Introduction
If you love Thai red curry and dumplings individually, you’re going to fall head-over-bowl for this Red Curry Dumpling Soup. It’s rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful—with a base of coconut milk and red curry paste—and then loaded with crisp veggies and plump dumplings that soak up all that spicy-sweet broth.
It’s weeknight-friendly, incredibly customizable, and ready in just about 30 minutes. The best part? It’s a full meal in one pot.
Why I Love This Recipe
This soup is a beautiful fusion of comfort and spice. You get:
- The creaminess of coconut milk
- The warmth and punch of ginger, garlic, and curry paste
- Fresh crunch from snap peas and red bell pepper
- Tender, chewy dumplings that turn this into a complete, hearty dish
It’s a versatile recipe that works with whatever dumplings you have on hand—store-bought or homemade. Plus, you can easily make it vegetarian or vegan by using vegetable broth and plant-based dumplings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons red curry paste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked dumplings (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish
Swaps & Notes
- Dumplings: Any cooked variety will work—chicken, veggie, pork, gyoza-style, or even wontons.
- Heat level: Adjust the red curry paste to taste; 2 tablespoons for mild, 3+ for spicy.
- Vegetables: Swap in bok choy, mushrooms, or shredded carrots if that’s what you’ve got.
- Protein boost: Add shredded chicken or tofu cubes for a heartier soup.
How to Make Red Curry Dumpling Soup
✅ 1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
✅ 2. Add the Curry Paste
Stir in red curry paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, letting the flavors bloom and intensify. The mixture should be aromatic and slightly glossy.
✅ 3. Add Broth and Coconut Milk
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. This forms the creamy, flavorful base of the soup.
✅ 4. Add the Veggies
Toss in the snap peas and sliced red bell pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.
✅ 5. Add Dumplings and Season
Stir in the cooked dumplings and soy sauce. Let them heat through gently, soaking up the broth’s flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.
✅ 6. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. Squeeze lime over the top just before serving for a citrusy pop.
Tips for Success
- Use a good quality red curry paste—it makes all the difference.
- Don’t overcook the dumplings—they’re already cooked and just need to be warmed through.
- If prepping ahead, keep the dumplings separate and add them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Want extra richness? Add a teaspoon of peanut butter with the curry paste for a Thai peanut-style variation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This soup is satisfying on its own, but you can round it out with:
- A side of jasmine or sticky rice
- Fresh spring rolls with dipping sauce
- Or pair with another comforting bowl like this Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
Need a refreshing contrast? Sip on some Blueberry Lemonade or keep things casual with snacks like Beer Cheese Dip.
End the meal on a sweet note with something simple like Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove—avoid boiling to keep the dumplings from falling apart.
- Freeze the base (without dumplings) for up to 2 months; add fresh dumplings when reheating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into bold, comforting, and customizable dishes, check these out:
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Beer Cheese Dip
- Easy Turkey Wings
- Blueberry Lemonade
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
Final Thoughts
This Red Curry Dumpling Soup is spicy, creamy, and soul-warming in every way. It’s a one-pot meal that brings together the best of comfort food and Thai-inspired flavor—perfect for chilly nights, sick days, or just because.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your version! Tag @chefmaniac or leave a comment to tell us what dumplings or veggies you added to your bowl.
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