Name: Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Thai
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; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 4 ounces rice noodles; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a bowl that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, this Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of chicken swimming in a luxuriously creamy coconut broth, infused with fragrant red curry paste and fresh ginger, all finishing with a lively hit of lime and fresh herbs. Each slurp combines silky rice noodles with the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy elements that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand’s bustling street markets. This soup is not only hearty and soul-soothing but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a true weeknight winner or an impressive dish to share with friends and family.

A black cast iron pot filled with a rich, orange-red noodle soup with visible layers of thin noodles mixed with chunks of light-colored cooked meat, small red bell pepper pieces, and green herbs. Fresh cilantro leaves sit on top as a garnish. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. To the top left, there is a wooden board with quarters of yellow and green lime pieces and fresh green cilantro bunches. Below the pot, a white plate holds a pair of brown chopsticks resting diagonally. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great recipe starts with the right ingredients, and this Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe shines because of the fresh, bold flavors each component brings to the bowl. These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, combining to create a rich, aromatic broth, tender proteins, and fresh herbal brightness.

Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing and helps develop flavor early on.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These give you lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the curry goodness.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: For seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth that’s absolutely essential in Thai cooking.
Red bell pepper: Offers crunch and a touch of sweetness, plus vibrant color.
Onion: Softens and sweetens the base of the soup as it cooks.
Red curry paste: The heart of the soup’s bold, spicy flavor, bringing authentic Thai heat and complexity.
Freshly grated ginger: Adds a zesty warmth and fragrance that cuts through the richness.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup light while providing savory depth.
Coconut milk: Makes the broth creamy and smooth with a subtle tropical sweetness.
Rice noodles: The perfect soft, slippery noodles that soak up the curry broth beautifully.
Fish sauce: A salty, savory umami punch essential in Thai cuisine.
Brown sugar: Balances out the spiciness with a gentle caramel sweetness.
Green onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and color right at the end.
Fresh cilantro leaves: Bright and herbaceous, vital for that authentic final touch.
Fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and slightly sweet, rounding out the herbaceous notes.
Freshly squeezed lime juice: Introduces a lively tang that lifts the entire dish.

How to Make Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure every bite bursts with flavor. Add them to the pot and cook until they’re golden on the outside but not quite cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, set the chicken aside to keep it tender and juicy for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pot, toss in the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and onion. Stir occasionally while cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until everything softens and their natural sweetness emerges. This combination forms the aromatic base that will infuse your broth with layers of flavor.

Step 3: Add Red Curry Paste and Ginger

Next, stir in the red curry paste and freshly grated ginger. Let them toast in the pot for about a minute until fragrant. This is where the magic starts—as the heat unlocks the spices and ginger’s zing, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible perfume that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Add Broth and Coconut Milk

Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and the creamy coconut milk, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Those bits pack serious flavor, so don’t miss them! Stir everything together, creating the rich, aromatic curry soup base that is so comforting and satisfying.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Simmer

Return the partially cooked chicken to the pot and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. This slow melding of flavors lets the chicken finish cooking perfectly while the broth becomes more concentrated and flavorful.

Step 6: Incorporate Rice Noodles, Fish Sauce, and Brown Sugar

Stir in the rice noodles along with fish sauce and brown sugar. Cook until the noodles turn tender, about 5 minutes. The fish sauce adds savory umami depth, while the brown sugar balances out the heat with a subtle sweetness—a beautiful harmony of tastes.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lime Juice

Remove the pot from heat and fold in thinly sliced green onions, chopped cilantro and basil leaves, plus freshly squeezed lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it one final stir. These fresh ingredients brighten the whole dish and provide a lively contrast to the rich coconut curry broth.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Serve this vibrant Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe right away while it’s warm and at its aromatic best. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors—a truly bowl-licking experience.

How to Serve Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a dark bowl filled with a rich orange-red noodle soup. The soup has visible chunks of light-colored cooked chicken pieces and thin noodles, some lifted by wooden chopsticks resting on the bowl. Bright green sliced scallions and fresh cilantro leaves float on the surface, adding a fresh contrast to the warm colors of the broth. There is also a small wedge of lime tucked among the greens at the edge. The soup has a smooth, slightly oily texture with some black pepper sprinkled on top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elevate your soup by garnishing with a few extra cilantro sprigs or basil leaves, a wedge of fresh lime, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. If you love a bit of extra heat, toss on some sliced red chilies or a drizzle of chili oil. These garnishes add freshness, texture, and customization to suit your personal taste.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup alongside simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad for added crunch and cooling contrast. Light spring rolls or Thai-style grilled chicken skewers also pair beautifully to round out the meal without overpowering the soup’s delicate yet bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls to highlight the vibrant red color of the broth, or use clear glass bowls to showcase the colorful veggies and noodles floating within. For a fun twist, you can also serve the soup “deconstructed,” plating separate bowls of noodles, broth, chicken, and herbs for guests to customize their own bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even develop more during this time, but the noodles can absorb too much broth and get mushy if stored too long.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this soup, it’s best to keep the broth and chicken separate from the noodles. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, and then add freshly cooked rice noodles to preserve the perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Then, stir in freshly cooked rice noodles just before serving for that perfect restaurant-quality bowl at home.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! This Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly so your protein stays tender and juicy.

Is this soup very spicy?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the red curry paste, but you can easily control the heat by adjusting how much curry paste you use or adding milder variations. Adding more coconut milk also mellows out the spice.

What type of noodles should I use?

Rice noodles are the traditional choice and hold up well in this soup. Opt for thin or medium-width rice noodles that cook quickly and soak up the delicious broth without getting mushy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, swap fish sauce for soy sauce or tamari, and use tofu or vegetables instead of chicken. The rich coconut and curry paste flavors still shine through beautifully.

How long does it take to prepare this soup?

This Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe takes about 50 minutes from start to finish, including prep and simmering time. It’s a great recipe for a comforting homemade meal without hours of work.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup Recipe is truly a bowl full of joy, perfect for anyone looking to add some warmth and exotic flavors to their dinner rotation. Its balance of creamy coconut, fragrant spices, tender chicken, and fresh herbs is simply unbeatable. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s perfect for sharing or savoring on your own during cozy nights in. Happy cooking and even happier slurping!