Comforting Rice Noodle Soup with Shrimp Recipe

Cozy Rice Noodle Soup with Shrimp Recipe: Warm Bowl of Comfort

Steaming bowls of comfort dance with vibrant flavors in this mouthwatering rice noodle soup with shrimp.

Delicate rice noodles weave through a fragrant broth, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Plump, succulent shrimp nestle among tender vegetables, promising a culinary adventure in every spoonful.

The light yet satisfying soup brings together traditional Asian ingredients with a modern twist.

Aromatic herbs and zesty seasonings infuse each bite with bold, refreshing notes.

This recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition and pure deliciousness that will transport you straight to the bustling street markets of Southeast Asia.

One slurp, and you’ll be hooked on this irresistible soup that’s ready to become your new favorite comfort meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 6 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 16 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Shrimp Noodle Soup Delicious

For Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty undertone that elevates the entire soup's depth.
  • Garlic: Provides a pungent kick and creates a robust flavor base.
  • Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements seafood perfectly.
For Vegetables:
  • Baby Bok Choy: Offers a crisp texture and subtle green freshness with separate white and green parts for layered cooking.
  • Carrot: Introduces a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Green Onions: Delivers a mild, sharp finish and bright visual appeal when sprinkled on top.
For Liquid Base and Seasoning:
  • Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Creates the foundational liquid with deep, comforting flavors.
  • Water: Helps balance and lighten the broth's intensity.
  • Gluten-Free Soy Sauce or Tamari: Adds umami and salty complexity.
  • Fish Sauce: Introduces a signature Southeast Asian depth and saltiness.
  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a subtle tangy brightness to cut through rich flavors.
For Protein and Noodles:
  • Small Raw Shrimp: Delivers sweet, tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs surrounding flavors.
  • Pad Thai Rice Noodles: Offers a silky, light texture that perfectly complements the broth.

Tools That Keep Your Soup Brothy and Balanced

  • Dutch oven: Large, deep pot perfect for simmering soups and developing rich flavors.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise chopping of vegetables like bok choy, carrots, and green onions.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely and efficiently.
  • Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and sautéing vegetables without scratching the pot.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate amounts of broth, sauces, and oil for balanced taste.
  • Ladle: Helpful for serving the hot, steaming soup into bowls.

How to Cook Rice Noodle Soup with Shrimp

Comfort Vessel

  • Kitchen Setup Warm and inviting workspace with essential cooking tools ready for action.
  • Aromatic Foundation Colorful vegetables sizzling in fragrant sesame oil, releasing delightful scents that dance through the kitchen.
  • Liquid Harmony Broth and water creating a gentle, bubbling symphony with savory sauces blending seamlessly.
  • Noodle Magic Delicate rice noodles softening and expanding, transforming the liquid into a silky landscape.
  • Seafood Finale Plump shrimp nestling into the soup, turning a beautiful soft pink while tender greens add vibrant freshness.
  • Final Touch Bright rice vinegar whisking through the soup, elevating flavors with a subtle tangy brightness that makes each spoonful sing.

Serving tip: Present immediately in deep bowls, allowing the steaming soup to tell its delicious story with every ladle.

Tips to Bring More Flavor to Your Soup

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Seafood Swap: Replace shrimp with tender chicken, silky tofu, or succulent scallops for a different protein-packed experience.
  • Spice It Up: Add a splash of sriracha or sprinkle red pepper flakes to introduce a fiery kick that'll warm your taste buds.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, or bamboo shoots to increase nutritional value and texture.
  • Quick Noodle Hack: If short on time, use pre-cooked rice noodles or thin vermicelli to cut down on preparation minutes.
  • Broth Depth: Enhance the soup's flavor by using homemade chicken stock or adding a small piece of kombu seaweed during simmering for an umami-rich base.

Serve This Soup for Warm Comfort Meals

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle this steaming soup into deep ceramic bowls, letting the aromatic broth warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a comforting meal.
  • Garnish Galore: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or chili flakes on top for an extra burst of flavor and delightful crunch. Each topping adds a personal touch to your soup.
  • Protein Power-Up: Pair the soup with grilled tofu, sliced chicken, or additional seafood like crab meat to boost protein content. This transforms the dish into a more substantial and filling meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
  • Side Companion: Serve alongside a light Asian-inspired salad with cucumber and sesame dressing or crispy spring rolls. These accompaniments complement the soup's delicate flavors and provide a well-rounded dining experience.

Keep Soup Stored in Perfect Condition

  • Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare extra soup base and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Separate noodles and shrimp to prevent soggy textures when reheating.
  • Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftover soup in sealed containers for up to 2-3 days. Keep shrimp and noodles separate from broth to maintain optimal freshness and prevent overcooking.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze broth and vegetables without noodles or shrimp for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh seafood and noodles when reheating to ensure perfect texture.
  • Smart Portioning Technique: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches. Include small packets of fresh herbs or green onions to sprinkle just before eating, maintaining maximum flavor and crunch.
Print
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Comforting Rice Noodle Soup with Shrimp Recipe

Comforting Rice Noodle Soup with Shrimp Recipe


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4.9 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delectable Vietnamese pho featuring rice noodle soup with shrimp offers complex flavors from Southeast Asian cuisine. Fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs combine to create a comforting meal you can savor with pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) small raw shrimp, peeled (5160 per pound)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 oz (113 g) pad Thai rice noodles (half a package)
  • 4 baby bok choy, chopped (white and green parts separated)
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsps gluten-free soy sauce or tamari (or substitute regular soy sauce)
  • 2 tbsps fish sauce
  • 2 tbsps rice vinegar

Instructions

  1. Aromatics Preparation: Heat sesame oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then sauté white bok choy sections and carrots for 5 minutes until they soften and release their delicate fragrances.
  2. Flavor Building: Fold in minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring continuously to activate their robust essences and create a complex flavor foundation.
  3. Liquid Creation: Pour chicken or vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, and fish sauce into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil while integrating all liquid components.
  4. Noodle Infusion: Delicately introduce rice noodles into the simmering broth, gently separating the strands and allowing them to absorb the rich liquid and soften completely.
  5. Final Layering: Add raw shrimp, green bok choy sections, and sliced green onions, cooking for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and translucent, then finish with a splash of rice vinegar to elevate the soup’s brightness.
  6. Serving: Ladle the aromatic soup into bowls, ensuring each portion captures the harmonious blend of tender noodles, vibrant vegetables, and succulent seafood.

Notes

  • Optimize Oil Temperature: Warm sesame oil slowly to release maximum nutty aroma without burning, enhancing the soup’s foundational flavor profile.
  • Master Vegetable Sautéing: Cook white bok choy sections and carrots precisely 5 minutes to develop tender texture and release natural sweetness without overcooking.
  • Control Spice Infusion: Stir garlic and ginger continuously for exactly one minute to prevent burning while extracting maximum essential flavor compounds.
  • Balance Broth Dynamics: Add soy and fish sauces during boiling stage to create deep umami undertones and ensure seamless liquid integration.
  • Prep Time: 6 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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