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    Home » Soups and Salads

    Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

    February 2, 2024 By Melissa Huggins / 14 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe

    This Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of umami-packed shiitake mushrooms, sautéed veggies, silken tofu, creamy coconut milk, and oodles of noodles will make you fall in love! Plus, it'll be on your table in just 35 minutes.

    Front view of Thai red curry noodle soup in a white bowl with chopsticks on top.

    When you need a little extra comfort, this Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup is the recipe to make. It's hearty, mildly spiced, and filled with noodly goodness!

    It's especially perfect when the cold weather hits because it'll warm you right through. Plus, it's easy to make and it's a great choice for weeknight meals.

    This soup is also easy to customize, so feel free to make it your own by adding or omitting some ingredients or adjusting the spice level.

    Soup Ingredients

    The ingredients to make this soup are fairly easy to find at your local grocery store. Here's what you'll need and some substitute ideas:

    Ingredients to make the soup recipe on a table top.
    • Dried Vermicelli Noodles - I prefer the Taste of Thai brand but any brand of thin rice noodles will work. Pictured above is the Thai Kitchen brand. They cook well but are harder to portion out because it comes in a block.
    • Red Onion - my next choice would be shallots and then yellow onion.
    • Red Bell Pepper - a yellow or orange bell pepper would work well too or you can just omit the pepper altogether.
    • Garlic - fresh is best here!
    • Shitake Mushrooms - these add umami flavor and a wonderful chewy texture to your soup. If you can't find them, regular mushrooms will work, too.
    • Ginger - fresh ginger adds such a wonderful pop of brightness to the soup so try not to skip this.
    • Thai Red Curry Paste - I prefer Thai Kitchen because it has mild heat, and great flavor, and is readily available in most mainstream stores. Other brands of paste could be spicier, so you may need to reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons depending on your preference. Make sure to read the packaging because some brands aren't vegan-friendly and may contain shrimp paste.
    • Tomato Paste - this adds more depth of flavor and deeper color to your soup, but it's optional, so feel free to omit it.
    • Vegetable Broth - I used Better Than Bouillon's low-sodium vegetable base, but any vegetable broth will work.
    • Coconut Milk - full-fat coconut milk will give this soup a subtle richness and creaminess.
    • Vegan Fish Sauce - if you can't find it, you can use 1-2 tablespoons of low-sodium tamari or soy sauce.
    • Light Brown Sugar - I like the slight caramel flavor and sweetness that it adds, but you can use any type of sweetener that you prefer. Palm sugar would be the best choice, but it's not easy to find in regular stores. You can usually find it in the Asian market or online. Here is an informative guide to palm sugar if you'd like to learn more.
    • Silken Tofu - It's best to choose extra-firm silken tofu, otherwise it tends to break in the soup.
    • Lime Juice - adds a touch of brightness to the finished soup. I highly recommend it.
    • Cilantro -this adds a pop of freshness and brightness. You can also replace it with Thai basil, or holy basil (if you can find it).

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    This soup is so easy to make and it'll be ready in a flash! Here are step-by-step photos to show you how it's done:

    Six process photos showing how to make the soup in a pot.
    1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water and set aside. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, and pepper. Sauté until tender,
    2. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
    3. Add a splash of oil then add curry paste and tomato paste. Sauté for a few minutes until the paste has slightly darkened
    4. Stir in broth, coconut milk, vegan fish sauce, and sugar, scraping to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
    5. Raise heat to bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
    6. Stir in rice noodles and tofu and gently warm for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro.

    Tips and Tricks

    Making this Tahi Red Curry Noodle soup is pretty straightforward but here are some extra tips to help you along:

    • Cook the noodles according to package directions and be careful not to overcook them. Some varieties call for boiling the noodles and some require soaking so it's best to stick to the recommended cooking method.
    • If your red curry paste isn't spicy enough, you can add 2-3 dried red chilies to the recipe. Just slice them lengthwise and deseed them first (leave some seeds for more heat) Sauté them along with the onions and cook them in the soup.
    • If you feel the soup is too spicy, you can tone it down by adding more coconut milk. The fat content helps cut the spice. A dash more sugar and lime can help too.
    • For a creamier broth, add the remaining ½ cup of coconut milk.
    • For an extra pop of Thai-style flavor, I highly recommend adding a few fresh kaffir lime leaves to the simmering soup if you can find them. It adds a subtle spiced-citrus flavor that is just mouthwatering. Just tear them slightly before adding them to the soup. You can usually find them in Asian markets in the produce section.

