Seafood soup is a beloved dish, cherished for its fresh, comforting flavours and nourishing qualities. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight meal or a casual weekend gathering, this easy seafood soup recipe is the perfect choice. With the right seafood soup base and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion.
Why Seafood Soup is the Perfect Meal
Seafood soup is a dish that brings together the rich taste of the ocean and the warmth of a comforting bowl of soup. Not only is it easy to make, but it also provides a healthy meal packed with proteins, essential fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins. With ingredients like prawns, fish, clams, and squid, seafood soup can be as rich and complex as you like, or light and refreshing, depending on your preference.
An easy seafood soup recipe doesn’t need to be complicated. By using a well-balanced seafood soup base and incorporating fresh ingredients, you can prepare a delicious bowl of soup in no time, without any hassle.
How to Cook Seafood Soup
This recipe is perfect for those who love seafood and want to enjoy a hearty, flavourful soup without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow this simple seafood soup recipe for a satisfying and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 200g prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 200g white fish fillets (such as cod or snapper), cut into chunks
- 100g squid (sliced)
- 1-2 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 cups fish stock (or chicken stock)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1-2 stalks lemongrass (bruised)
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
- 2-3 slices ginger
- 1-2 fresh red chillies (sliced)
- 1-2 tbsp fish sauce
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- 1-2 lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Soup Base: Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Sauté for a few minutes until the aromatics become fragrant. This will form the base of your seafood soup.
- Add the Stock: Pour in the fish stock (or chicken stock if you prefer). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavours of the aromatics to infuse the liquid. You can also add a splash of water if you prefer a lighter broth.
- Season the Soup: Add fish sauce, salt, and the sliced red chillies. Stir to combine. Fish sauce is key in bringing out the rich, umami flavour in the soup, so don’t skip this ingredient.
- Add the Seafood: Once the stock is simmering, carefully add the prawns, fish fillets, and squid. Let the seafood cook for around 3-5 minutes, or until it’s tender and cooked through. The prawns will turn pink, and the fish will flake easily when done.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce or salt to suit your preference. Once everything is cooked, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness.
This easy seafood soup recipe is both simple to make and full of flavour, with each spoonful offering a satisfying combination of tender seafood and aromatic broth.
Variations of Seafood Soup
The beauty of seafood soup is that it can be easily adapted to suit your taste. Some variations include adding vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, or leafy greens for extra nutrition. You could also make it spicy by adding more chillies or using a chilli paste for a stronger kick. For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of coconut milk, which will give the soup a subtle richness.
If you want to make it even more substantial, you can add noodles, rice, or even tofu for added texture and variety. These changes will help you customise your soup to suit any flavour profile you enjoy.
Tips for the Perfect Seafood Soup
- Use high-quality Seafood: The key to an outstanding seafood soup is high-quality seafood. Opt for the freshest prawns, fish, and squid you can find. Good ingredients elevate the flavours of the soup and make it all the more enjoyable. You can find high-quality seafood online at Seaco.
- Adjust the Broth to Your Liking: If you prefer a stronger seafood flavour, you can simmer the stock for a longer period to allow the flavours to concentrate. For a lighter broth, you can reduce the cooking time or add more water.
- Experiment with Aromatics: Feel free to get creative with your aromatics. Adding ingredients like star anise, turmeric, or fennel can add layers of flavour and make your seafood soup unique to your taste.
At Seaco, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality seafood that’s perfect for making dishes like easy seafood soup. Our products are carefully sourced to ensure freshness and taste, making every meal you create a memorable experience. Browse our selection of live, fresh and frozen seafood at Seaco Online and discover the best ingredients for your next delicious seafood recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any type of seafood for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a variety of seafood for this soup. Besides prawns, fish, and squid, you can also try adding clams, mussels, or scallops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of seafood you're using, as some cook faster than others.
Q: How can I make the seafood soup spicier?
A: To add more heat, you can increase the amount of red chillies in the recipe. Alternatively, you can also add chilli paste or chilli flakes for a different type of spiciness. If you prefer a more intense heat, consider adding fresh bird's eye chillies during the cooking process.