There’s something special about a steaming bowl of soup filled with ocean treasures.
Maybe it’s the way shrimp curls perfectly in hot broth, or how clams pop open to release their briny flavor.
A good seafood soup recipe brings the coast right to your kitchen.
You don’t need major skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Just fresh seafood, a few vegetables, and about 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking.
Types of Seafood Soup Recipes
You’ve got more options than you might think when it comes to making soup with seafood.
Some are light and clear, perfect for when you want something that won’t weigh you down. Others are thick and creamy, the kind that sticks to your ribs on a cold evening.
Broth-based soups let the natural flavors of fish, shrimp, or scallops really shine through. Cream-based versions use heavy cream or milk to create that rich, velvety texture.
Tomato soups bring acidity and brightness that balance the sweetness of shellfish.
And if you like heat, spicy versions pack a punch with chili peppers and bold seasonings.
The beauty is that you can mix and match based on what you have. Now let’s look at some simple ways to pull these together.
Simple Seafood Soup Recipes
Sometimes you just need dinner on the table fast. These simple versions don’t require fancy techniques or a dozen ingredients.
You’re looking at 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish.
1. Quick Shrimp Seafood Soup
This one’s perfect for busy weeknights. Shrimp cook in just a few minutes, so you can have a hot bowl of soup ready before you know it.
The natural sweetness of shrimp pairs well with garlic, tomatoes, and a splash of lemon.
2. Easy Fish Broth Seafood Soup
Fish broth gives you that clean, ocean-forward flavor without any heaviness.
White fish, like cod or halibut, breaks into tender flakes as it simmers. It’s light enough for lunch but satisfying enough for dinner.
Popular in coastal Japan and Scandinavian countries where clear fish soups are a daily staple.
3. One-Pot Mixed Seafood Soup
Grab whatever seafood you have on hand for this flexible option. Shrimp, mussels, clams, and chunks of fish all work together in one pot.
Clean-up is easy, and the flavors blend beautifully as everything cooks.
Creamy Seafood Soup Recipes
Creamy soups feel like comfort in a bowl.
The richness comes from heavy cream, milk, or even a splash of coconut milk if you’re going for something different.
4. Creamy Shrimp Seafood Soup
Shrimp and cream are a match made in heaven. The cream coats each piece of shrimp and creates a silky broth that’s hard to resist.
A little white wine and garlic take it up a notch. This one’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
5. Creamy Fish and Corn Soup
Sweet corn kernels add a pop of flavor and texture to this one.
The fish stays tender while the corn gives you something to bite into. You can use fresh or frozen corn, depending on what’s available.
It’s filling without feeling too heavy on your stomach.
A favorite in New England fishing towns and parts of the American South
6. Mixed Seafood Soup
This version lets you throw in multiple types of seafood for more complexity.
Scallops, mussels, and white fish all swim together in a cream base. Each spoonful gives you something a little different.
The various textures keep things interesting from the first bite to the last.
7. Light Creamy Seafood Soup
Not all creamy soups have to be super rich. Using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream keeps things lighter.
You still get that smooth texture without feeling stuffed afterward. Add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten it up even more.
Soup Recipes with Potato
Potatoes make any soup more filling and satisfying.
They soak up all the flavors from the broth and seafood while adding a nice, hearty texture.
8. Shrimp and Potato Seafood Soup
Diced potatoes and plump shrimp create a balanced bowl that’s both light and substantial.
The potatoes break down slightly as they cook, naturally thickening the broth.
You get a little starch, a little protein, and plenty of flavor. Throw in some Old Bay seasoning if you want that classic coastal vibe.
9. Scallop and Potato Soup
Scallops are sweet and buttery, and they pair beautifully with the earthiness of potatoes.
Cut your potatoes into small cubes so they cook at about the same rate as the scallops. This one feels a bit more upscale but doesn’t require any special skills.
A splash of cream at the end makes it even better.
- Popular along the Atlantic coast of Canada
- A regular in Irish coastal kitchens where potatoes and seafood often meet
10. Creamy potato seafood soup
This is basically a seafood chowder without calling it that. The cream and potatoes work together to create a thick, stick-to-your-ribs kind of soup.
