparent and springy, made from mung beans.

No matter what type you use, cook them separately from the broth to keep the texture perfect. Don’t overcook—soft noodles can ruin the soup.

How to Make Shrimp Broth

The broth is what makes or breaks this dish. Here’s how to build a flavorful base:

Ingredients for the Broth:

Directions:

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pot.
2. Add shrimp shells, garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in water. Bring to a boil.
4. Add soy sauce and fish sauce.
5. Lower the heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
6. Strain out the solids. Keep the clear broth.

Optional: Add coconut milk after straining for a richer broth, or star anise for a hint of spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that the broth is ready, here’s how to put the soup together.

Ingredients:

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 6 oz rice noodles
• 2 cups bok choy or spinach
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup bean sprouts
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh herbs for garnish (cilantro, basil, mint)
• Optional: chili slices, green onions

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles separately. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics. In a large pot, heat a little oil. Add garlic and ginger. Cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Add broth. Pour your shrimp broth into the pot.
4. Season. Stir in soy sauce, fish sauce, and lime juice.
5. Add veggies. Toss in mushrooms and bok choy. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
6. Add shrimp. Cook just until pink—about 2–3 minutes. Don’t overcook!
7. Assemble bowls. Place noodles in serving bowls. Ladle the broth, shrimp, and veggies over them.
8. Garnish. Add fresh herbs, chili, and green onions.

Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Cooking Shrimp Perfectly

Shrimp cooks fast. Here’s how to get it right:

• Pat shrimp dry before cooking.
• Watch the color. Shrimp turns pink and opaque when done.
• Avoid boiling too long. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery.
• Use shells for extra flavor in your broth.

Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about shrimp noodle soup is how flexible it is. Try these ideas:

• Make it creamy: Add ½ cup coconut milk to the broth.
• Boost the heat: Add chili garlic sauce or fresh chilies.
• Try different proteins: Swap shrimp for tofu, chicken, or scallops.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snow peas work well.

This soup adapts easily to what’s in your fridge or what you’re craving.

Garnish Ideas

Garnishes bring flavor and color. Don’t skip them!

• Green onions for crunch
• Fresh cilantro or basil
• Lime wedges for brightness
• Chili oil or flakes for spice
• Crispy shallots for a savory crunch

Let everyone garnish their own bowl to their liking.

Storage and Leftovers

To keep leftovers tasting great:

Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add fresh herbs after reheating.

Store broth and noodles separately to avoid soggy noodles.

Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze broth only, not the noodles.

by Lucia Gherra (https://unsplash.com/@lugh)

Nutrition Highlights

This shrimp noodle soup is light but satisfying:

• High in protein from shrimp
• Low in calories and fat
• Gluten-free when using rice noodles
• Rich in antioxidants from garlic, ginger, and herbs

It’s a great meal for lunch or dinner and supports a healthy diet.

by lu nan (https://unsplash.com/@lunnn)

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