Coconut Thai Curry

Featured in: Delicious Meat-Free Meals for Every Taste

This creamy Thai curry balances bold coconut milk, fresh veggies, and tender noodles. It’s quick to prepare and full of mouthwatering flavors that'll hit the spot.
Lily chef cooking Cookingwithmee blog.
Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 18:13:35 GMT
A creamy soup with vibrant chopped veggies and a cilantro garnish sitting in a bowl. Pin it
A creamy soup with vibrant chopped veggies and a cilantro garnish sitting in a bowl. | cookingwithmee.com

I gotta tell you about my go-to comfort soup that brings Thailand's tastes right into your home! I've eaten at so many Thai places but nothing beats this homemade coconut curry soup that's now our family's favorite. The way the smooth coconut milk mixes with those aromatic curry spices and crisp veggies makes something truly wonderful. My husband, who usually stays away from spicy food, actually wanted more the first time I made it!

What Makes This Soup Stand Out

This goes way beyond regular coconut soup! When you mix the creamy coconut milk with fragrant curry paste and soft rice noodles, you get amazing flavor layers that feel like a trip to Thailand. My dinner guests couldn't believe I made it myself when I served it last week. Even my picky eaters who normally avoid unfamiliar dishes love to slurp up those noodles!

Ingredients List

  • The Base:
    • Flavorful vegetable broth
    • Creamy coconut milk
    • Red Thai curry paste
    • Minced ginger and garlic
  • The Veggies:
    • Sweet bell peppers
    • Crunchy carrots and celery
    • Thinly cut red onion
  • The Finishing Touches:
    • Thin rice noodles
    • Tangy lime juice
    • Handful of cilantro
    • Regular cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

Creating Our Flavor Foundation
We start by cooking those colorful veggies until they're just tender and releasing their scents. Then comes the exciting part when we throw in the curry paste with ginger and garlic and the whole kitchen starts to smell incredible!
Making The Lush Broth
When you mix in the coconut milk and broth, it's like putting together a Thai flavor concert. I love watching the liquid slowly turn into this beautiful golden color!
Adding The Last Elements
The soft rice noodles, fresh squeezed lime, and green cilantro really bring everything together. Every bowl becomes this gorgeous mix of textures and colors!
A warm bowl of soup with thin noodles, red peppers, and cilantro, set against a textured surface. Pin it
A warm bowl of soup with thin noodles, red peppers, and cilantro, set against a textured surface. | cookingwithmee.com

Tips For Success

Wanna know my tricks for amazing Thai coconut soup? Always use fresh ginger and garlic, they totally change the game! Start with just a bit of curry paste because you can add more later if needed. And my top trick is to squeeze in the lime juice right before serving to keep that zingy fresh taste!

Presentation Ideas

I like to create a small garnish bar with extra lime slices, fresh herbs and sometimes crushed peanuts. This way everyone gets to make their bowl exactly how they want it! When friends come over, I keep the noodles on the side so they can take as much as they like. Sometimes I'll even put out different proteins like tofu or shrimp as options.

Storage Tips

The soup base actually tastes even better after a day! Just store noodles separately and use fresh ones when you warm it up. I usually cook twice as much base and freeze some for those nights when you need something warm and tasty without much work.

Variation Ideas

Feel free to change things up! I sometimes throw in different veggies like mushrooms or bok choy. My son who loves heat adds extra curry paste to his bowl. I once tried it with coconut cream instead of milk for a super rich version and it was amazing! That's what makes cooking fun, finding just the right combo that works for you.

A bowl of creamy soup with noodles, red pepper pieces, and fresh cilantro leaves. Pin it
A bowl of creamy soup with noodles, red pepper pieces, and fresh cilantro leaves. | cookingwithmee.com

The Joy Behind This Dish

This soup has turned into our favorite way to enjoy Thai flavors without leaving home! There's something really fulfilling about making restaurant-quality food in your kitchen. My kids are now learning about different foods and tastes, seeing how basic ingredients turn into something awesome.

The coolest thing isn't just how tasty it is but seeing everyone get excited when they try it! Whether you're making it for a quiet night at home or showing someone new Thai flavors, it always works out great. And watching people realize they can make their favorite takeout at home? That's what makes cooking so worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare it in advance?
Absolutely! Make the broth first and keep it refrigerated for up to two days. Only cook and add the noodles when reheating so they don’t soak up too much liquid.
→ What if I don't have vermicelli?
Feel free to swap in any rice noodles or even wheat-based options like ramen or udon. Just cook them according to their directions.
→ How spicy is it?
It depends on your curry paste. Start with less, taste as you go, and adjust for your heat preference. You can add chili oil or sriracha if you love extra spice.
→ Can it be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the chicken broth for veggie broth. Everything else is already vegetarian-friendly, so it’s a simple change!
→ How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the noodles separate to prevent them from becoming soggy, then reheat when needed.

Coconut Thai Curry

Enjoy a creamy bowl of coconut Thai curry loaded with vibrant veggies and soft noodles. Great for chilly weather or anytime you want something filling.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Lily

Category: Vegetarian Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Thai

Yield: 4 Servings (4 bowls)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1 medium red onion, sliced thinly.
02 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips.
03 1 package of vermicelli noodles (400-500g).
04 4 cups chicken or veggie broth.
05 2 medium carrots, cut into fine strips.
06 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips.
07 2 stalks of celery, chopped up.
08 6 garlic cloves, minced.
09 Juice from one lime.
10 ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro, diced.
11 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger.
12 6 tablespoons curry paste (red).
13 1 can of coconut milk (13.5 oz).
14 Salt and pepper, to your liking.
15 A bit of oil for cooking.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook noodles in a separate pot of boiling water for a minute or two. Drain, rinse with cool water, and toss to avoid sticking.

Step 02

Add oil to a big pot and warm it over medium heat. Toss in the celery, carrots, onion, and bell peppers, cooking for about 4 minutes until lightly softened.

Step 03

Stir in garlic, curry paste, and ginger. Let them cook for about 2 minutes until they release their rich aroma.

Step 04

Pour in the broth and stir to combine. Bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle bubble and let it simmer for 15 minutes so the flavors deepen.

Step 05

Pour in coconut milk, giving it a 10-minute simmer for a richer texture. Add lime juice, chopped herbs, and noodles. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and you're ready to serve.

Notes

  1. To keep noodles from getting soggy, store them on their own if you're not eating right away.
  2. Feel free to tweak how much curry paste you use if you like it spicier or milder.
  3. You can make this ahead of time and warm it up slowly when ready to eat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Big pot.
  • Another pot for cooking the noodles.
  • Strainer or colander.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Coconut.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 655
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 104 g
  • Protein: 9 g