You can use any combination of seafood you like. Cod, clams, and mussels all play well here.
Potatoes add substance without overshadowing the seafood. Now let’s look at some recipes that have been around for generations.
Old-Fashioned Seafood Soup Recipes
Some recipes don’t need updating.
These old-fashioned versions have been made the same way for decades because they just work.
11. Classic Fish and Vegetable Soup
This is the kind of soup your grandmother probably made. Chunks of white fish, carrots, celery, and onions in a clear broth.
It’s simple and lets each ingredient speak for itself. The vegetables get tender but not mushy, and the fish stays in nice pieces if you’re gentle with your stirring.
Still served daily in fishing villages across Portugal and coastal France.
12. Old-Style Shrimp Soup
Back in the day, people didn’t overthink their shrimp soup. A good broth, fresh shrimp, maybe some rice or small pasta, and that was it.
The shrimp flavor comes through loud and clear. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don’t try too hard.
13. Traditional Mixed Seafood Soup
This version uses whatever the fishermen brought in that day.
Clams, mussels, chunks of fish, maybe some crab if you’re lucky. It’s how coastal families have been eating for generations.
The mix of seafood creates layers of flavor you just can’t get from using only one type.
14. Simple Coastal Seafood Soup
Fishermen needed something quick and filling after a long day on the water. This soup delivers exactly that with minimal fuss.
A tomato base, whatever seafood is fresh, and some crusty bread on the side. It’s honest food that doesn’t pretend to be anything else.
- A staple in Mediterranean fishing communities for centuries
- Common in New England harbors, where simplicity ruled the kitchen
Mixed Seafood Soup Recipe Options
Combining different types of seafood gives you a more complex flavor than using just one.
Each variety brings its own taste and texture to the pot. The trick is knowing which ones to add first so everything finishes cooking at the same time.
15. Crab and Clam Mixed Seafood Soup
Crab meat is sweet and delicate, while clams bring that briny, ocean taste.
Together, they create a balanced bowl that tastes like the sea in the best way possible.
The clams release their juices as they open, which adds even more flavor to the broth. Use fresh crab if you can find it, but canned works in a pinch.
16. Lobster and Shrimp Mixed Seafood Soup
This is your fancy option for special occasions. Lobster and shrimp both have a natural sweetness that plays off each other nicely.
The lobster gives you big, meaty bites while the shrimp adds pops of flavor throughout. It feels indulgent but isn’t actually that hard to make.
A celebration dish in coastal Maine and the Maritime provinces of Canada
17. Shellfish Mixed Seafood Soup
Mussels, clams, and oysters all cook together in this shellfish lover’s dream.
Each one opens up and releases its own flavor into the broth.
Make sure to scrub your shellfish well and discard any that don’t open after cooking. A little white wine in the base really helps bring out their flavors.
18. Mixed Seafood Vegetable Soup
This version bulks things up with plenty of vegetables alongside your seafood.
Carrots, celery, tomatoes, and zucchini add color and nutrition. The vegetables make it more of a complete meal instead of just a starter.
You get your protein and your veggies all in one bowl.
Seafood Soup Recipes with Noodles
Noodles turn soup into a full meal. They soak up the broth and give you something substantial to chew on.
Plus, slurping noodles from a hot bowl just hits different on a cold day.
19. Shrimp Noodle Seafood Soup
Rice noodles or thin egg noodles work best here since they cook quickly like the shrimp.
The noodles absorb all that shrimp-infused broth and become incredibly flavorful.
Add some bok choy or spinach in the last minute for a bit of green. This is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and actually fills you up.
20. Fish and Noodle Seafood Soup
White fish breaks into flaky pieces that mix perfectly with soft noodles.
Use a firm fish like cod or halibut so it doesn’t completely fall apart. The noodles catch little bits of fish in every bite.
A splash of soy sauce and some ginger give it an Asian-inspired twist that really works.
21. Garlic Seafood Noodle Soup
If you love garlic, this one’s for you. We’re talking plenty of minced garlic sautéed until golden and fragrant.
Mix in whatever seafood you have, add noodles and broth, and you’ve got a punchy, flavorful bowl.
The garlic doesn’t overpower the seafood, but definitely makes its presence known.
Top it with crispy garlic chips if you really want to go all in.
