This Thai Coconut Curry Dumpling Soup is a warm, flavorful bowl of comfort that brings together soft dumplings, rich coconut milk, aromatic curry, and fresh herbs. It’s a fusion of Thai-inspired flavors with a cozy, homemade twist that I love pulling together for a simple weeknight meal or an impressive dish for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup combines bold Thai curry flavors with the comforting texture of dumplings. The coconut milk adds a creamy base, and the curry paste gives it a nice depth and mild heat. It’s also a flexible recipe—perfect for using frozen dumplings, and I can load it up with vegetables to keep things light and healthy. Whether I’m craving something quick or something cozy, this soup always hits the spot.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
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4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
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1 teaspoon brown sugar
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1 (16-ounce) bag frozen dumplings (vegetable or chicken)
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1 cup baby spinach
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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Juice of 1 lime
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Fresh cilantro and green onions, chopped, for garnish
directions
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I start by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Then I sauté the chopped onion for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
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I stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
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I add the red curry paste and cook it for another 1–2 minutes to let the flavors bloom.
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Next, I pour in the broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine everything.
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I season the soup with soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar.
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I bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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I carefully add the frozen dumplings and simmer for 6–8 minutes or until they are cooked through.
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Then I toss in the baby spinach and sliced red bell pepper, letting them cook for another 2–3 minutes.
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Finally, I squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir to finish the soup.
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I ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in just 30 minutes total.
Variations
Sometimes I switch things up by using green curry paste instead of red for a different flavor. If I want a vegetarian version, I use vegetable broth and plant-based dumplings, and skip the fish sauce. For extra protein, I like adding tofu cubes or shredded rotisserie chicken. If I want more heat, a dash of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes does the trick.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring often to keep the coconut milk from separating. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, I just add a splash of broth or water while reheating.
FAQs
What kind of dumplings work best in this soup?
I usually use frozen dumplings—either vegetable or chicken. Any Asian-style dumpling or potsticker works well.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, I can increase the spiciness by adding more red curry paste or a chopped chili pepper while sautéing the aromatics.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, I use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and ensure the dumplings are made without wheat wrappers.
Can I freeze this soup?
I don’t recommend freezing it with the dumplings in it, as they can get soggy. But I can freeze the curry broth base and add fresh dumplings when reheating.
What vegetables can I add?
I like adding mushrooms, snap peas, bok choy, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition and crunch.
Conclusion
Thai Coconut Curry Dumpling Soup is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—it’s warm, comforting, flavorful, and adaptable to whatever I have on hand. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to share with friends. Once I make it, I always want a second bowl.
Print
Thai Coconut Curry Dumpling Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and flavorful Thai Coconut Curry Dumpling Soup that blends creamy coconut milk, red curry, soft dumplings, and fresh vegetables for a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight or to impress guests.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen dumplings (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to release flavors.
- Pour in broth and coconut milk, stirring to combine.
- Season with soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add frozen dumplings and simmer for 6–8 minutes until cooked through.
- Add baby spinach and red bell pepper, cooking for another 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice to finish the soup.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use green curry paste for a different flavor profile.
- Make vegetarian by using vegetable broth, plant-based dumplings, and omitting fish sauce.
- Add tofu or shredded chicken for extra protein.
- Adjust spice with more curry paste, chili flakes, or sriracha.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
