Easy Seafood Soup Recipe (Paleo with AIP Option)

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Last Updated on August 3, 2023

This tasty seafood soup recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and is ready to eat in less than 45 minutes. It’s made with healthy, whole ingredients and is suitable for Paleo and AIP diets. So, if you are looking for an easy seafood soup recipe that tastes amazing, this will not dissapoint!

Seafood Soup Recipe

Are you looking for an easy seafood soup recipe? You’ll start out by making a quick seafood stock, then you’ll cook some vegetables and throw together a good soup your whole family will enjoy.

This seafood soup recipe is great for a special occasion or a perfect choice for a cold weather meal. Everyone loves to see soup on the dinner table at our house!

What Makes This Seafood Soup Recipe So Good

The delicious broth combined with basic ingredients makes for a flavorful soup that any seafood lover will enjoy. It’s quick and easy to make and lends itself well to flavor variations and various seafood selections.

What Do I Need to Make Seafood Soup?

The great thing about this seafood soup is that it’s fairly easy to put together, with just a 10 minute prepation time and 30 minutes total cook time.

Here’s what you need to make our seafood soup recipe.

Ingredients for Seafood Soup

We’ve split the ingredient list up for you to make it easy for you to see what you need to make this seafood soup recipe.

When making seafood soup, you can always bend the recipe a little and add in some variations or substitutions without sacrificing flavor. So, if you’d prefer to use shallots instead of onions, or make it spicy, go for it!

Vegetables

We add potatoes to our seafood soup recipe, but if you are on the autoimmune protocol, you can substitute them for white sweet potatoes. Personally, I like the tiny bit of sweetness that comes from the white sweet potatoes.

• onion
• carrot
• celery stalk
• garlic cloves
• potatoes (use white sweet potatoes for AIP)

Ingredients for Broth

You’ll be making your own seafood broth using water, vegetables, fresh herbs, and shrimp shells. You can make it even more flavorful if you use homemade chicken stock instead of water.

• onion
• carrot
• sprigs of parsley – Known for its fresh and vibrant taste, parsley adds a subtle earthiness to seafood soups. It not only enhances the overall flavor but also adds a visually appealing pop of green.
• fresh thyme – With its aromatic and slightly floral notes, thyme brings a delightful depth of flavor to seafood dishes. Its gentle herbal taste complements the delicate flavors of various seafood varieties.
• celery stalk
• bay leaves  – Adding a subtle herbal aroma, bay leaves infuse seafood soups with a unique and savory taste. They contribute a rich and warm undertone that complements the seafood flavors perfectly.
• shrimp shells (rinse before adding)

Checkout: Souping – Everything You Need to Know

Fish & Seafood

The great thing about seafood soup is that you can mix it up with a variety of seafood. Feel free to add any fresh seafood that you want. Flaky fish, juicy shrimp, bay scallops, sea bass – you get the point!

For this delicious seafood soup we use a few different kinds of seafood, but you can use what you have on-hand.

• shelled clams
• cleaned mussels in shells
• tiger prawns in shells

How to Clean Mussles

First, start by giving your mussels a good rinse under cold water. This will help remove any dirt or sand lingering on the shells. While doing this, make sure to discard any mussels that are cracked, open, or don’t close when tapped gently.

Next, take a closer look at the beards. The beard is a fibrous tuft that sticks out from the shell and can be quite tough. To remove it, simply give it a gentle tug towards the hinge of the mussel. If it doesn’t come off easily, you can use a small knife to carefully cut it off.

After removing the beards, it’s time for a quick soak.

Fill a large bowl with cold water and add a handful of salt. Place your mussels in the bowl and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This will help the mussels expel any remaining sand or grit.

Aromatics & Seasonings

• white wine (omit for AIP)
• lemon juice
• olive oil
• grass-fed butter (omit for AIP and just use a bit more olive oil)
• sea salt
• black pepper

Easy Seafood Soup Recipe

Are you ready to make this easy seafood soup? This tasty soup will be ready to enjoy in less than 45 mintes!

