Thai Green Curry Soup Recipe
If you’re craving something comforting, fragrant, and utterly satisfying, you’re in for a treat with this Thai Green Curry Soup. This dish is a beautiful marriage of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and silky coconut milk, all swimming in a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy broth that’s deeply layered with authentic Thai flavors. The luscious soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but delicious, yet its complexity makes it special enough for a dinner party. Each spoonful promises warmth, freshness, and a burst of flavor you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliant thing about Thai Green Curry Soup is how its list of ingredients is both approachable and essential. Each addition plays a starring role, adding either rich creaminess, bold aroma, crunch, or color to your finished bowl of soup. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each ingredient to make prepping a breeze.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Slicing the chicken thinly ensures it cooks quickly and soaks up every bit of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil to sauté your aromatics without overpowering the coconut undertones.
- Green curry paste: The soul of the soup — choose your favorite store-bought or make it homemade for more control over the spice.
- Fresh ginger: Minced ginger adds a bright, slightly peppery kick that perfectly lifts the richness of the coconut milk.
- Garlic cloves: Don’t skimp on the garlic; it deepens the base and ties all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth: A good broth adds depth and creates the foundation for your soup’s flavor.
- Coconut milk: The key to a velvety, creamy texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Fish sauce: This classic Thai seasoning brings a punchy, umami character that can’t be substituted.
- Brown sugar: Just a tablespoon balances the savory and spicy notes, making the flavors pop.
- Red bell pepper: Adds gorgeous color and gentle sweetness — slice thinly for quicker cooking.
- Snap peas: These keep their crunch and lend a vibrant green that makes every bowl look restaurant-worthy.
- Baby spinach or bok choy: Toss them in at the end for a boost of greens and a touch of freshness.
- Fresh lime juice: Just before serving, lime juice brightens everything up and ties the curry together.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped and sprinkled on top, cilantro introduces a fresh and zesty finish.
- Jasmine rice or rice noodles: A hearty base for serving that soaks up every last drop of that luxurious broth.
- Lime wedges: Essential for garnish and for guests to squeeze to their heart’s content!
How to Make Thai Green Curry Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat your vegetable oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once shimmering, add the green curry paste, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir constantly for about one minute — you’ll notice a wonderfully fragrant aroma fill your kitchen. This quick sauté wakes up the spices and ensures your Thai Green Curry Soup is built on a solid, flavorful base.
Step 2: Add Broth and Coconut Milk
Next, pour in the chicken broth and creamy coconut milk. Stir everything together and add fish sauce and brown sugar, which provide that perfect salty-sweet balance. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so all the flavors have a chance to mingle and develop.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now add your sliced chicken to the gently bubbling soup. Let it cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and delightfully tender. Make sure you stir occasionally so the chicken absorbs the curry flavors and doesn’t clump together.
Step 4: Add the Veggies
Time for the vegetables! Stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper and crisp snap peas. Let the soup simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until the veggies are crisp-tender. This keeps them vibrant and invites a pop of color to your Thai Green Curry Soup.
Step 5: Wilt the Greens and Finish
Add your baby spinach or bok choy right at the end and let it wilt for only a minute or two. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in fresh lime juice, and taste for seasoning. The lime is your final flourish, brightening and elevating every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot, fragrant soup over cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles in serving bowls. Finish each bowl with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges on the side so everyone can add a bit more zing.
How to Serve Thai Green Curry Soup
Garnishes
This is where you can have fun and make your Thai Green Curry Soup truly shine. Chopped fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges are essential, but you can also add thinly sliced red chilis for fire, toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of crunchy mung bean sprouts for a delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
While a heaping bowl of this soup is often a meal in itself, you can round out the table with crisp Thai spring rolls, lightly dressed cucumber salad, or a simple papaya salad. A side of prawn crackers or steamed edamame also complements the flavors without overshadowing the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Thai Green Curry Soup in small individual bowls or mugs for a chic appetizer, or ladle it over noodles in large deep bowls for a rustic, cozy family dinner. For a fun party twist, prepare a “soup bar” with toppings and let everyone customize their bowl with garnishes and sides — interactive and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Thai Green Curry Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice or noodles separate for best results to avoid them soaking up too much broth.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Just cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers (skip any garnishes or rice/noodles, as they don’t freeze well). When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
For best flavor and texture, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. If the soup thickens too much, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency. Always add a fresh squeeze of lime and cilantro before serving again!
FAQs
Can I make this Thai Green Curry Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms and carrots, and use vegetable broth. Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce to keep it plant-based while maintaining a delicious umami punch.
How spicy is this Thai Green Curry Soup?
The level of heat all depends on your green curry paste — some brands are hotter than others. If you love it spicy, add fresh Thai chilis to the pot or as a garnish. Prefer it mild? Use a smaller amount of curry paste or choose a milder brand.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Thai Green Curry Soup is incredibly versatile. Try it with shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or pulled rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut. Each protein brings its own character to the soup, so have fun experimenting.
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your curry paste and fish sauce are certified gluten-free — double check your labels just to be sure. Also, stick with rice or rice noodles for serving.
Can I make Thai Green Curry Soup in advance?
Yes, the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a great make-ahead meal. Just remember to store the soup and the rice or noodles separately, and add fresh lime and cilantro after reheating for the brightest flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Thai Green Curry Soup — it’s comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist that never gets old. From its dreamy coconut broth to its colorful veggies, every bowl brings a little bit of joy and adventure. Give it a go, and don’t forget to garnish generously. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible!
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Thai Green Curry Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Thai Green Curry Soup recipe is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines the fragrant spices of green curry with tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a rich coconut broth. Serve this delicious soup over jasmine rice or rice noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Curry:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
Soup Base:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Veggies and Garnish:
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup snap peas trimmed
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles for serving
- lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add green curry paste, minced ginger, and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build Soup Base: Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, then stir in fish sauce and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Chicken: Add sliced chicken and cook for about 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Veggies: Add red bell pepper and snap peas and simmer for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in baby spinach or bok choy and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat, stir in fresh lime juice, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot over cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Add sliced Thai chilis for extra heat if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
