Shrimp

Shrimp And Leek Soup

Name: Shrimp And Leek Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 medium leeks, chopped; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cups fish stock; 2 tablespoons white wine; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

By Freya Tremaine · June 19, 2026 · Shrimp

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

Warm and comforting Shrimp And Leek Soup

As a coastal home cook and former fishmonger's daughter, I've always been passionate about demystifying seafood for nervous cooks. Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite recipes: Shrimp And Leek Soup. This easy and foolproof soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and is made with fresh shrimp, leeks, and aromatic spices.

I remember growing up in a small coastal town, where seafood was a staple in our household. My father, a fishmonger, would always bring home the freshest catch of the day, and my mother would cook up a storm in the kitchen. One of my favorite dishes was her Shrimp And Leek Soup, which was always a comforting and delicious treat after a long day.

Over the years, I've perfected my own version of this recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. This soup is not only delicious, but it's also easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll love this recipe.

So, what makes this recipe special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make. The ingredients are simple, and the instructions are straightforward. Plus, the soup is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. But what really sets this recipe apart is the flavor. The combination of fresh shrimp, leeks, and aromatic spices creates a rich and savory broth that's sure to become a favorite in your household.

Whether you're cooking for one or for a crowd, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So, go ahead and give it a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The soup is ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
The combination of fresh shrimp, leeks, and aromatic spices creates a rich and savory broth that's sure to become a favorite in your household.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you're cooking for one or for a crowd.
The soup is comforting and soothing, making it perfect for a cold winter's night.
The recipe is flexible and can be customized to your taste preferences.
The soup is a great way to get your daily dose of protein and vegetables.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it uses a combination of fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques to create a rich and savory broth. The leeks add a sweet and oniony flavor, while the shrimp provide a pop of protein and texture. The aromatic spices, such as thyme and bay leaves, add depth and warmth to the soup.

The key to making this soup is to cook the ingredients slowly and gently, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is why I recommend using a low heat and simmering the soup for at least 15 minutes. By doing so, you'll create a broth that's not only delicious but also comforting and soothing.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of doneness cues. Instead of relying on a timer, I recommend checking the shrimp for doneness by looking for a pink color and a firm texture. This ensures that the shrimp are cooked to perfection, without being overcooked or undercooked.

Finally, the finishing touches make all the difference in this recipe. A sprinkle of chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice add a bright and freshness to the soup, while a pat of butter adds richness and creaminess. By following these simple steps, you'll create a soup that's not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making Shrimp And Leek Soup, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. You'll need a few simple ingredients, including fresh shrimp, leeks, and aromatic spices. Be sure to choose the freshest ingredients you can find, as they will make all the difference in the flavor and texture of the soup.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the shrimp. Look for fresh, sustainably-sourced shrimp that are free of added preservatives and chemicals. You'll also need some leeks, which add a sweet and oniony flavor to the soup. Be sure to choose leeks that are firm and have a nice, white base.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for fresh, sustainably-sourced shrimp that are free of added preservatives and chemicals. Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before using them in the recipe.
2 medium leeks, choppedChoose leeks that are firm and have a nice, white base. Make sure to chop the leeks finely, as they will add a sweet and oniony flavor to the soup.
2 tablespoons unsalted butterUse high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor. You'll need this butter to sauté the leeks and shrimp, and to add richness and creaminess to the soup.
1 medium onion, choppedChoose a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, for the best flavor. Make sure to chop the onion finely, as it will add a depth of flavor to the soup.
3 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. Make sure to mince the garlic finely, as it will add a pungent flavor to the soup.
1 teaspoon dried thymeChoose high-quality, dried thyme for the best flavor. You'll need this thyme to add depth and warmth to the soup.
1/2 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor. Make sure to use this salt to season the soup, as it will bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Make sure to use this pepper to season the soup, as it will add a nice kick to the flavors.
4 cups fish stockChoose a high-quality fish stock that is low in sodium and made with fresh ingredients. You'll need this stock to create a rich and savory broth.
2 tablespoons white wineChoose a dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, for the best flavor. Make sure to use this wine to add depth and complexity to the soup.
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juiceUse fresh lemons for the best flavor. Make sure to squeeze the lemon juice finely, as it will add a bright and freshness to the soup.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyChoose fresh parsley for the best flavor. Make sure to chop the parsley finely, as it will add a nice freshness to the soup.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy pot or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometer Cutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or silicone spatula