How to Make Seafood Soup

The first step is to make the broth so it can simmer a bit. Here’s a breakdown on how to make this seafood soup recipe.

For detailed instructions be sure to print the recipe card at the bottom.

Step 1: Make the Broth

Grab a large pot or dutch oven and add the onion, carrots, celery stalk, bay leaf, parsley, and thyme sprigs.

Next, remove the shells from the shrimp and put them in the large soup pot with the vegetables. Fill with water (about 4 cups water) and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can use chicken broth instead of water. This makes an even more hearty soup that bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Using another saucepan, add in a mixture of olive oil and butter (or just oil for AIP), and cook the chopped carrots, onions, and celery for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add in the garlic and sauté for 2 more minutes.

Pour in white wine, lemon juice and bring to a boil on high heat. Add in the strained broth (see step 3 below). Lower to a medium heat.

Step 3: Strain the Broth

After the broth has cooked for about 20 minutes, you will need to strain it. Discard the remaining onions, carrots, celery, herbs and shrimp shells.

Quick note: be sure you are straining the BROTH that you had simmering and not the separate vegetable mixture that you just added wine and lemon juice to.

Step 4: Add the Seafood and Cook

Pour the broth that you just strained into the pot with the vegetables. Add small cubes of peeled potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Then add the shrimp, mussels, shellfish. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If necessary, add some more water or chicken broth. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.

What to Serve with Seafood Soup

The best things to serve with seafood soup depend on your personal preferences and the specific flavors of the soup. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try different combinations to find the perfect accompaniments that suit your taste buds.

Here’s some great ideas to serve alongside seafood soup:

• Warm grain free bread for dipping: You can simply slice the bread or even toast it and add some garlic butter.
• Citrus Slices: Seafood and citrus are a classic pairing.
• Salad: Opt for a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing or a citrus-based salad with ingredients like arugula, oranges, and fennel. The crispness and acidity of the salad will balance out the richness of the soup.

How to Store Seafood Soup

It’s actually best to enjoy seafood soup on the same day you make it. Reheating shellfish or fish can sometimes lead to overcooking, and we want to ensure you savor every bit of that fresh, flavorful goodness.

So go ahead and dive into your homemade fish soup while it’s still at its absolute best!

Can I Freeze My Seafood Soup?

Freezing seafood soup isn’t a great idea because reheating the seafood later can lead to overcooking and a rubbery texture. If you have a lot left, consider removing all the seafood and just freezing the broth and vegetables.

You can always add in some fresh seafood when you are reheating it later!

Ingredient Substitutions and Suggestions

If you are like me, I search for an easy recipe and then imagine ways I can enhance the flavors to my liking. Soup is one of my favorite things to cook. Here are some ideas if you want to mix it up a little.

Experiment With Different Seafood

As mentioned above, seafood soup is very flexible. You can use most any type of seafood or chunks of fish. You can add white fish, salmon, scallops, or anything your heart desires.

The important thing to remember is the seafood mix should be in proportion to the broth, so if you want more seafood goodness, be sure to increase the amount of broth that you make, or add some extra fish stock, shrimp stock, or chicken broth to it.

Add-Ins for Seafood Soup Recipe

Here are some easy variations you can use to mix up the flavors of your seafood soup. Note, many of these great additions are not AIP friendly.

• add a splash of coconut milk (AIP)
• add a splash of heavy cream
• red pepper flakes
• top with croutons
• fresh parsley (AIP)
• fresh herbs (AIP)
• bell pepper
• jalapeno pepper
• fresh tomatoes (if not nightshade free)
• add a splash of clam juice when making the broth
• dash in some smoked paprika (if not nightshade free)
• spice it up with some hot sauce

FAQs About Seafood Soup

Still have questions about making seafood soup? Check out these helpful frequently asked questions.

What Kind of Fish Can I Use in Seafood Soup?

