This Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch. It’s packed with flavor, thanks to the aromatic red curry paste, fragrant ginger and lemongrass, and creamy coconut milk. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
Why You’ll Love This Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup
- Flavorful and Aromatic: This soup is bursting with the fragrant flavors of Thai red curry, ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Quick and Healthy: It’s a healthy and satisfying meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this soup with different types of dumplings, vegetables, or protein.
Ingredients for Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- Onion: A diced onion adds a savory base to the soup.
- Thai Red Curry Paste: This adds a complex blend of spices and heat to the soup.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds a punch of flavor.
- Ginger: Minced ginger adds a warm, slightly spicy flavor.
- Lemongrass: Optional, but adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup.
- Coconut Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Fish Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors of the soup.
- Frozen Dumplings: I use frozen dumplings for convenience, but you can also use fresh dumplings if you prefer.
- Spinach: Adds nutrients and a pop of color.
- Green Onions: Adds a fresh, oniony flavor.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
- Lime: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add more Thai red curry paste or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Veggie Variety: Toss in some other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Protein Power: Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the soup.
- Noodle Swap: Use different types of noodles, like rice noodles or ramen noodles, instead of dumplings.
How to Make Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened. Stir in the Thai red curry paste, ginger, lemongrass (if using), and garlic. Cook for a minute or two, until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring the soup to a low boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Stir in the fish sauce and sugar.
Step 3: Cook the Dumplings
Add the frozen dumplings to the simmering soup and cook according to the package directions.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat and add the spinach, green onions, and cilantro. Let the soup stand until the spinach wilts. Squeeze in the juice from half of the lime, then taste and add more lime juice if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Tricks
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Thai red curry paste to your preferred spice level.
- Dumpling Variety: You can use any type of frozen dumpling you like, such as potstickers or wontons.
- Fresh Herbs: I love using fresh herbs for this recipe, but you can substitute with dried herbs if needed.
How to Serve
This Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup is delicious with a variety of toppings:
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions add a fresh, oniony flavor.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
- Thai Basil: Adds a unique anise-like flavor.
- Fried Onions: Adds a crispy texture.
- Chili Oil or Chili Crisp: Adds extra heat and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Storing: Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of curry paste?
Yes, you can use green curry paste or yellow curry paste instead of red curry paste. Keep in mind that the flavor of the soup will be different.
Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen dumplings?
Yes, you can use fresh dumplings. Just cook them according to the package directions.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and use vegetarian dumplings.
There you have it! A flavorful and easy-to-make Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup recipe. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintThai Red Curry Dumpling Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy meal. It features a creamy coconut red curry broth with dumplings, spinach, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger (or ginger paste)
- 1 tablespoon minced lemongrass or paste (optional)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 pound frozen dumplings (potstickers, wontons)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 lime
Topping suggestions:
- Green onions, sliced on the diagonal
- Minced cilantro leaves
- Chopped Thai basil
- Fried onions
- Chili oil or chili crisp
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a 4 to 5-quart soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onions and sweat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes or until softened.
- Add Curry Paste: Spoon in the Thai red curry paste, ginger, and lemongrass (if using), along with the garlic. Stir into the onions and let cook for a minute or two, until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Broth and Coconut Milk: Increase the heat to medium-high and pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring the soup to a low boil, then adjust the heat to maintain an active simmer.
- Add Dumplings: Stir in the fish sauce and sugar, then add the dumplings. Let the soup come back up to bubbling, and cook for the time indicated on the packaging to ensure they’re properly heated through (use the “steam” time if there are no boil directions).
- Add Greens and Lime: Turn off the heat and add the spinach, green onions, and cilantro. Let the soup stand until the spinach wilts. Squeeze the juice from half of the lime into the soup and stir. Taste, and squeeze in the other half if needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Dumplings: For a different take, you could pan-fry the dumplings in a separate skillet according to package directions to get some golden brown coloring on them.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of curry paste to your preferred spice level.
- Lemongrass: Lemongrass adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the soup, but it’s optional.
- Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Fried garlic, crispy shallots, or a drizzle of chili oil would all be delicious.
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
jhy2a5