Creamy Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup Recipe

Craving a taste of exotic comfort food that transports you straight to the streets of Cambodia? Look no further than this delectable Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup recipe. Picture a steaming bowl brimming with creamy coconut milk, fragrant lemongrass, and plump juicy shrimp—pure bliss in every spoonful. The tantalizing blend of fresh turmeric, zesty ginger, and aromatic lemongrass in creamy coconut broth is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds singing with delight.

Crafted with love and inspired by my travels, this Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup is a showstopper that will wow your family and friends alike. The secret to perfection lies in the fresh ingredients and delicate balance of flavors. Whether you’re a spice aficionado or prefer milder tones, this soup is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that promises to elevate your dinnertime to new heights.

Quick Benefits

• Flavor Explosion: Fresh turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and creamy coconut milk create an incredible flavor combo that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable recipe – swap shrimp for chicken, or try tofu and mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Add in your favorite veggies to keep things interesting.
• Convenience: Make ahead of time and refrigerate the broth for later use. Quick to throw together for a fast, flavorful dinner whenever you need it.
• Impress Your Guests: Wow your friends and family with this international dish that rivals restaurant-quality meals. Perfect for hosting dinner parties or cozy family nights.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup Recipe Recipe

• Transport Yourself: This soup offers a taste of Cambodia with its flavorful combination of creamy coconut, zingy lemongrass, and juicy shrimp that will transport you to faraway places with every bite.
• Comfort in a Bowl: Perfect for cozy nights in, this soup provides a comforting and satisfying meal that will warm your soul.
• Impress Your Guests: Your friends and family will be blown away by the complex and delicious flavors of this dish, making you the star of the dinner table.
• Customizable: You can easily tailor this recipe to suit your preferences by adjusting the level of heat or swapping ingredients like shrimp for chicken, tofu, or mushrooms to keep things interesting.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The use of fresh ingredients like turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and Thai basil adds a burst of vibrant flavors that elevate this dish to a whole new level.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its exotic flavors, this soup is simple to make, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Great for Entertaining: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Leftovers: While leftovers may be rare, this soup holds up well in the fridge, making it a convenient option for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.

Ingredients for Creamy Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup Recipe

• 1 tablespoon sugar (brown).
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes.
• 1 handful of fragrant Thai basil leaves.
• 3 sticks of lemongrass.
• 4 garlic cloves.
• A 3-inch piece of fresh turmeric.
• 2 1/2 cups broth (chicken, fish or veggie).
• Steamed rice to serve on the side.
• Lime wedges to squeeze over when serving.
• 3 medium-sized zucchini, diced.
• 14 ounces creamy coconut milk.
• 2 pounds shrimp, cleaned and deveined.
• 2 makrut lime leaves (optional).
• 3 shallot.
• A 3-inch fresh ginger root.
• 8 ounces tender French beans, trimmed.

Pro Tips for Creamy Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup Recipe

For an authentic taste, try to find fresh lemongrass—it truly elevates the flavor profile of the soup. When adding the coconut milk, stir gently to maintain a creamy texture. Remember to add the shrimp at the end to prevent overcooking and keep them tender and sweet.

Serve the Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup over fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful broth and top with fresh herbs. Enhance the dish with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus. Experiment with different ingredients like chicken, tofu, or vegetables such as baby bok choy to create your own unique twist on this classic soup.

How to Make Creamy Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup Recipe

Step 1: Create Paste

Finely chop tender parts of lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, garlic, and shallots. Blend into a rough paste.

Step 2: Separate Cream

Separate the thick creamy part from an unshaken can of coconut milk.

Step 3: Aromatics

Warm the coconut cream and stir in the lemongrass mixture promptly. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer Broth

Add the remaining coconut milk, stock, sugar, and fish sauce to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Cook Veggies

Add zucchini and French beans to the pot and cook for approximately 8 minutes until tender.

Step 6: Final Steps

Add shrimp and tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the shrimp are pink. Stir in Thai basil right before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup, storing the finished dish is quite simple. The soup is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The broth part can be refrigerated separately for a short while, allowing for easy reheating later. When ready to eat, warm up the broth and add the shrimp and vegetables just before serving to maintain their texture and flavors.

To maintain the integrity of the flavors and consistency, it is recommended to consume the soup soon after making it. However, if you need to store it for longer periods, you can freeze the soup (without the shrimp and vegetables) in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat gently on the stovetop before adding fresh shrimp and vegetables. This dish’s flexibility allows for various ingredient substitutions to suit personal preferences, ensuring each batch is a unique culinary adventure.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are unable to find makrut lime leaves, you can substitute with regular lime leaves or a combination of lime zest and a splash of extra lime juice for a similar citrusy kick in the soup.

For a vegetarian or vegan version of this soup, you can swap the shrimp for tofu, tempeh, or a mix of mushrooms for a flavorful plant-based alternative. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken or fish broth to keep the soup fully vegetarian.

If you are looking to add more vegetables or switch things up, feel free to incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or any other favorite veggies you have on hand. These additions will not only bring more texture and flavor to the dish but also make it more versatile and adaptable based on your preferences and what’s available in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, consider setting up a DIY Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup bar! Lay out bowls of various toppings like fresh herbs, lime wedges, crispy shallots, and chili flakes. Let your guests customize their bowls with their favorite add-ons, creating a personalized and flavorful experience for everyone.

To elevate the presentation, serve the Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup in hollowed-out coconut shells! Not only does it enhance the tropical vibes of the dish, but it also adds a unique and memorable touch to your dining experience. Top each serving with a sprig of Thai basil and a drizzle of chili oil for a visually stunning and delicious final touch.

FAQs for Creamy Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup Recipe

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! You can throw it together a few days ahead and just keep it cold. This makes dinner even faster later when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What can I use as a substitute for fresh lemongrass if I can’t find it?

If lemongrass is missing at your store, you can mix up a little lime plus lemon zest and splash in extra lime juice. While not the exact same, this can provide a similar citrus kick to your soup.

How long can the broth sit in the fridge before adding the shrimp and veggies?

Letting the broth sit in the fridge allows the thick cream on top to develop more flavor. Feel free to prepare the broth in advance and then warm it up when ready to serve, adding the shrimp and veggies right before eating.

Can I customize this soup with different vegetables?

Absolutely! You can make this soup your own by trying different vegetables like bell peppers, crunchy snap peas, or mushrooms. This way, you can keep the dish interesting and enjoyable with various combinations.

Conclusion

Wrapping up this flavorful journey with Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup, I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try it out in your own kitchen. The blend of zesty lemongrass, creamy coconut milk, and succulent shrimp promises a bowlful of comfort and satisfaction that’s perfect for cozy nights in or entertaining guests. Don’t hesitate to play around with the ingredients and make this recipe your own – whether it’s swapping out proteins or adding in your favorite veggies, the possibilities are endless!

I love how this dish brings the vibrant tastes of Cambodia right to your table, creating a memorable dining experience for you and your loved ones. So why not treat yourself to a bowl of this fragrant and delicious Cambodian Coconut Shrimp Soup soon? The smiles and satisfied bellies around your table will make all the preparation and cooking worthwhile. Enjoy!