Asopao de Camarones

Asopao de Camarones is the seafood lover's version of the beloved Dominican asopao. Large shrimp are simmered with rice in a rich, tomato-based broth flavored with sofrito, olives, capers, and fresh herbs. The result is a thick, intensely flavorful soup-stew that showcases the sweetness of fresh Caribbean shrimp against the savory depth of the seasoned rice broth.

This coastal variation is particularly popular in the eastern beach towns and along the Samana Peninsula, where fresh shrimp is abundant. The shrimp shells are often used to make the broth first, extracting maximum seafood flavor before the shrimp meat is added at the end to prevent overcooking. Some versions include a splash of coconut milk for added richness.

Asopao de camarones is a popular restaurant dish, often served as an impressive first course at special dinners or as a main course for seafood lovers. Like its chicken counterpart, it is considered deeply comforting and nourishing.