🥥🍤 Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup – Thai-Inspired & Creamy

There’s something magical about the aroma of Thai-inspired coconut curry soup wafting through your kitchen. This Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup is a perfect blend of creamy coconut milk, tender shrimp, and vibrant red curry spices, offering a comforting yet light dish that satisfies your cravings without weighing you down. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this soup is bursting with flavor, warmth, and a hint of zesty lime that keeps every spoonful exciting.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled & deveined: The star protein of this dish. Shrimp cook quickly and absorb the curry flavors beautifully.
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Used for sautéing aromatics and building a fragrant base for the soup.
• 1 onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a robust, aromatic flavor essential in Thai cuisine.
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced: Provides warmth and a subtle peppery zing.
• 1 tbsp red curry paste: The flavor powerhouse—rich, spicy, and slightly sweet.
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk: Creates a creamy, velvety base and balances the spice.
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Adds volume and umami depth.
• 1 tbsp fish sauce: Delivers authentic salty umami flavor.
• Juice of 2 limes: Adds brightness and tang, balancing the richness of coconut milk.
• 1 tsp brown sugar: Enhances natural sweetness and rounds out the curry flavors.
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Provides crunch, color, and subtle sweetness.
• 1 cup baby spinach: Adds freshness and nutrients, wilting beautifully in the hot soup.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
• Fresh basil or cilantro, for garnish: Brightens the soup and adds a fragrant herbal finish.
• Lime wedges, for serving: Extra tang for those who love a citrusy punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Sauté Aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base that will permeate the entire soup.

2️⃣ Build the Broth

Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aromatic oils. Then add coconut milk, chicken or vegetable broth, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, fragrant broth.

3️⃣ Cook Vegetables

Add the red bell pepper slices and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly tender but still retaining a bit of crunch. This ensures the soup has layers of texture.

4️⃣ Add Shrimp & Greens

Gently stir in the shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Add the baby spinach last, letting it wilt just before serving. Overcooking spinach will reduce its bright color and delicate texture.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra pop of freshness.

Why This Recipe is Loved

This Thai-inspired coconut curry shrimp soup is beloved because it combines comforting creaminess with bright, tangy, and spicy notes in every spoonful. The shrimp cooks quickly, making this recipe fast and weeknight-friendly. The balance of flavors—sweet coconut milk, zesty lime, savory fish sauce, and aromatic curry paste—creates a soup that’s both satisfying and light. Plus, it’s versatile: you can swap shrimp for chicken or tofu, add more vegetables, or tweak the spice level according to your taste.

Pro Tips for Perfect Soup

• Add a splash of soy sauce to deepen the umami flavor.
• For extra heat, stir in a teaspoon of chili paste or fresh sliced chili.
• Cook shrimp just until pink and opaque; overcooking makes them rubbery.
• Serve immediately for best flavor, as the shrimp can continue cooking if left in the hot broth.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a more substantial meal. A side of steamed bok choy or crunchy cucumber salad adds a refreshing contrast. Garnish with extra herbs, sliced chilies, or a drizzle of coconut cream for a visually stunning and restaurant-quality presentation.

Final Thoughts

In just 35 minutes, you can create a bowl of Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Its creamy, fragrant broth, tender shrimp, and vibrant vegetables make it irresistible. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or when you need a comforting yet light meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, speed, and simplicity. Try it tonight and discover why this Thai-inspired soup has become a favorite in kitchens everywhere!

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 35 min

Calories: ~300 kcal per serving