Spicy Shrimp and Coconut Noodle Soup

Spicy Shrimp and Coconut Noodle Soup

Bring Spicy Shrimp and Coconut Noodle Soup to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

Spicy Shrimp and Coconut Noodle Soup captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Spicy Shrimp and Coconut Noodle Soup becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons red curry paste (or more for extra heat)
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1-2 fresh Thai red chilies or serrano peppers, sliced (adjust to desired heat level)
4 oz rice noodles or egg noodles
1 cup baby spinach or bok choy (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for garnish)
Sriracha sauce (optional, for extra spice)
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

PREPARATION STEPS

1. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pot and set aside.
2. Make the Soup Base:
Sauté the aromatics: In the same pot, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add curry paste: Stir in the red curry paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Prepare the Broth:
Add liquids: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Bring the soup to a simmer.
Add heat: Add the sliced red chilies or serrano peppers, adjusting the amount based on your heat preference. Simmer the soup for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors together.
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the noodles: Stir in the rice noodles (or egg noodles) and cook according to the package instructions, usually 4-5 minutes for rice noodles. If using egg noodles, follow the package’s cooking time.
5. Combine Shrimp and Vegetables:
Add shrimp and greens: Once the noodles are tender, add the cooked shrimp back into the pot along with the baby spinach or bok choy. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. Serve the Soup:
Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more soy sauce, lime juice, or chili if needed.
Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha sauce if you like extra heat.
Tips:
Make it milder: Reduce the amount of chili peppers or omit the sriracha for a milder version.
Protein variations: You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even beef, depending on your preference.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots to enhance the soup’s texture and flavor.

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy

BENEFITS

Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.

OCCASIONS

Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep

VARIATIONS

Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.

PAIRINGS

Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad

STORAGE

Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

TIPS

Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.

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