Spicy Soup Recipe Variations
Heat lovers, this section is for you. Spicy soups wake up your taste buds and add excitement to every spoonful.
The spice doesn’t hide the seafood flavor but rather brings it forward in a different way.
22. Chili Garlic Seafood Soup
Red chili flakes and fresh garlic create a flavor bomb that’s hard to beat. The heat builds as you eat, but it’s not so intense that you can’t enjoy the seafood.
You can adjust the spice level by using more or less chili depending on your tolerance.
A squeeze of lime at the end balances out the heat with some acidity.
A go-to dish in Korean coastal restaurants and Chinese Sichuan provinces
23. Cajun-Style Spicy Seafood Soup
This Southern classic brings together paprika, cayenne, thyme, and bay leaves for that signature Cajun kick.
The spice blend coats the shrimp, crab, and sausage in layers of flavor. Traditionally, you’d use the “holy trinity” of onions, celery, and bell peppers as your base.
It’s bold, it’s hearty, and it doesn’t apologize for being spicy.
24. Spicy Shrimp and Fish Soup
Combining shrimp and white fish gives you two different textures to enjoy.
The fish absorbs the spicy broth while the shrimp stays a bit firmer. Add jalapeños or serrano peppers for fresh heat instead of just dried spices.
Fresh peppers give you a brighter, more complex spiciness that really comes through.
25. Hot Pepper Seafood Soup
This one’s for people who really want to sweat. Multiple types of hot peppers create different levels and styles of heat.
Some hit you right away, others build slowly. The seafood actually stands up well to intense spice because of its natural sweetness.
Just have some rice or bread on standby to cool things down between bites.
Tomato-Based Seafood Soup Recipes
Tomatoes bring acidity and brightness that really complement seafood. The natural sweetness of shellfish balances perfectly with the tang of tomatoes.
26. Shrimp Tomato Seafood Soup
Juicy tomatoes and tender shrimp create a light yet satisfying combination.
The tomatoes break down into the broth and give it a beautiful reddish color.
Add some fresh basil at the end for an Italian touch. This soup tastes like summer even when it’s cold outside.
- Served daily in trattorias along the Italian Amalfi Coast
- A staple in Greek island tavernas, where fresh catch meets ripe tomatoes
27. Mussel Tomato Seafood Soup
Mussels love tomatoes, and tomatoes love mussels right back.
As the mussels steam open, they release their briny liquid into the tomato base. The result is a broth that’s both sweet and salty at the same time.
Crusty bread is basically mandatory here for soaking up every last drop.
28. Rustic Tomato Seafood Soup
Keep this one chunky and unpretentious. Roughly chopped tomatoes, big pieces of fish, and maybe some fennel for extra flavor.
It’s the kind of soup that looks homemade because it is. No need to blend anything or make it fancy. Just honest ingredients cooked simply and served hot.
Serving Ideas
The right sides and toppings can take your soup from good to great. You don’t need much, just a few simple additions.
- Crusty sourdough or French bread for dipping
- Garlic bread rubbed with fresh garlic while warm
- Toasted baguette slices
- Chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill
- Lemon or lime wedges for squeezing
- Homemade croutons with olive oil and salt
- Crispy fried shallots
- Light green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed rice for heartier soups
- White wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
Storage and Next-Day Use
Seafood soup keeps well if you store it properly. Let it cool down completely before putting it in the fridge, though.
Hot soup in a sealed container creates condensation that can make things soggy.
Refrigerator storage:
Store in airtight containers for up to 2 days and keep the broth and seafood together unless the seafood is already overcooked.
Label with the date so you remember when you made it.
Freezing tips:
Most broths freeze well for up to 3 months, but skip freezing cream-based soups as they can separate.
Leave out potatoes and noodles if freezing, and add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating methods:
Stovetop works best for maintaining texture, so heat gently on medium-low to avoid rubbery seafood. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up overnight.
Conclusion
You’ve got plenty of options now for making delicious soup at home.
Pick whatever seafood looks fresh at the market, choose your favorite base, and just start cooking.
Don’t stress about getting it perfect. The best part about soup is that it’s pretty forgiving, and you’ll figure out what you like as you go.
Which recipe are you trying first?
