Caldo de Camarón, or Mexican Shrimp Soup, is my most loving mom’s recipe . It is a comforting, profoundly flavorful dish that brings the taste of the coast to your table. This traditional soup is known for its rich, smoky broth infused with the essence of dried chiles, fresh vegetables, and tender shrimp. With roots in coastal Mexican cuisine, Caldo de Camarón combines simple, wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying, nourishing, and bold meal. We think this is a perfect fall recipe you can enjoy at home.
The base of the soup is made by simmering dried guajillo and ancho chiles, which add mild heat and smoky depth to the broth. These chiles lend the soup its signature red color and infuse each spoonful with complex flavors, balanced by garlic, onions, and tomatoes, for a slightly sweet, savory taste. This combination of spices and aromatics gives Caldo de Camarón its uniquely warm, comforting quality that will satisfy everyone tastes, for that we are sure.
Fresh shrimp is the star of the dish, added to the broth towards the end of cooking to keep it tender and succulent. As the shrimp cook, they soak up the flavors of the spicy broth, creating a beautiful harmony of seafood and chile-infused warmth. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and zucchini are often added, giving the soup texture and adding to its heartiness.
I remember that my mom used to serve this Caldo de Camarón typically with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and warm tortillas. That will allow everyone to make their own taste. The squeeze of lime enhances the flavors of the broth, adding a bright, tangy finish that complements the smoky and spicy notes.
This Mexican shrimp soup is perfect for cooler days or any time you crave a soulful, satisfying meal. As my mom used to say, each spoonful of Caldo de Camarón brings warmth, a touch of heat, and the vibrant flavors of Mexican coastal cuisine to your table.
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Why I love this recipe?
Caldo de Camarón is comforting, packed with fresh shrimp flavor, and loaded with spices and veggies. We believe that this dish is a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for cozy dinners!
Variations of the recipe
We suggest adding fish, clams, or crab for a seafood twist or including extra vegetables like zucchini or potatoes for more texture and heartiness. Adjust the spice with different chiles for a milder or spicier broth.My mom used to make this dish a lot with a little seafood twist in it.
Serving suggestions
Serve with warm tortillas, a lime squeeze, and fresh cilantro sprinkled on top. Pair it with a light, refreshing salad or crusty bread to soak up the broth.
Storage & Freezing
You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container or a plastic bowl with a lid. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. You can easily thaw it by reheating it gently on the stove or in the oven.
Caldo de Camaron
Ingredients
- 5 chile guajillo
- 3 Chile arbol
- 3 large Roma tomato’s
- 3 garlic cloves
- half of a white onion
- corn on the cobs
- 2 Serrano peppers
- cilantro
- carrots
- cabbage
- 3 calabaza squash
- seasonings shrimp bouillon, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, oregano, tomato bouillon, garlic powder
- 2 lbs shrimp my shrimp had the tails on bc it brings out more flavor but tail off is fine too
- optional for garnish: lime chopped cilantro & onion
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chicken, 1 cup of cheese, green chiles, sour cream, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
- Prep the Baking Dish: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat the Enchilada Sauce: In a small pot, bring the enchilada sauce to a boil over the stove.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Working one tortilla at a time, dip it into the hot enchilada sauce to coat. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture to the center of the tortilla, roll it tightly, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until the dish is full.
- Top and Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy!
