Coconut Curry Noodle Soup with Fresh Lime & Herbs
Coconut Curry Noodle Soup with Fresh Lime & Herbs is a vibrant, aromatic, and comforting dish that perfectly balances creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy soup combines fresh vegetables, bold spices, and tender rice noodles to create a colorful and flavorful meal suitable for any season, with options for customization and dietary adaptations.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Base Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Proteins and Noodles
- 6 oz rice noodles
- Optional: tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef (quantity as desired)
Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- Optional extras: mushrooms, baby corn, spinach (as desired)
Herbs and Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh Thai basil, chopped
- Fresh mint, chopped
- Optional garnishes: chopped peanuts, thin slices of fresh chili, lime wedges
- Prepare the Aromatics: Finely chop garlic and ginger. Heat a bit of oil in a pot over medium heat and sauté the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant to build the flavor base of the soup.
- Add Curry Paste and Coconut Milk: Stir in the red curry paste and cook gently for about 1 minute to release its spices. Pour in the coconut milk and mix thoroughly to create a smooth, rich broth.
- Simmer the Broth with Vegetables: Add the vegetable or chicken broth along with sliced bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and any optional vegetables. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant and crisp.
- Cook the Noodles: While the soup simmers, cook the rice noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking and overcooking.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked noodles to the simmering soup. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and season with salt or soy sauce to taste. Stir well to blend all flavors evenly.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped cilantro, Thai basil, and mint over the top to add fresh aromatic layers and vibrant color, then ladle the soup into bowls.
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice added at the end for maximum brightness and flavor.
- Cook noodles just until tender and rinse with cold water to avoid mushiness in the soup.
- Toast red curry paste in oil briefly before adding liquid to deepen flavor.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their color and fresh taste.
- If the broth is too thick, adjust consistency with extra broth or water as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Coconut Curry Soup, Thai Soup, Coconut Curry Noodles, Gluten-Free Soup, Healthy Soup, Quick Soup, Asian Noodle Soup, Vegan Options