Thai Red Curry Shrimp Soup with Spinach & Lime
A fragrant, creamy, and slightly spicy Thai-inspired soup featuring shrimp, coconut milk, red curry paste, fresh spinach, and bright lime juice.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or coconut oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2–3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 400 mL (1 can) coconut milk
- 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Red chili slices
- Lime wedges
- Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the red curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to release its aroma.
Step 2: Build the Soup
- Pour in the coconut milk and stir until the curry paste is fully incorporated.
- Add the broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Add the sliced bell pepper.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
- Add the shrimp to the simmering soup.
- Cook for 2–4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Lime
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Stir in the fresh lime juice.
Serving
Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and extra lime wedges. Serve with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Rice noodles
- Crusty bread
Tips
- For extra heat, add sliced Thai chilies or more red curry paste.
- For a richer soup, use full-fat coconut milk.
- Mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas make excellent additions.
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 320–380
- Protein: 24–28 g
- Carbohydrates: 8–12 g
- Fat: 20–25 g
The combination of creamy coconut milk, aromatic red curry, tender shrimp, fresh spinach, and tangy lime creates a balanced soup that’s rich in flavor yet light enough for a weeknight meal. 🍤🥥🍋🌿