How to Make Shrimp And Leek Soup

1
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, making sure to coat them evenly.
2
Heat the butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Add the chopped leeks to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
5
Add the white wine to the pot and cook, stirring to deglaze the bottom of the pot, until the liquid is almost completely evaporated, about 2 minutes.
6
Add the fish stock to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
7
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are pink and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the shrimp, which should reach 145 F (63 C).
8
Stir in the dried thyme and cook for 1 minute.
9
Stir in the lemon juice and cook for 1 minute.
10
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a pat of butter.
11
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Expert Tips

Use fresh and sustainably-sourced ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Use a low heat and simmer the soup gently, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the lemon juice and parsley just before serving, as they will add a bright and freshness to the soup.
Use a high-quality fish stock that is low in sodium and made with fresh ingredients.
Don't skip the step of deglazing the pot with white wine, as it will add depth and complexity to the soup.
Use a sharp chef's knife to chop the ingredients, as it will make the process easier and faster.
Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp, which can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using fresh and sustainably-sourced ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the soup.
Not deglazing the pot with white wine, which can leave behind flavorful browned bits.
Not letting the soup rest before serving, which can affect the flavor and texture of the soup.
Not using a low heat and simmering the soup gently, which can cause the soup to boil and become cloudy.
Not seasoning the soup as needed, which can affect the flavor of the soup.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or carrots to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.
Use different types of seafood, such as scallops or mussels, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some cream or coconut milk to the soup for a richer and creamier texture.
Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a different flavor.
Add some spices or herbs, such as cumin or basil, for a different flavor.
Use a different type of stock, such as chicken or vegetable, for a different flavor.
Add some noodles or rice to the soup for a heartier and more filling meal.

What to Serve With Shrimp And Leek Soup

Serve the Shrimp And Leek Soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a pat of butter. You can also serve the soup with some crusty bread or crackers for a more filling meal.

Some other options for serving the soup include:

Crusty bread: Serve the soup with some crusty bread, such as baguette or ciabatta, for a more filling meal.

Salad: Serve the soup with a side salad, such as a green salad or a fruit salad, for a lighter and refreshing meal.

Rice or noodles: Serve the soup with some rice or noodles, such as white rice or egg noodles, for a heartier and more filling meal.

Crusty breadSaladRice or noodlesRoasted vegetablesGrilled meat or seafoodCrackers or croutons

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Shrimp And Leek Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the soup in the refrigerator, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. To freeze the soup, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

To reheat the soup, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also reheat the soup in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Some tips for storing and reheating the soup include:

Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it, as this will help prevent the growth of bacteria.

Use an airtight container to store the soup, as this will help keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.

Label the container with the date and contents, as this will help you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.

Reheat the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of shrimp should I use for the soup?

You can use any type of shrimp you like, but larger shrimp such as jumbo or extra-large work best for this recipe. Make sure to peel and devein the shrimp before using them in the recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp instead of fresh. Simply thaw the shrimp according to the package instructions and pat them dry with paper towels before using them in the recipe.

What type of fish stock should I use for the soup?

You can use any type of fish stock you like, but a low-sodium stock made with fresh ingredients works best for this recipe. You can also use chicken or vegetable stock as a substitute if you don't have fish stock available.

Can I add other ingredients to the soup?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the soup to suit your taste. Some options include diced bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes, or other types of seafood such as scallops or mussels.

How long can I store the soup in the refrigerator or freezer?

The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents, and reheat the soup to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I serve the soup at a dinner party?

Yes, the soup is a great option for a dinner party. You can serve it as a starter or main course, and it's sure to be a hit with your guests. Simply reheat the soup according to the instructions above and serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a pat of butter.

Is the soup suitable for people with shellfish allergies?

No, the soup is not suitable for people with shellfish allergies. The soup contains shrimp, which is a type of shellfish, and can cause an allergic reaction in people with shellfish allergies.

Can I make the soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. Simply prepare the soup according to the instructions above, let it cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to serve it. Reheat the soup according to the instructions above before serving.

The Full Recipe

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