Sprigg'S Cajun Shrimp Soup
A flavorful Cajun shrimp soup with tender shrimp, fragrant herbs, and spicy kick, perfect for comforting meals and seafood lovers seeking bold, hearty flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1/2 c. green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. green onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 c. tomato-vegetable juice cocktail ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) bottle clam juice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. uncooked long-grain white rice ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined ⓘ
- Hot Pepper sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Saute green bell pepper, green onion, and garlic until tender.
- Stir in tomato-vegetable juice cocktail, clam juice, and water.
- Season with dried thyme, dried basil, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and salt.
- Bring to a boil and stir in rice.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in shrimp and cook for 5 minutes, or until shrimp are opaque.
- Remove the bay leaf and season with hot pepper sauce to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning in place of or alongside the dried thyme and basil. If you're short on time, precooked shrimp can be used; just adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking. You can also substitute jasmine rice for long-grain white rice for a fragrant variation. This soup is versatile, so feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional sliced green onions or fresh parsley for a burst of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad for a light meal. For a complete Cajun experience, consider serving with rice or as a starter to a main dish like Bayou Jambalaya. A drizzle of hot pepper sauce adds an extra kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain consistency. Avoid boiling to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sprigg'S Cajun Shrimp Soup contains roughly 1047 calories, with 14g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (74% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1364mg per serving (59% 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, frozen shrimp can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before adding to the soup to ensure even cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water for a quicker thaw. This ensures the shrimp cook properly and remain tender.
What can I substitute for clam juice?
If you don't have clam juice, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a mix of white wine and water can mimic the briny flavor of clam juice without overpowering the soup. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain balance in the dish.
Is this soup spicy?
The spiciness of the soup can be adjusted based on your preference. The recipe includes red pepper flakes and hot pepper sauce, which can be added to taste. If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and serve the hot pepper sauce on the side, allowing each person to customize their heat level.
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).