Thai Coconut Curry Soup (Printable version)

Creamy Thai-inspired soup with tender chicken, vegetables, and jasmine rice simmered in rich coconut milk broth with red curry paste.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 7 oz mushrooms, sliced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Rice

07 - 2/3 cup jasmine rice, rinsed

→ Liquids

08 - 13.5 fl oz coconut milk, full fat
09 - 4 cups chicken stock

→ Curry & Aromatics

10 - 2 to 3 tablespoons red curry paste
11 - 2 kaffir lime leaves, optional
12 - 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 3 pieces
13 - 1 tablespoon fish sauce
14 - 1 teaspoon brown sugar
15 - Juice of 1 lime

→ Garnishes

16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Sliced red chili, optional
18 - Lime wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
02 - Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
03 - Add the chicken thighs and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring to coat with the curry mixture.
04 - Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add the carrots, mushrooms, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves if using.
05 - Add the rice and stir well. Simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes.
07 - Remove the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Adjust seasoning with lime juice and additional fish sauce or salt as needed.
08 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced chili, and lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The balance of creamy coconut and tangy lime hits every comfort button
  • Its forgiving enough to use whatever vegetables are languishing in your crisper drawer
  • The broth somehow tastes even better the next day
02 -
  • Coconut milk can separate if you boil it too hard, so keep that final simmer gentle
  • The soup will thicken as it sits because the rice continues absorbing liquid
  • Fish sauce varies wildly in saltiness between brands, always taste before adding more
03 -
  • Bruise the lemongrass by whacking it with your knife handle to release more flavor
  • Make this a day ahead, the flavors develop and marry beautifully overnight
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