01 -
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large shallot, thinly sliced, and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
02 -
Add 2 tbsp red curry paste to the pot with the aromatics. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to toast the paste and release its flavors. This step is crucial for the depth of your Simple Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup.
03 -
Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces, to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. It doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage.
04 -
Pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk. Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
05 -
While the soup simmers, prepare 8 oz dried rice noodles (vermicelli or flat wide) according to package directions. Typically, this involves soaking in hot water or boiling briefly until tender. Drain well and set aside.
06 -
Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed; you might want more fish sauce for saltiness or brown sugar for sweetness. This final touch balances the flavors of your Simple Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup.
07 -
Divide the cooked rice noodles among four serving bowls. Ladle the hot Simple Thai Coconut Chicken Noodle Soup over the noodles. Garnish generously with 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, 2 green onions, thinly sliced, and 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional).