Thai coconut lime soup comes together almost instantly in the time it takes for the shrimp to sauté. The coconut milk and lime combine to make a lovely bright flavor in this classic Thai recipe.
Thai coconut lime soup with shrimp is a simple feast
This vibrant soup is a complete departure from Western soups, yet you can easily throw it together with ingredients found in any grocery store. Perfect for a romantic date night in, or a weeknight family dinner ~ this is one unforgettable 30 minute meal.
I love the flavor of lime, I think it’s more complex than lemon, and more interesting.
They’re smaller and dryer than most of the other fruits in the family, and they’re usually relegated to a small heap hidden somewhere behind a huge stack of navel oranges. You sometimes really have to hunt for them. Limes are featured in far fewer recipes than their yellow cousins—they shine in cocktails, a few desserts, and then in Persian, Indian, and Mexican recipes.
But there are lots of lesser known varieties that we, at least in the US, rarely see, like the Australian finger lime, the blood lime (with red flesh) the warty kaffir lime, the tiny key lime, and the mandarin lime (a cross between a mandarin orange and a lime), just to name a few. I hope they catch on in the next few years.
The sour is less sour, and the essence of the peel is more floral. When you come across really juicy ones, they are a joy to cook with.
This soup has a very strong flavor profile, starting with the twang of lime and finishing with the heat from the hot peppers.
The juices from the shrimp, and a few widely available Thai flavorings like fish sauce and green curry paste round out the soup. I don’t even bother to chop the cilantro, I like the leaves as they are.
other Thai inspired recipes
- Thai Chicken Salad
- Thai Chicken Satay Bowls with Peanut Sauce
- Thai Coconut Soup (tom kha)
- Spicy Thai Spaghetti Salad
- Steak Pad Thai Salad
- Thai Beef Salad
Thai Coconut Lime Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb raw shrimp
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 Serrano, or other hot green pepper, thinly sliced, seeds and all
- 1/2 onion, sliced into thin wedges
- 3 Tbsp Thai green curry paste
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 4 oz mushroom, sliced
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- juice of 2 limes
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, reserve a few for garnish
- zest of 1 lime
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a pot and saute the shrimp just until pink on both sides. Set aside.
- In the same pan saute the ginger, garlic, hot pepper and onion for a few minutes on low to medium heat, until the onion starts to soften.
- Add in the curry paste, brown sugar, and mushrooms. Saute for a few more minutes.
- Add the coconut milk, lime juice, and water to the pan. Bring up to a simmer and cook gently for a couple of minutes.
- Add the cooked shrimp and cilantro to the pot. Heat through. Taste for seasoning adjustments.
- Serve hot with cilantro and lime zest as garnish.
Nutrition
I am not a fan of cilantro. (That’s putting it mildly.)
What do you think would be the best substitution… parsley or dill?
The soup looks incredible!
Hi Maija—I think parsley Thai Basil, or regular basil would all be great substitutions.
I want more of your recieps sent to me in email thx
OK Sherry, I’ll add you to the list!
This looks really delicious. I’m getting pressure over here to cook more Asian dishes!
What a stunning dish…but what I love most is your ode to limes…I LOVE them. Making lime bars as I write!
This is a great recipe! I had no idea I could make this soup at home. I love it.
I see this soup in my future! I love shrimp!
happy! I’ve been dreaming a little bit about asian/thai/chinese flavors right now; maybe because it’s that weird “not quite end of winter/not quite beginning of spring” gap in the action. This sounds absolutely delightful for lunch, and if it’s not terribly snowy, i may try and head out for the ingredients. 🙂
Love this!
Do you think mint would be a good addition ?
I think fresh mint would be nice, and it’s traditional, so go for it!
I think I’ve looked at this post six times on my phone – so I apologize for being so late in commenting. It is a beautiful soup and I love it. I want to come and eat at your house, everyday. I won’t complain and I’ll clean my plate or bowl!
What a good looking soup. I love limes too and always give a squirt in all my chili’s and Mexican soups.