Low Country Okra Soup With Shrimp
A flavorful Southern-inspired soup featuring tender okra, succulent shrimp, and rich tomato base, perfect for a comforting meal that highlights fresh seafood and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, and tomato sauce in a saucepan. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Cook okra in hot bacon fat in a skillet until light brown.
- Cook shrimp just until pink.
- Add cooked okra and shrimp to the tomato sauce and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve the soup over rice. Optional: add ham cubes for extra flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the soup. If you can't find fresh okra, frozen okra works well as a substitute. For a heartier version, feel free to incorporate diced ham cubes for extra flavor. Make sure to simmer the ingredients long enough to meld the flavors, but avoid overcooking the shrimp to keep them tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Low Country Okra Soup over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of cornbread or a light salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete dining experience, consider serving it alongside a seafood dish like Barbecued Alaska Salmon or a simple green vegetable.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the shrimp from becoming tough. You can also add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Country Okra Soup With Shrimp contains roughly 286 calories, with 13g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 791mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp; just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain their texture in the soup. Simply place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water until thawed.
What can I substitute for okra if I can’t find it?
If you can't find fresh okra, you can substitute with sliced green beans or even diced zucchini. While the texture will differ, they will still provide a nice base for the soup. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup itself is not inherently spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat level to your liking. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish. Adjust to your preference for a mild or spicier version.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).