Description
Welcome, food enthusiasts! Today, we bring you a delectable recipe: Thai Red Curry Shrimp Soup. If you’re a fan of bold, flavorful dishes, this soup will tantalize your taste buds with its harmonious blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and succulent shrimp. Whether you’re familiar with Thai cuisine or trying something new, this comforting soup is easy to make and delivers rich flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8–10 oz thin rice noodles or Vietnamese cellophane noodles (glass noodles)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 tbsp red curry paste
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Optional Substitutions:
- Noodles: If you’re gluten-free, opt for rice noodles or glass noodles.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with tofu or mushrooms for a veggie version.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and stir gently. Turn off the heat and let the noodles sit for 4 minutes, or until tender. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water. Drizzle the noodles with sesame oil, toss them to coat, and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Season the shrimp with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and grated ginger. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Add Curry Paste
Whisk in the red curry paste and cook for about 1 minute to release its flavors.
Step 5: Create the Broth
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Stir in the noodles, cooked shrimp, lime juice, and freshly chopped cilantro. Mix well to ensure everything is coated in the broth. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.
Notes
- Tip 1: Always use fresh ginger for the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, powdered ginger can work, but the taste will be milder.
- Tip 2: Add more or less curry paste depending on your spice tolerance. Start small and add more as needed.
- Tip 3: For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk instead of the light version.