Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand! This Thai Coconut Soup with Chicken Cilantro Meatballs is not just a recipe—it's a sensory experience that combines creamy coconut, zesty lime, and perfectly seasoned chicken meatballs. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious food adventurer, this dish promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen, with a preparation that's surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 can coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- Salt and lime juice to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, and mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Form the chicken mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. Set aside on a clean plate.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add red curry paste and stir for 30 seconds to release its aromatic oils.
- Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, whisking to fully blend the curry paste into the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Carefully add sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Gently drop the prepared chicken meatballs into the simmering soup. Allow them to cook for 10-12 minutes, ensuring they are fully cooked through.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the soup for brightness.
- Ladle the hot soup with meatballs into serving bowls, garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Meatball Mastery: For the most tender meatballs, handle the ground chicken gently and avoid overmixing, which can make them tough.
- Curry Paste Power: Toast the red curry paste briefly before adding liquids to intensify its aromatic flavors and release its essential oils.
- Mushroom Magic: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms and slice them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Simmer Slowly: Cook the meatballs at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil, to keep them tender and prevent them from becoming rubbery.
- Lime Brightness: Add fresh lime juice just before serving to preserve its vibrant, citrusy flavor and add a fresh, zesty note to the soup.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro not only looks beautiful but adds a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that complements the rich coconut broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg
