Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup with Spinach, Mushrooms, Bell Peppers

 

🥣 Thai Shrimp Coconut Noodle Soup with Spinach, Mushrooms & Bell Peppers

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1. Introduction & Flavor Profile

Imagine a comforting bowl of warm, aromatic broth—rich with coconut milk, enlivened with fragrant lemongrass, fresh ginger, garlic, and Thai spices, then loaded with tender shrimp, spinach, mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers. Add rice noodles for body and slurp-worthy satisfaction. This recipe balances richness (coconut milk), freshness (lime, herbs), heat (chilies), umami (fish sauce), and sweetness (cane sugar). It’s soulful, healthy, and cozy.

Why it shines:

• Shrimp cooks quickly and adds seafood sweetness.

• Coconut milk provides velvety texture.

• Mushrooms & bell peppers bring texture and color.

• Spinach adds nutrition and brightness.

• Rice noodles absorb the savory broth.

• Aromatics like lemongrass & lime emphasize Thai authenticity.

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2. Ingredient Rundown

Ingredient	Amount	Notes & Functions
Medium shrimp, peeled & deveined	1 lb (450g)	Quick-cook protein; mild seafood sweetness
Rice noodles	8 oz (225g)	Use thin noodles for slurpy soup texture
Coconut milk (full-fat)	2 cups (480ml)	Creates creamy body
Chicken or vegetable broth	4 cups (960ml)	Soup base—low-sodium preferred
Lemongrass stalks	2, bruised	Adds citrusy, lemony depth
Galangal or ginger	2-inch piece, sliced	Warm spice—ginger is easy substitute
Garlic	4 cloves, minced	Aromatic foundation
Shallot or white onion	1 medium, sliced thin	Sweetens broth with onion depth
Bell peppers (red/yellow)	1 cup, sliced thin	Adds sweetness and crunch
Mushrooms (shiitake/cremini)	1 cup, sliced	Earthy umami flavor
Baby spinach	2 cups, loosely packed	Freshness, nutrients, color
Fish sauce	3 tbsp	Salty umami; foundation of Thai soups
Lime juice	2 tbsp	Brightens and balances richness
Cane sugar	1 tbsp	Balances acid and spice
Thai red chiles	1-2, sliced (optional)	For optional heat
Fresh cilantro & green onions	for garnish	Herbaceous finishing touch
Neutral oil (avocado/vegetable)	1 tbsp	Sauté aromatics
Optional red curry paste	1 tbsp	Adds complexity and mild heat
Salt and white pepper	to taste	Final seasoning