Thai Coconut Curry Soup (Printable)

A vibrant blend of chicken, mushrooms, carrots in creamy coconut and spicy red curry broth.

# What you'll need:

→ Protein

01 - 14 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables

02 - 7 oz mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button)
03 - 2 medium carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 3.5 oz baby spinach or bok choy, optional
06 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

→ Aromatics

07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces, optional
10 - 4 kaffir lime leaves, optional

→ Broth

11 - 2 tablespoons red curry paste
12 - 3⅓ cups coconut milk, full fat or light
13 - 2 cups chicken broth
14 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
15 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
16 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Garnishes

17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Fresh red chili, sliced, optional
19 - Lime wedges

# How to make it:

01 - Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté ginger, garlic, and lemongrass for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in red curry paste and cook for another minute to release flavors.
02 - Add chicken slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to coat evenly with curry paste.
03 - Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Add kaffir lime leaves if using, then add carrots, mushrooms, and red bell pepper.
04 - Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Add baby spinach or bok choy if using and simmer for 1-2 minutes until just wilted.
07 - Remove lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with spring onions, cilantro, fresh chili, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert suggestions:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner
  • Adaptable heat level to suit your preference
  • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free
  • One-pot cooking for minimal cleanup
  • Perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and aromatic flavors
02 -
  • For a creamier soup, use full-fat coconut milk; for a lighter version, light coconut milk works well
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • The flavor actually improves overnight as the spices meld together
  • Freeze portions without the garnishes for up to 3 months
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes
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