Avgolemono Soup with Shrimp and Orzo

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This Avgolemono Soup with Shrimp and Orzo offers a delightful twist on the classic Greek avgolemono soup. Keep reading to learn how to make this soup and make sure to check out my other soup recipes!

What is Avgolemono Soup?

Avgolemono soup is a traditional Greek soup known for its rich and creamy texture, brightened by the tangy flavor of lemons. The name "Avgolemono" is derived from the Greek words "avgo" (egg) and "lemono" (lemon), highlighting the key components of the soup.

The basic ingredients of Avgolemono soup typically include chicken broth, eggs, lemon juice, and rice. The preparation of the soup involves creating a smooth, velvety consistency by incorporating a mixture of beaten eggs and lemon juice into the hot broth. This unique method not only thickens the soup but also imparts a distinct lemony flavor.

This version of the dish features succulent shrimp, comforting orzo pasta, along with the bright, zesty notes of lemon and fresh herbaceous dill.

Recipe Tip

Temper the Eggs: To avoid curdling, you need to gradually raise the temperature of the egg mixture by tempering it:

  • Ladle a small amount of hot soup broth (about 1/2 cup) into the egg and lemon mixture while continuously whisking. This step warms up the eggs before adding to the soup.

Incorporate the Egg Mixture: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of soup, stirring constantly. Do not allow the soup to boil once the eggs are added, as this will cause the eggs to curdle.

Avgolemono Soup Ingredients

Recipe Instructions

  1. Cook for 5 minutes until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 tsp salt and the garlic. Cook another 2 minutes, stirring often.
  2. Add the zest of 1 lemon and white pepper and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh dill, uncooked orzo pasta. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to medium. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the orzo is cooked. Stir occasionally.
  3. Once the orzo is cooked, add the shrimp and simmer for about 4 minutes to cook through.
  4. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a small bowl. Whisk in the juice of half a lemon to the beaten eggs. Ladle about 1/2 a cup of hot broth from the soup into the eggs and whisk again.
  5. Pour the egg mixture into the soup and stir constantly to combine in order to not scramble the eggs. Squeeze in the juice of the other half of lemon.
  6. Divide among bowls to serve. Serve with additional fresh dill, olive oil, and chili crunch as desired.

Did you try this Avgolemono Soup with Shrimp? Leave a Review!

If you've had Avgolemono Soup, then you know how deliciously creamy and lemony it is. Why not try this twist which incorporates shrimp and orzo pasta? It's perfect for an easy dinner on a cold day or anytime you want a satisfying bowl of soup!

If you try this recipe, feel free to rate/leave a review. You can also tag me on Instagram or TikTok!

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Avgolemono Soup with Shrimp and Orzo

A twist on the classic avgolemono soup with shrimp and orzo pasta instead of chicken and rice. Still lemony, creamy, and delicious!

  • Chef Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Dutch Oven
  • Microplane Grater
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (additional to serve)
  • 1 Yellow Onion (diced)
  • 2 stalks Celery (diced)
  • 1/2 tsp Salt (additional to taste)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced or grated; I used 3 Trader Joes's frozen garlic cubes)
  • 1 Lemon (zest and juice; divided)
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper (or black pepper)
  • 5 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Dill (additional to serve)
  • 1/2 cup Orzo (uncooked)
  • 3/4 lb Shrimp (raw, peeled, deveined )
  • 2 Eggs
  1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch Oven or large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. Add 1/2 tsp salt and the garlic. Cook another 2 minutes, stirring often.

  2. Add the zest of 1 lemon and white pepper and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh dill, uncooked orzo pasta. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat to medium. Cook for about 15 minutes or until the orzo is cooked. Stir occasionally.

  3. Once the orzo is cooked, add the shrimp and simmer for about 4 minutes to cook through.

  4. Meanwhile, beat the eggs in a small bowl. Whisk in the juice of half a lemon to the beaten eggs. Ladle about 1/2 a cup of hot broth from the soup into the eggs and whisk again.

  5. Pour the egg mixture into the soup and stir constantly to combine in order to not scramble the eggs. Squeeze in the juice of the other half of lemon.

  6. Divide among bowls to serve. Serve with additional fresh dill, olive oil, and chili crunch as desired.

Note: I served with a spoonful of Homiah Seaweed Sambal Chili Crunch and Graza finishing oil

The Seaweed Sambal Chili Crunch compliments the shrimp in this recipe. 

Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
American, Greek
Lemon, One Pot, Shrimp, Soup

About Carolyn Stilwell

I’m the creator behind Carol Bee Cooks, where I share easy, tasty recipes that make weeknight cooking feel exciting and approachable. If you loved this recipe, you’ll find plenty more pasta, orzo, and seasonal favorites to try next.

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5 Comments

  1. This turned out beautifully! I modified it to be a smaller portion and added a serving of cooked lentils. 5/5!