Introduction:
Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines the richness of coconut milk with the bold spices of curry, creating a deliciously aromatic broth. The shrimp adds a touch of sweetness and tenderness, making this soup a perfect choice for a cozy meal. This dish is simple to prepare yet full of depth, offering an exotic taste that’s both creamy and zesty.
It’s a great way to warm up on a cold day or to impress guests with a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.
Ingredients:
Shrimp: 1 lb (peeled and deveined)
Coconut milk: 1 can (14 oz)
Chicken or vegetable broth: 2 cups
Olive oil or butter: 2 tbsp
Yellow onion: 1 medium (diced)
Garlic cloves: 3 (minced)
Fresh ginger: 1-inch piece (grated)
Curry powder: 1 tbsp
Ground turmeric: 1 tsp
Ground cumin: 1 tsp
Red bell pepper: 1 (diced)
Carrot: 1 (peeled and sliced)
Tomato paste: 1 tbsp
Lime juice: 2 tbsp
Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup (chopped, for garnish)
Salt and pepper: To taste
Optional: Red chili flakes or fresh chilies for added heat
Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients: Peel and devein the shrimp, dice the onion, red bell pepper, and carrot, and mince the garlic and ginger.
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the spices:
Stir in the curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom.
Add vegetables:
Add the red bell pepper and carrot to the pot and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, just until they begin to soften.
Simmer the broth:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, coconut milk, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through.
Season and finish:
Stir in the lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like it spicy, you can add red chili flakes or fresh chili slices at this point.
Garnish and serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately. Optionally, serve with a side of crusty bread or over steamed rice.
Description:
This Coconut Curry Shrimp Soup is a delightful blend of creamy coconut milk, fragrant spices, and tender shrimp. The savory broth is infused with aromatic curry flavors, while the coconut milk adds a smooth, velvety texture that makes every spoonful comforting. The shrimp offers a sweet, succulent contrast to the bold and slightly tangy broth, making this soup both satisfying and complex in flavor.
It’s a great dish for a light dinner or a flavorful starter to a multi-course meal.
Tips:
Customize the spice level: You can adjust the heat by adding more or less curry powder, chili flakes, or fresh chilies.
Make it creamy:
For a richer texture, you can add a splash of heavy cream in place of some of the broth or coconut milk.
Vegetarian version:
To make the soup vegetarian, simply replace the shrimp with tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Fresh herbs:
If you don’t have cilantro, fresh basil or mint can also work as a garnish to provide a fresh, fragrant touch.
Storage:
This soup stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days, so it’s perfect for meal prep. You can also freeze it, though the shrimp may not be as tender after freezing.
Corrections/Adjustments:
Broth consistency:
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or simmer the soup for longer to allow it to reduce. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or coconut milk.
Flavor depth:
If the flavor seems a bit flat, consider adding a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce for a more complex umami flavor.
Shrimp cooking time:
Avoid overcooking the shrimp. They cook quickly and can become tough if left in the soup for too long. Once they turn pink, they are ready to be served.
This soup is versatile and can be tailored to your taste, ensuring that it’s a perfect fit for your preferences!