Description
Coconut Curry Noodle Soup with Fresh Lime & Herbs is a vibrant and comforting dish combining creamy coconut milk, aromatic curry spices, tangy lime, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, packed with nourishing ingredients and customizable protein options to suit all dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth Base
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or coconut oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry paste or 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or other quick-cooking greens
Protein (Optional)
- 1 cup tofu (firm, cubed) or cooked chicken or shrimp or chickpeas
Noodles
- 6 oz rice noodles
Fresh Ingredients & Garnishes
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, basil, or mint), chopped
- Thin slices of fresh chili (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the carrots, bell pepper, and any other vegetables you choose. Mince the garlic and ginger, and chop fresh herbs so they’re ready for garnish.
- Sauté Aromatics and Curry Paste: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the curry paste or powder and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release its spices.
- Add Coconut Milk and Broth: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
- Add Vegetables and Protein: Add sliced carrots first, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Then add bell peppers and your chosen protein (tofu, chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas), cooking until heated through and tender.
- Cook Noodles Separately: Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions — usually soaking in hot water or boiling briefly. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Combine and Finish with Fresh Lime & Herbs: Stir in spinach or other quick-cooking greens and cook just until wilted. Remove soup from heat, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and add chopped herbs. Stir gently to combine.
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs Wisely: Add fresh herbs at the end to keep their bright flavors and colors.
- Balance Acidity: Adjust lime juice gradually to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Choose Quality Curry Paste: Select a good quality curry paste for authentic flavors, or make your own if possible.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Cook noodles separately and add just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Layer Flavors: Toast spices or curry paste briefly to unlock depth before adding liquids.
- Storage: Store soup and noodles separately to maintain texture. Soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen without noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: coconut curry soup, noodle soup, coconut milk, curry, lime, fresh herbs, gluten free, quick soup, vegan option, vegetarian, spicy soup