This Mexican Shrimp Soup (Albóndigas de Camarón) features melt-in-your-mouth tender shrimp meatballs swimming in a flavorful spicy tomato broth. Light and low in calories, it's usually served before the main meal to increase the appetite. Perfect all year long!
Christmas cookies, drinks, and other recipes I've been posting non-stop lately are all interesting and fun but you gotta eat something more substantial from time to time too, right? I went through my culinary books yesterday and found a beautiful Mexican Shrimp Soup recipe. It immediately grabbed my attention because I saw something in it I have never tried before. Shrimp meatballs! Yes, the only shrimp swimming in this soup are in a form of meatballs. You can add a few whole shrimp together if you want, though.
The name Albóndigas de Camarón translates simply as shrimp meatballs. In fact, it's a variation of a very popular Albondigas Soup where meatballs are traditionally made from beef. I tried the original version many times and I loved it so I was intrigued to change things up a little bit! The fact that I've never eaten shrimp meatballs in my whole life only increased my desire.
This Mexican shrimp soup is also super easy to make. Just chop shrimp in a food processor, mix them with chopped onion, tomato, egg yolk, flour and seasonings and form meatballs that you will throw into a flavorful spicy tomato broth made in 20 minutes. Sprinkle with some chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side. That's it! Even a complete kitchen amateur will be able to do that.
The soup itself is really light so it's usually served before the main dish (tacos, enchiladas, or else) to increase your appetite. I can see myself slurping on this soup all year long because it's comforting enough for winter and light enough for hot summer days! The meatballs are so tender they could melt in your mouth. I regret not coming up with the idea of shrimp meatballs earlier. It's a perfect change-up from the same pork, beef, chicken, and turkey ones which sometimes get really boring.
I strongly recommend you to try this soup because it's really THAT good. Albóndigas de Camarón goes straight to my favorites list. No doubt about it!
Mexican Shrimp Soup - Albóndigas de Camarón
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 8 oz (225g) shrimp , peeled, deveined
- ¼ small onion , finely chopped
- ¼ medium tomato , cored, seeded, finely chopped
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the broth:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion , thinly sliced
- 1 fresh chile poblano , roasted, peeled, seeded, cut into thin strips
- ½ 15 oz or 450ml can chopped tomatoes
- 4 ½ cups fish broth or chicken stock
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro
- 1 or 2 limes , to serve
Instructions
- The meatballs. Chop the shrimp finely either by hand or using a food processor. Add to a bowl together with the onion, tomato, egg yolk, flour, oregano, and salt. Mix well. Cover and keep in a fridge until needed.
- The broth. Heat the oil in a pot. Add the onion and cook for about 7 minutes. Add the chile and tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes more. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes. Season with salt.
- Take out the shrimp mixture out of the fridge. Form the meatballs and throw them into the broth. Simmer for 8-10 minutes.
- Serve the soup sprinkled with the chopped cilantro with the lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!
Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours
I imagine there are a wonderful blend of flavours in your dish; sounds tasty and a nice light bite, without feeling over full.
Igor
It's a true feast of flavors, Helen!
Sharon
Yummm! What a gorgeous looking soup. I love the colors. I cannot wait to try it out!
Igor
If you will, let me know how you liked it, Sharon!
Sarah
I love adding seafood to soup. This recipe looks like some wonderful flavors in it...mmm...I love soup weather season and can't wait to try this one!
Igor
Soup season is the best!
Sabrina | The Tomato Tart
I love the flavor combo on this dish! Definitely a comfort food at its finest. Love it!!
Igor
Thanks for the kind words, Sabrina!
Platter Talk
This sounds so savory, light and delicious. Love the meatballs!
Igor
These shrimp meatballs are truly awesome 🙂
The Food Hunter
your photos are wonderful
Igor
Thank you!