Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Soup
Delight in the exotic flavors of the Caribbean with this sumptuous Coconut Shrimp Soup. Infused with curry, shallots, and a touch of ranch seasoning, this soup is a delightful blend of creamy coconut milk and tender shrimp. It's a perfect dish to evoke the warmth and spirit of tropical islands, offering both comfort and a tantalizing taste journey. Ideal for any meal, this dish provides an aromatic and flavorful experience that nourishes both body and soul.
4
Servings
300 kcal
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
medium shrimp
8 ounces (thawed, peeled, deveined and patted dry (41-50 count))
curry powder
2.5 teaspoons (divided)
shallot
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
reduced-sodium chicken broth
29 ounces (two 14.5-ounce cans)
Hidden Valley Original Ranch Seasoning Mix
1 ounce (one packet)
angel hair pasta
4 ounces (broken into 2-inch pieces)
corn kernels
1 cup (fresh or frozen)
unsweetened coconut milk
13.5 ounces (one can)
chives
2 tablespoons (snipped, plus additional chives for garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
In a bowl, toss shrimp with 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder until evenly coated.
3
Add shrimp to the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until shrimp are just lightly browned on both sides. Remove and set aside on a plate.
4
Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of oil to the pan along with the remaining 2 teaspoons of curry powder and the sliced shallots. Cook for 30 seconds or until the shallots begin to soften and become fragrant.
5
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Hidden Valley seasoning mix. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6
Introduce the pasta into the boiling mixture along with the previously cooked shrimp. Cook for about 3 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
7
Stir in the corn kernels and coconut milk, mixing well to combine all ingredients. Heat the soup through without boiling.
8
Remove soup from heat and stir in snipped chives.
9
Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish each portion with additional chives.
Nutrition Information
37.5 g
Carbs
12.5 g
Protein
2.5 g
Fiber
800 mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Soup?
It is a sumptuous, exotic soup featuring a creamy coconut milk base, tender shrimp, curry, shallots, and ranch seasoning, inspired by tropical flavors.
What size shrimp should I use for this recipe?
Medium shrimp, specifically the 41-50 count size, are ideal for this soup.
Do I need to peel and devein the shrimp?
Yes, the shrimp should be thawed, peeled, deveined, and patted dry before cooking.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used as long as they are completely thawed and dried before you toss them with curry powder.
What type of oil is best for sautéing the shrimp?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its high smoke point, but you can also use canola or grapeseed oil.
What kind of curry powder works best?
A standard yellow curry powder provides the best balanced flavor for this Caribbean-inspired dish.
Can I substitute shallots with regular onions?
Yes, you can use thinly sliced red or yellow onions if shallots are unavailable, though shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor.
What does Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning add to the soup?
It provides a unique blend of herbs and zest that complements the creamy coconut and savory shrimp flavors.
Is reduced-sodium chicken broth necessary?
It is recommended to control the salt content, especially since the ranch seasoning and shrimp already contain sodium.
How should I prepare the angel hair pasta?
The pasta should be broken into 2-inch pieces before being added directly to the boiling broth mixture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, though angel hair is preferred for its quick cook time; if using thicker pasta, you will need to increase the simmering time.
Should I use fresh or frozen corn?
Either fresh or frozen corn kernels work perfectly in this recipe.
Why do I need unsweetened coconut milk?
Unsweetened canned coconut milk provides the necessary creaminess and fat without adding unwanted sugar to the savory base.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the soup will have a thinner consistency and a less rich flavor profile compared to using full-fat coconut milk.
What are the best garnishes for this soup?
Snipped fresh chives are the primary garnish, providing a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
How do I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Only cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes initially and then finish them briefly in the broth to ensure they remain tender.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
While it can be made ahead, the pasta may absorb much of the liquid over time; it is best enjoyed fresh.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Soup spicy?
It is aromatic and flavorful due to the curry powder, but it is generally mild rather than spicy-hot.
How can I add more heat to the soup?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a chopped habanero for an authentic Caribbean heat kick.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, it contains angel hair pasta. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta substitute and ensure your seasoning mix is certified gluten-free.
Can I make this soup vegan?
You would need to substitute the shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables, use vegetable broth, and find a vegan-friendly ranch seasoning.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 kcal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended because the coconut milk may separate and the pasta texture will degrade upon thawing.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and avoid bringing it to a hard boil.
What can I serve alongside this soup?
It pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a light citrus salad, or even extra steamed vegetables.
Why shouldn't I boil the soup after adding coconut milk?
High heat can cause the coconut milk to curdle or separate, which affects the smooth, creamy texture of the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach would be great additions to increase the nutrient density.
How long does it take to cook the pasta in the broth?
The angel hair pasta typically takes about 3 minutes to reach an al dente texture when cooked in the boiling broth.