If you love bold flavors and cozy meals, this Shrimp Tortilla Soup is exactly what you need. Loaded with juicy shrimp, fire-roasted tomatoes, spices, and crispy tortilla strips, it’s a hearty yet fresh soup that brings the taste of Mexico straight to your table. What if you could whip up a restaurant-style soup in under 40 minutes?
Why You’ll Love Shrimp Tortilla Soup
This soup delivers the perfect balance of spice, zest, and comfort. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 35 minutes
- Protein-packed: Shrimp adds lean, healthy protein
- Customizable spice: Adjust heat to your liking
- Crunchy & fresh: Topped with tortilla strips, avocado, and lime
👉 Did you know? Shrimp is low in calories but high in nutrients, providing over 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving (USDA).
Ingredients for Shrimp Tortilla Soup
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded & diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into strips
- Optional toppings: avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream
Pro Tip: For extra crunch, lightly fry tortilla strips in olive oil before adding as garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Build the Flavor
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Cook the Shrimp
- Add shrimp to the simmering soup.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
4. Finish with Freshness
- Stir in lime juice and cilantro.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Add Toppings
- Serve hot with tortilla strips, avocado slices, cheese, or sour cream.
Tips for Perfect Shrimp Tortilla Soup
- Don’t overcook shrimp: They only need a few minutes.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky depth of flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Meal prep hack: Cook the broth base ahead of time and add shrimp just before serving.
“The best tortilla soups are all about layers—spicy broth, tender shrimp, and crunchy toppings.”
Variations of Shrimp Tortilla Soup
Creamy Shrimp Tortilla Soup
Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for richness.
Shrimp & Chicken Tortilla Soup
Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier protein boost.
Low-Carb Version
Skip the tortilla strips and serve with zucchini noodles.
What to Serve with Shrimp Tortilla Soup
Pair your soup with:
- Warm flour or corn tortillas
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- A fresh green salad
- Margaritas or agua fresca
Storage & Meal Prep
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for 2–3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze broth base (without shrimp) for up to 2 months. Add fresh shrimp after reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently over low heat to avoid overcooking shrimp.
