Save to Pinterest Experience the vibrant and comforting flavors of Thailand with this Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup. This dish is a harmonious blend of creamy coconut milk, spicy red curry paste, and aromatic herbs like lemongrass and ginger. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a balance of tangy, spicy, and savory notes in every spoonful.
Save to Pinterest This soup is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a fragrant delight as it simmers on your stove. The combination of garlic, onion, and chili creates a deep flavor base that is elevated by the citrusy notes of lime and lemongrass, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- Seafood: 350 g (12 oz) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Aromatics & Vegetables: 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed; 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 100 g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, sliced; 1 small red chili, sliced (optional); 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger or galangal, sliced
- Broth: 400 ml (14 oz) coconut milk; 500 ml (2 cups) chicken or vegetable broth; 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- Seasonings: 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice (plus more to taste); 1 tsp sugar
- Garnish: Fresh cilantro leaves; lime wedges; sliced green onions
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the onion, garlic, lemongrass, ginger or galangal, and chili for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2
- Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Step 3
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add kaffir lime leaves if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4
- Add the mushrooms and simmer for 5 minutes until just tender.
- Step 5
- Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Step 6
- Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar as desired.
- Step 7
- Remove lemongrass, ginger/galangal, and lime leaves.
- Step 8
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large pot is essential to ensure there is enough room for all the ingredients to simmer evenly. Prepare all your vegetables beforehand with a sharp knife and cutting board to make the cooking process smooth. A ladle will help you serve the soup while leaving any remaining aromatics in the pot.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a vegetarian version, substitute the shrimp with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. You can also enhance the texture of the soup by adding baby corn, sliced bell pepper, or bamboo shoots during the simmering process.
Serviervorschläge
Enjoy this soup as a light, standalone meal or serve it alongside a bowl of jasmine rice for a more filling dinner. Don't forget to provide extra lime wedges on the side for those who prefer an extra tangy finish.
Save to Pinterest This Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup is a wonderful way to bring exotic flavors into your home kitchen. Simple to prepare yet complex in taste, it is sure to become a favorite for any soup lover.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the shrimp with firm tofu cubes and substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative. The soup will still be rich and flavorful.
- → How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on your red curry paste brand and whether you include the optional fresh chili. Start with less curry paste if you're sensitive to spice, or add more chilies for extra heat.
- → Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the soup. Avoid overcooking as they can become rubbery.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Baby corn, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, snow peas, or bok choy make excellent additions. Add harder vegetables earlier in the cooking process and delicate ones near the end.
- → How long does the soup keep?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent separating. For best results, add fresh garnishes when serving.
- → Can I make it ahead?
Prepare the broth base up to 2 days in advance. Add the shrimp fresh when reheating to prevent them from becoming tough. Finish with lime juice and garnishes before serving.