Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe
Introduction
Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk. This vibrant recipe is perfect for warming up on a chilly day while satisfying your craving for rich, aromatic flavors.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
- 4 ounces rice noodles
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes; then set aside.
- Step 2: Add garlic, red bell pepper, and onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in red curry paste and grated ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance flavor.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 6: Add rice noodles, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Step 7: Remove the soup from heat. Stir in green onions, cilantro, basil, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Step 8: Serve the soup immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, add extra red curry paste or a dash of chili flakes.
- Use fresh herbs generously to enhance the bright, fresh flavors typical of Thai cuisine.
- Rice noodles cook quickly—watch them closely to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. For best texture, add fresh herbs after reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and add fresh herbs and lime juice just before serving for the best flavor.
What can I use instead of fish sauce?
If you prefer to avoid fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari. Keep in mind this will change the flavor slightly but still adds a savory depth to the soup.
PrintThai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup featuring tender chicken, aromatic red curry paste, coconut milk, and fresh herbs, perfect for a hearty and spicy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1/2-inch chunks)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
Other Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 4 ounces rice noodles
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season chicken chunks with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Add minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and diced onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add curry paste and ginger: Stir in the red curry paste and freshly grated ginger. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, ensuring the paste is well incorporated with the vegetables.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits. This adds depth of flavor to the soup.
- Simmer with chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
- Add noodles and seasonings: Stir in the rice noodles, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Cook until the noodles are tender, approximately 5 minutes.
- Finish with fresh herbs and lime: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, basil leaves, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of red curry paste to control the spiciness of the soup.
- Rice noodles cook quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent mushy texture.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted or combined with mint or Thai basil for added flavor variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.
Keywords: Thai red curry noodle soup, chicken curry soup, Thai noodle soup, coconut milk curry, easy Thai soup recipe

