Lemongrass Tamarind Shrimp Soup
A fragrant, tangy soup featuring plump shrimp, lemongrass, and tamarind, with a light broth that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This vietnamese-inspired vietnamese ready in about 40 minutes pairs Shrimp, Lemongrass, Tamarind paste for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Shrimp
- 2 tbsp Lemongrass
- 2 tbsp Tamarind paste
- 2 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 4 cups Water
- 4 leaves Kaffir lime leaves
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro
- for serving Lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, combine 4 cups water, 2 tbsp minced lemongrass, 2 tbsp tamarind paste, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 4 kaffir lime leaves, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz peeled shrimp and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Step 3: Remove kaffir lime leaves and stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemongrass Tamarind Shrimp Soup take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemongrass Tamarind Shrimp Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemongrass Tamarind Shrimp Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemongrass Tamarind Shrimp Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemongrass Tamarind Shrimp Soup?
Vietnamese vietnamese like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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