Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
For the Add-ins:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy, chopped
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges
- Red chili slices (optional, for added heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. To prevent sticking, toss them lightly with a bit of oil.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté until translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Build the Flavor Base: Add the Thai red curry paste and stir for 1 minute to release the flavors.
4. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to dissolve the curry paste mixture. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
5. Incorporate the Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Cook the Vegetables and Shrimp: Add the mushrooms and red bell pepper, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked (about 3 minutes).
7. Combine with Noodles and Greens: Add the cooked rice noodles and baby spinach or bok choy to the pot. Stir gently to combine and let cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the greens wilt.
8. Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a balanced mix of shrimp, vegetables, and noodles. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and red chili slices if desired.