Red Curry Dumpling Soup
Red Curry Dumpling Soup is a vibrant and comforting dish that blends spicy red curry paste, creamy coconut milk, and savory broth with tender dumplings, fresh herbs, and bright citrus notes. This quick and versatile soup offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and soothing warmth, ideal for cozy dinners or adventurous meals.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Broth and Base
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 stalk fresh lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
- 4 kaffir lime leaves
Dumplings
- 12–15 fresh dumplings (filled with ground meat, vegetables, tofu, or preferred filling)
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Garnishes and Extras
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Fresh Thai basil leaves
- Chopped chili or chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Prepare the Broth: Heat a bit of oil in a pot and gently sauté the red curry paste until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and broth, stirring to combine thoroughly. Add the bruised lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to infuse the broth with bright citrus aromas.
- Add Dumplings to the Broth: When the broth reaches a gentle simmer, carefully add the fresh dumplings. Let them cook in the soup until tender and fully cooked, approximately 6 to 8 minutes depending on size and filling.
- Season the Soup: Stir in fish sauce or soy sauce to enhance the umami and depth of flavor. Adjust saltiness to taste and add a teaspoon of sugar if desired to balance the flavors.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Finish: Remove the lemongrass stalk and kaffir lime leaves. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and Thai basil over the soup. Optionally, add chopped chili for extra spiciness.
Notes
- Use fresh curry paste, homemade or high-quality store-bought, for authentic flavor.
- Simmer dumplings gently to keep them tender and prevent a tough texture.
- Taste and adjust acidity, sweetness, and saltiness gradually for perfect balance.
- Add fresh herbs right before serving to preserve their vibrant aroma and color.
- Try making homemade dumplings for customization and added freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300 ml)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: red curry, dumpling soup, Thai soup, spicy soup, coconut milk soup, comfort food, quick soup