Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Shrimp Soup that combines tender shrimp, vibrant lemon zest and juice, and hearty orzo pasta in a savory chicken broth base. Perfectly sautéed vegetables add depth and texture to this quick and easy 20-minute soup, ideal for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth or stock
Seafood
- 16 large shrimp, deveined and peeled
Grains and Pasta
- 1 cup orzo
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking shrimp)
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- lemon zest and juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat the base oil: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to warm up for sautéing.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Once the oil is hot, sauté the chopped onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for one more minute to release the aromatics.
- Add carrots: Stir in the grated carrots and continue sautéing for two minutes to slightly soften them.
- Cook the orzo in broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the orzo. Simmer and cook until the orzo is tender but still slightly firm, approximately 10 minutes.
- Cook the shrimp: While the orzo cooks, heat another tablespoon of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
- Combine soup with seasoning: Once orzo is ready, stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and dried basil, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with the cooked shrimp for a fresh and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or a vegetarian option (omit shrimp in that case).
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- To save time, use pre-cooked or frozen shrimp, adding them at the end just to warm through.
- Orzo can be substituted with small pasta like acini di pepe or even rice for different textures.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less acidity, depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
