Spicy Thai Cabbage Soup

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spicy Thai Cabbage Soup is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings a taste of Thailand right to your kitchen. This soup is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and tangy, making it an exciting addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients for Spicy Thai Cabbage Soup

Olive oil is our starting point, providing a neutral base for sautéing. Onion, garlic, and ginger create a fragrant trio that forms the aromatic foundation of this soup. Cabbage adds a hearty, slightly sweet crunch, while red bell pepper contributes color and mild sweetness. Coconut milk gives the soup its creamy texture and rich flavor. Chicken broth serves as the main liquid, adding depth. Fish sauce is the umami powerhouse, bringing a savory punch. Lime juice adds a fresh, tangy note. Red curry paste infuses the dish with spice and complexity. A touch of sugar balances the flavors out. Finally, cilantro and green onions provide a fresh, herbal finish, while red chili slices offer an optional kick of heat.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the fish sauce.
  • For a thicker soup, use only half the amount of chicken broth.
  • Use a mandoline to shred the cabbage quickly and evenly.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less curry paste and chili.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is delightful on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or crusty bread to soak up the broth. For a complete Thai-inspired meal, serve it alongside spring rolls or a light cucumber salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Is there a way to make it less spicy?
Sure, just reduce the amount of red curry paste and omit the fresh chili slices.
Can I freeze this soup?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just be aware the texture of the cabbage may change slightly.

Spicy Thai Cabbage Soup Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir them around until they’re fragrant, which should take about two to three minutes.

Next, add the shredded cabbage and sliced red bell pepper to the pot. Cook everything together for about five minutes, just until the cabbage starts to soften up but still has some crunch.

Now, pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, red curry paste, and sugar. Stir everything well, making sure the curry paste is nicely mixed in.

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to become tender.

Taste and add salt as needed. Let the soup simmer a bit longer if you feel it needs more time to meld. Once it's perfect, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with fresh cilantro, green onions, and red chili slices for a burst of color and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • A healthy and refreshing option packed with veggies.
  • Adjustable heat level to suit your spice preference.
  • Dairy-free, thanks to creamy coconut milk.
  • Great for making ahead and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 medium green cabbage, shredded
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
4 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp red curry paste
1 tsp sugar
Salt to taste
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, chopped
1 red chili, sliced (optional for extra heat)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in shredded cabbage and sliced bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add coconut milk, chicken broth, fish sauce, lime juice, red curry paste, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Add salt to taste, and continue to simmer until cabbage is tender.
7. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and red chili slices before serving.

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