Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup: A Vibrant, Tropical Delight 🍤🥥🌶️

This Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup is a warm, flavorful bowl of comfort that combines succulent shrimp, creamy coconut milk, and zesty red curry in a fragrant broth. With bright veggies and a hint of lime, it’s a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy—ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish brings Thai-inspired flavors to your table with ease!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant. (~3 minutes)
- Build Broth: Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1 minute. Add coconut milk, broth, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. (~5 minutes)
- Cook Vegetables: Add sliced red bell pepper and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly softened. (~5 minutes)
- Add Shrimp & Spinach: Add shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes until pink and cooked through. Stir in baby spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt slightly. (~5 minutes)
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges on the side. (~2 minutes)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serves: 4
- Calories: Approx. 300 kcal per serving
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Pair with a light cucumber salad or spring rolls for a complete Thai-inspired meal.
- Enjoy with a refreshing Thai iced tea or a glass of crisp white wine, like Riesling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Flavorful: Ready in under 40 minutes with bold, tropical flavors.
- Healthy & Light: Packed with veggies and lean shrimp, it’s nutritious and satisfying.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies for variety.
Optional Variations
- Spice Control: Use less curry paste or omit for a milder flavor, or add Thai chilies for extra heat.
- Veggie Boost: Include mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for more texture and color.
- Protein Swap: Substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or scallops for a different twist.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Shrimp: Use fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook shrimp just until pink to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Make Ahead: Prep the broth base in advance and add shrimp and spinach just before serving.
Make this Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup for a vibrant, comforting meal that’s sure to impress! Share your creations in the comments or tag us on social media with #CoconutCurrySoup #ShrimpSoup #ThaiInspired