    Topping Ideas

    This soup already has tons of flavor and textures, but if you want to add a little more fun, here are some tasty topping ideas:

    • Sliced red onion
    • Sliced green onion
    • Bean sprouts
    • Chopped Thai basil
    • Chili flakes
    • Chili oil

    Reheating + Storing Tips

    • Storing - leftovers will last in the fridge for 3-5 days stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
    • Reheating - gently warm on the stove over medium heat until heated throughout or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
    Overhead view of Thai red curry noodle soup in a white bowl with chopsticks on the side.

    More Thai-inspired meals to try

    • Vegan Pad Thai
    • Vegan Thai Green Curry
    • Vegan Pineapple Fried Rice

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  rating and sharing your feedback in the comment section below. It would make my day!

    ⭐️ Subscribe to the Vegan Huggs Newsletter and receive weekly recipes straight to your inbox! You'll also receive my FREE eCookbook featuring my top 10 recipes. 

    Recipe

    Thai red curry noodle soup in a white bowl.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 12 votes

    Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

    This Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup will have your taste buds dancing. The combination of umami-packed shiitake mushrooms, sautéed veggies, silken tofu, creamy coconut milk, and oodles of noodles will make you fall in love! Plus, it'll be on your table in just 35 minutes.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time20 minutes mins
    Total Time35 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 325kcal
    Author: Melissa Huggins

    Ingredients

    • 6 ounces dried vermicelli noodles (I used A Taste of Thai)
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or oil of choice
    • 1 small red onion , thinly sliced into half moons (sub shallots or yellow onion)
    • 1 small red bell pepper , thinly sliced
    • 3 cloves garlic , minced
    • 4 ounces shitake mushrooms , stems removed/discarded and slice tops
    • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (peeled first)
    • 4 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (I use Thai Kitchen)
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 5 cups vegetable broth , low sodium
    • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk
    • 2 tablespoons vegan fish sauce , sub low sodium tamari or soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
    • 12 ounces silken tofu extra firm, cubed into ½-inch pieces
    • 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
    • ¼ cup chopped cilantro + more for serving

    Recommended Equipment

    • 1 Large Pot
    • 1 Medium Pot
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Cook noodles according to package instructions (usually 2-3 minutes if boiling). Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside (*note: some brands require soaking only)
    • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, mushrooms, and pepper. Sauté until tender, about 4-6 minutes.
    • Now, add the garlic and ginger and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add a splash of oil then add curry paste and tomato paste. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until paste has slightly darkened
    • Stir in broth, coconut milk, vegan fish sauce, and sugar, scraping to release any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Raise heat to bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
    • Stir in rice noodles and tofu and gently warm for 1-2 minutes.
    • Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and cilantro. Taste for seasoning and add if needed.
    • Add noodles into each bowl using tongs and ladle the rest of the soup on top. Serve with cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    • Vermicelli Noodles - I prefer the Taste of Thai brand but any brand of thin rice noodles will work. 
    • Red Curry Paste - I prefer Thai Kitchen because it has mild heat, and great flavor, and is readily available in most mainstream stores. Other brands of paste could be spicier, so you may need to reduce the amount to 3 tablespoons depending on your preference. Make sure to read the packaging because some brands aren't vegan-friendly and may contain shrimp paste.
    • For a spicier soup, you can add 2-3 dried red chilies to the recipe. Just slice them lengthwise and deseed them first (leave some seeds for more heat) Sauté them along with the onions and cook them in the soup. You can also add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper during the garlic and ginger step. 
    • If you feel the soup is too spicy, you can tone it down by adding more coconut milk. The fat content helps cut the heat. A dash more sugar and lime can help too.
    • For a creamier broth, feel free to add the remainder of the canned coconut milk.
    • For an extra pop of Thai-style flavor, I highly recommend adding a few fresh kaffir lime leaves to the simmering soup if you can find them. It adds a subtle spiced-citrus flavor that is just mouthwatering. Just tear them slightly before adding them to the soup. You can usually find them in Asian markets in the produce section.
    • Salt - I didn't use any added salt because the curry paste, vegan fish sauce, and broth had just the right amount. However, this could differ for you depending on the brands used and your personal taste so feel free to add some if needed. 
    • The noodles don't technically have to go into the pot of broth and they can be added right to the soup bowls and the broth ladled on top. However, I found that this cooled down the soup a little bit. I prefer it piping hot so this may not be an issue for everyone.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 287mg
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    About Melissa

