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Quick Thai shrimp soup in a white bowl with coconut curry broth, shrimp, mushrooms, chili, cilantro, and lime.

Quick Thai Shrimp Soup (Paleo, Whole30, Keto)

Quick Thai Shrimp Soup is a fast, creamy, and bright soup made with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and lime, finished with tender shrimp and fresh herbs. It delivers bold Thai-inspired flavor in one pot and works well for a light, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into large pieces
  • 4 cups seafood stock
  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1-2 tablespoons red curry paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced
  • 1 red chili, sliced
  • Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles

Method
 

  1. Heat avocado oil in a pot over medium heat, then sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add lemongrass and stir briefly.
  3. Pour in stock and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, red curry paste, and turmeric (if using) until smooth.
  5. Add bell pepper and mushrooms, then simmer 5 to 7 minutes until slightly tender.
  6. Reduce to a gentle simmer and add shrimp; cook 2 to 4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  7. Stir in spinach (or bok choy) until wilted, then turn off heat.
  8. Add lime juice and lime zest (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Remove lemongrass pieces (if using stalks). Serve hot, topped with cilantro and green onions (and optional chili).

Notes

  • Add lime juice after turning off the heat for the freshest flavor.
  • Cook shrimp at the end to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to avoid coconut milk separating.
  • For Whole30/Paleo, use compliant curry paste and fish sauce (check labels).
  • For keto-friendly serving, add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.