You can really use any type of fish or seafood in seafood soup. Some popular choices are halibut, haddock, sea bass, etc.

Do I Have to Use Shellfish in Seafood Soup?

You can make seafood soup just using fish if you’d like; it’s just as delicious with a flaky white fish, like halibut. Delicate white fish is the best choice, however even salmon tastes great in fish soup.

Can I Add Extra Herbs to My Seafood Soup?

Here are some fresh herbs you can consider adding to enhance the flavor of your seafood soup.

Dill: The delicate and feathery leaves of dill lend a distinctive taste to seafood soups. Its light anise-like flavor adds a refreshing and slightly tangy twist to the dish.

Chives: These slender, onion-like herbs offer a mild and delicate flavor to seafood soup. They add a hint of freshness and a subtle onion-like taste that doesn’t overpower the seafood.

Tarragon: With its bittersweet and slightly licorice-like flavor, tarragon brings a distinctive taste to seafood soups. It pairs exceptionally well with shellfish and adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.

Should I Cook the Vegetables First?

Cooking the vegetables first releases flavor and makes for a more delicious soup.

Can I Add Tomatoes to the Recipe for a More Tomato-based Broth?

If you like tomatoes and want to add some to your soup – go for it!

What are the Different Types of Seafood Soups?

Here are just a few examples of the diverse range of seafood soups you can explore:

Clam Chowder: A beloved classic, clam chowder is a creamy soup made with tender clams, potatoes, onions, and bacon.

Lobster Bisque: Indulge in the richness of lobster bisque, a luxurious soup that combines the delicate sweetness of lobster meat with a creamy, velvety texture.

Bouillabaisse: Originating from the coastal regions of France, bouillabaisse is a flavorful seafood stew that typically includes a variety of fish, shellfish, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs.

Thai Tom Yum: If you’re a fan of spicy and sour flavors, Thai Tom Yum soup is a must-try. Packed with fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and a variety of seafood such as shrimp or fish, this soup is a burst of exotic flavors.

Cioppino: Hailing from the shores of San Francisco, cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew that brings together a delightful mix of Dungeness crab, shrimp, clams, mussels, and white fish. It’s a vibrant and robust soup that showcases the bounty of the sea.

Fisherman’s Soup: Found in various coastal regions around the world, fisherman’s soup is a rustic and hearty soup that features a combination of fish, vegetables, herbs, and spices. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized based on the available seafood and local ingredients.

What are the benefits of Seafood Soup?

Seafood soup not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides numerous health benefits. Packed with essential nutrients and bursting with flavor, this delicious dish can do wonders for your overall well-being.

Seafood, such as fish and shellfish, is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also known for its high protein content, and seafood soup is no exception.

Seafood soup is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health. From vitamin D, which promotes strong bones and a healthy immune system, to minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium that aid in various bodily functions, this dish provides a wholesome nutrient package.

Does Fish Bone Broth have Collagen?

Fish bone broth is an excellent source of collagen, containing a unique blend of amino acids that contribute to its beneficial properties. When fish bones or shrimp shells are simmered, collagen is extracted, resulting in a nutritious and collagen-rich broth.

What is the difference between seafood chowder and fish soup?

Seafood chowder is a rich and creamy soup that features a medley of seafood, such as shrimp, clams, fish, and sometimes even lobster. It’s typically cooked in a flavorful broth, often made with milk or cream, and seasoned with herbs and spices.

The chowder has a thick and velvety texture, making it hearty and satisfying.

On the other hand, fish soup is a lighter broth-based dish that primarily focuses on fish as the main ingredient. It usually incorporates a variety of fish, such as white fish, salmon, or cod, along with vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes.

Fish soup tends to have a thinner consistency compared to chowder, allowing the flavors of the fish and vegetables to shine through.

More Delicious Soups

• Hearty Beef and Cabbage Soup Recipe (AIP, Paleo, GAPS, SCD)
• Seafood Chowder (AIP, Paleo, Dairy-Free)
• 49 AIP Soups

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