Spicy Thai Coconut Soup

Experience the exotic flavors of Thailand with this Spicy Thai Coconut Soup. A rich and creamy soup made with coconut milk, fragrant spices, and a hint of heat, perfect for warming up any day.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cooked shrimp or shredded chicken (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan version)
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 1-2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)

Instructions

1. Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
3. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
4. Add the broth and bring it to a simmer.
5. Stir in the coconut milk, carrots, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
6. Add the shrimp or chicken, fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and Thai chilies.
8. Serve hot with a side of steamed rice or enjoy on its own.

Tips

• Customize the protein: Swap shrimp or chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegan option.
• Control the heat: Adjust the amount of Thai chilies to suit your spice tolerance.
• Make it ahead: Prepare the soup base in advance and add the coconut milk and garnish before serving.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

You can visit our Soups Recipes section for even more delicious recipes.

FAQ

1. Can I use light coconut milk? Yes, but the soup will be less creamy. Regular coconut milk is recommended for the best flavor.

2. What if I don’t have red curry paste? You can substitute with yellow or green curry paste for a slightly different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this soup gluten-free? Yes, ensure that the curry paste and fish sauce you use are certified gluten-free.

4. What’s the best side dish for this soup? Serve it with jasmine rice or crusty bread for a hearty meal.