Quick & Flavorful Thai Coconut Chicken Curry Soup
Experience the vibrant and exotic flavors of Thailand with this delightful Thai Coconut Chicken Curry Soup. This recipe brings together the rich creaminess of coconut milk, the aromatic zest of lemongrass, and the warm notes of Thai curry paste, creating a soup that's satisfying yet light at the same time. The inclusion of fresh ingredients like cilantro and lime adds a burst of freshness, making it a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a cozy night in or an impressive family gathering, this soup is sure to impress and can be customized to your preferred spice level with a drizzle of Sriracha. Enjoy a bowl that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds, and share it with friends and family who will undoubtedly request the recipe again and again!
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Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coconut milk
3 (12-ounce) cans (Shake cans well before opening to mix the cream and liquid.)
Thai curry paste
2 tablespoons (Use as is.)
Cilantro
1 bunch (Chop stems and rinse leaves.)
Chicken breasts
3 (Thinly sliced.)
Chicken broth
4 cups (Use low-sodium if preferred.)
Carrots
2 (Shredded or julienned.)
Lime leaves
4-5 (Fresh, if available; otherwise, can be omitted.)
Lemongrass
2 stalks (Halved lengthwise, woody parts removed.)
Fish sauce
2 tablespoons (Use as is.)
Limes
2 (Zested and juiced.)
Fresh ginger
1 cup (Grated.)
Bean sprouts
1 cup (Fresh, use as is.)
Rice noodles
4 ounces (Use dry noodles.)
Green onions
2-3 (Thinly sliced.)
Instructions
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Preparation Time: Approx 10 minutes.
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1. Prepare the ingredients: Chop the cilantro stems finely and set aside the leaves (reserve 80% for cooking and 20% for garnish). Thinly slice the chicken breasts into 2x1 inch pieces. Remove the tough outer layers of the lemongrass, then halve it lengthwise and set aside. Zest the limes and squeeze the juice into a bowl, saving both for later. Grate the frozen ginger and julienne the carrots into thin slices.
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2. Cooking the soup: In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, scoop the thick coconut cream from the top of one coconut milk can into the pot. Melt the cream and add the Thai curry paste, stirring for a few minutes until fragrant.
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3. Add the chopped cilantro stems and sliced chicken to the pot, sautéing until the chicken is cooked through (about 5 minutes).
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4. Pour in the coconut juice from the first can and the remaining contents of the second and third cans, followed by the chicken broth, shredded carrots, lime leaves, halved lemongrass, fish sauce, grated ginger, lime zest, and lime juice. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes.
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5. After simmering, stir in the bean sprouts and rice noodles, gently pushing the noodles under the broth's surface. Turn off the heat and let the noodles soak for 3-5 minutes until softened.
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6. Finally, stir in the majority of the cilantro leaves, taste the broth, and adjust seasoning with salt or soy sauce if necessary. Discard the lemongrass stalks, ladle the soup into bowls, and top with green onions and remaining cilantro leaves. Serve with Sriracha for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Quick & Flavorful Thai Coconut Chicken Curry Soup?
It is a vibrant and exotic Thai soup that combines creamy coconut milk, aromatic lemongrass, and Thai curry paste with fresh cilantro and lime.
How long does it take to prepare the ingredients?
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
How many cans of coconut milk are required?
The recipe calls for three 12-ounce cans of coconut milk.
What amount of Thai curry paste should I use?
You should use 2 tablespoons of Thai curry paste.
How should the cilantro be prepared?
Chop the stems finely for cooking and reserve the leaves, using 80% for cooking and 20% for garnish.
How should the chicken breasts be sliced?
The chicken breasts should be thinly sliced into 2x1 inch pieces.
What do I do if I cannot find lime leaves?
If fresh lime leaves are unavailable, they can be omitted from the recipe.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
Remove the tough outer layers, halve the stalks lengthwise, and discard them before serving.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of chicken broth.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, low-sodium chicken broth is recommended if preferred.
What is the first step in cooking the soup?
Scoop the thick coconut cream from the top of one can into a stockpot to melt and sauté with the curry paste.
How long do I sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken with the cilantro stems for about 5 minutes until cooked through.
How long should the soup simmer?
The soup should simmer for approximately 20 minutes after adding the liquids and aromatics.
When are the rice noodles added?
Add the rice noodles after the 20-minute simmering period is complete.
How long should the rice noodles soak?
Let the noodles soak in the hot broth for 3 to 5 minutes until softened.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of dry rice noodles.
How is the fresh ginger prepared?
One cup of fresh ginger should be grated, ideally from frozen.
How many carrots are included?
The recipe uses 2 carrots, which should be shredded or julienned.
What is the purpose of the fish sauce?
Two tablespoons of fish sauce are added to provide a traditional savory depth to the Thai broth.
How are the limes used in this soup?
The zest and juice of 2 limes are added to the broth for a burst of freshness.
When do I add the bean sprouts?
Stir in 1 cup of fresh bean sprouts at the same time you add the rice noodles.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Yes, you can customize the spice level by drizzling Sriracha over the soup before serving.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the soup with thinly sliced green onions and the reserved cilantro leaves.
How do I adjust the final seasoning?
After cooking, taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with salt or soy sauce if necessary.
Is this soup considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring fresh vegetables and lean protein.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight?
Absolutely, it is categorized as an easy weeknight dinner and a quick recipe.
Do I need to shake the coconut milk cans?
Yes, shake the cans well before opening to mix the cream and liquid, unless you are scooping the cream for the first step.
How many green onions should I use?
Use 2 to 3 thinly sliced green onions for garnishing.
What should I do with the lemongrass before eating?
Discard the lemongrass stalks before ladling the soup into bowls.
What makes this soup aromatic?
The combination of lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves, and Thai curry paste creates its aromatic profile.