    I’m Melissa Huggins – the creator of Vegan Huggs. I started this blog to share delicious vegan recipes that everyone will love. Yep, that includes carnivores, too! Read more...

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    Comments

      5 from 12 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. katie

      October 05, 2024 at 4:48 pm

      5 stars
      This one's a keeper: lovely flavor, filling and just the right amount of heat to be a true comfort food. thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        November 24, 2024 at 9:19 am

        Hi Katie, I'm so glad you loved the soup...it's one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing feedback. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Kennedi

      April 19, 2024 at 11:51 am

      5 stars
      This is by far my favorite recipe I have ever encountered!!! The flavors, the vegetables, the aroma, everything was absolutely perfect. I followed the recipe to a T and doubled it (big family). The only thing I did not do was add the tofu, which felt unnecessary because the noodles already made the soup so filling. The shiitake mushrooms tasted so tender and meaty at the same time and were the perfect pair with the bell peppers. I’ve made this soup 2 times already in the last 2 weeks and my family is obsessed with it! My mom had some sourdough bread with it which was a nice tough. No other substitutions needed. Thank you so much for this recipe, Melissa!!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        June 01, 2024 at 5:20 pm

        Hi Kennedi, Wow, this is the best compliment! I'm so glad this was a hit with your family. Sounds amazing with the sourdough. Thanks for taking the time to share feedback. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Tony Evans

      April 10, 2024 at 2:46 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious recipe. I really love it. Complex flavours and heaps. It’s one of my favourite dishes and the whole family love it too. It’s also easy to make, thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        June 01, 2024 at 3:52 pm

        Hi Tony, Yay! I'm so glad the soup was a hit with your family. Thank you for trying it and sharing wonderful feedback. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Peg Baillie

      April 04, 2024 at 10:29 am

      The recipes look amazing, but they do not print properly. words and some entire lines are obscured.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        June 01, 2024 at 3:09 pm

        Hi Peg, Do you mind trying again from a different browser? I don't have the same issue on my end but I'll see if I can figure it out. Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    5. Patty

      March 01, 2024 at 8:48 am

      5 stars
      This was very yummy, even better the next (few) days for leftovers. Thank you for this recipe--it will be a "keeper" for me.

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        March 15, 2024 at 11:06 am

        Yay! So glad this was a hit for you! Thanks for giving it a try. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Kathy Rutkauskas

      December 07, 2022 at 6:05 am

      5 stars
      this one's a keeper- taking this recipe with me next week to make again when we travel up north from Florida. It is such a comforting dish! Highly recommend using key limes in particular, if you have them, as the flavor is not as sharp but it still comes thru to impart the subtle citrus note. Yummy!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        December 12, 2022 at 10:20 pm

        Oh wow! Hope you all enjoy the trip and thanks for trying my recipe.Using key lime sounds good. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Theresa

      December 05, 2022 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      Wow, this was another winner from your site. I followed everything exactly except for the vegan fish sauce (couldn’t find it)….spectacular flavor and so filling. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Melissa Huggins

        December 12, 2022 at 10:16 pm

        Thanks Theresa! I am glad you liked it even without the vegan fish sauce. 🙂

        Reply

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