Alright, my friend, brace yourself for a flavor explosion! Imagine a steaming bowl of velvety coconut broth infused with aromatic spices, plump shrimp, and perfectly cooked noodles that just soak up all the deliciousness. That’s exactly what you’re about to dive into with this Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup. It’s warm, comforting, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting without setting your taste buds on fire. Trust me, this soup is going to become your new obsession, and it’s perfect for those nights when you want something that feels a little fancy, yet is super easy to make. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking—you’re going to love this!
Why You’ll Love Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating an experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy solo dinner, a date night, or even a casual gathering, this soup will shine in any setting. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
Versatile: Perfect for any occasion! Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you have a bowl of this heavenly soup ready to go. Or serve it at a dinner party where your guests will be begging you for the recipe.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make this. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’re set. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need to splurge to enjoy something delicious.
Quick and Easy: This isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a bowl of this aromatic, comforting soup that will make you feel like a culinary expert.
Customizable: Want it spicier? Add a dash of chili flakes. Prefer it a little more mellow? Skip the heat and let the coconut milk shine. You can make this soup your own with just a few tweaks.
Crowd-Pleasing: Let’s be honest—shrimp, coconut, and noodles? Who wouldn’t be excited about that? This soup is a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests at a dinner party.

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Ingredients in Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious soup to life:
- Shrimp: The star of the show! Sweet, juicy shrimp that cook up perfectly in that rich, aromatic broth.
- Coconut Milk: This gives the soup its creamy, dreamy base that’s both comforting and indulgent.
- Red Curry Paste: Adds just the right amount of heat and depth. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, spicy, and a little sweet.
- Garlic & Ginger: These two are a match made in flavor heaven. Their warmth and fragrance elevate the soup to the next level.
- Lemongrass: This bright and fragrant ingredient brings a fresh, citrusy kick that perfectly balances the richness of the coconut milk.
- Vegetables: Think mushrooms, bell peppers, and maybe a handful of spinach—these will add texture, color, and nutrients to your soup.
- Rice Noodles: They soak up all the amazing flavors and make the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Fish Sauce: It’s like the secret ingredient that adds that deep umami flavor, but trust me, you won’t be able to taste it—just the magic it brings.
- Lime: A squeeze of lime at the end for a zesty kick that brightens up the whole dish.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro and basil to sprinkle on top for that burst of freshness.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this dreamy Thai shrimp coconut noodle soup:
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by prepping your veggies and shrimp. Slice the bell peppers, chop the mushrooms, and mince the garlic and ginger. You want everything ready to go, so the cooking process is smooth sailing.
Cook the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until everything is fragrant and heavenly. Trust me, this is the moment your kitchen starts smelling amazing!
Add the Red Curry Paste
Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld together. You’ll start to notice the vibrant red color of the paste infusing the oil. It’s like a flavor explosion just waiting to happen.
Pour in the Coconut Milk
Now, add the coconut milk and broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. This is where the magic really happens—the creamy, rich coconut base mingling with those spicy, aromatic flavors.
Add the Vegetables and Noodles
Next, toss in your bell peppers, mushrooms, and any other veggies you’re using. Let them cook for a few minutes until they’re tender, then add the rice noodles. Let the noodles cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until they’re perfectly tender and have absorbed all that delicious broth.
Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Shrimp cooks quickly, so be careful not to overdo it!
Final Touches
Now for the finishing touches! Add the fish sauce, a squeeze of lime juice, and stir to combine. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning to your liking—maybe a little more lime or fish sauce if you want a punchier flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh cilantro and basil. You can also add a few more lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. Now, take a moment to admire your work—and then dive in! This soup is comforting, flavorful, and everything you’ve been craving.
How to Serve Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but you can always pair it with something special to elevate the meal:
Crispy Spring Rolls: Serve alongside some crispy spring rolls with a tangy dipping sauce. The crunch will perfectly complement the creamy soup.
Rice: A side of jasmine rice would soak up that delicious broth and make the meal even more filling.
Fresh Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette would be a great contrast to the richness of the soup.
Garlic Bread: If you’re craving a bit of crunch, a slice of garlic bread would be fantastic for dipping!
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and get your shrimp prepped ahead of time. This makes the cooking process even quicker when you’re ready to go.
Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red curry paste. If you like it mild, you can even omit it entirely or just use a little bit.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the shrimp for tofu or extra veggies for a plant-based version of this soup.
Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water or broth to loosen up the soup if needed.
Double the Batch: This soup makes for amazing leftovers, so consider doubling the recipe for a tasty lunch the next day or to freeze for later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap out the shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even tempeh for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on what you’re using.
Q2: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A2: Yes, it’s a great make-ahead recipe. You can make it a day in advance, just keep the noodles separate so they don’t get too soft. Add the noodles when you reheat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze it, but keep in mind the noodles might get a little softer when reheated.
Q4: Can I make this spicier?
A4: Of course! Add extra chili flakes, a bit of fresh chopped chili, or more red curry paste to turn up the heat.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
A5: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough pot and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free noodles, this recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Conclusion
This Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup is a bowl of pure comfort and flavor. The creamy coconut broth, tender shrimp, and aromatic spices come together to create something truly special. Plus, it’s so easy to make and perfect for any night you want something cozy and satisfying. So go ahead—make a batch and treat yourself to a taste of Thailand right in your own kitchen!
PrintThai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup That You Will Follow
This Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. A rich coconut broth infused with red curry paste, ginger, and lime is combined with tender shrimp, rice noodles, and topped with fresh veggies. It’s an easy, comforting soup with a deliciously fragrant, slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for weeknights or any time you’re craving a warm, hearty meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Thai Cuisine, Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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For the Soup Base:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon red curry paste
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
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1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for authentic Thai flavor)
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1 teaspoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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Juice of 1 lime
For the Protein & Noodles:
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12 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined
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6 oz rice noodles (or your favorite noodles)
Toppings & Garnishes:
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½ cup shredded carrots
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½ cup bean sprouts
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2 green onions, chopped
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 red chili or red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
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Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the red curry paste and cook for another 1 minute. -
Build the Broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and coconut milk. Add fish sauce (if using), soy sauce, and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. -
Cook the Shrimp & Noodles:
Add the shrimp to the simmering broth and cook until the shrimp turn pink, about 3-4 minutes. In a separate pot, cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. -
Finish & Serve:
Stir in the fresh lime juice into the soup and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt, spice, or sweetness as needed. Divide the cooked rice noodles into bowls and ladle the soup over the noodles.
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Garnish & Enjoy!
Top with shredded carrots, bean sprouts, chopped green onions, cilantro, and red chili or red pepper flakes (optional). Serve hot and enjoy this aromatic Thai noodle soup!
Notes
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If you want to adjust the spice level, you can reduce the amount of red curry paste or add more red chili flakes.
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You can substitute the rice noodles with other types of noodles such as egg noodles or soba noodles.
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Fish sauce is optional but adds authentic Thai flavor; if you don’t have it, you can skip it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 195mg