Thai Coconut Curry Ramen
This Thai Coconut Curry Ramen is the perfect blend of rich, creamy coconut milk, flavorful curry, and tender ramen noodles. It’s a comforting and delicious one-pot meal that’s packed with Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp red curry paste (or adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat for creamier texture)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups spinach or bok choy (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
- Red chili flakes, for heat (optional)
- Protein option: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Curry Paste and Coconut Milk:
- Stir in the red curry paste, cooking for about 1 minute to release its flavors. Then, add the coconut milk, stirring to combine.
3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken/vegetable broth, soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and brown sugar. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a simmer.
4. Cook Vegetables:
- Add the mushrooms and bell pepper to the pot, cooking for 5 minutes until they start to soften. You can also add any additional vegetables like spinach or bok choy at this stage.
5. Cook the Ramen:
- Add the ramen noodles to the soup and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes). Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles are fully submerged in the broth.
6. Add Lime Juice and Optional Protein:
- Squeeze in the lime juice and stir to combine. If using a protein like cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu, add it to the soup now and warm through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Ladle the ramen into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, green onions, and red chili flakes for extra heat. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
Tips:
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of red curry paste or add fresh chilies for more heat.
- Make it vegan: Use vegetable broth and omit the fish sauce.
- Add texture: Top with crispy fried onions or toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.
This Thai Coconut Curry Ramen is a flavorful, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for when you crave something cozy and bold!