Spicy Shrimp and Coconut Noodle Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms

A fragrant Asian-inspired soup featuring succulent shrimp, rice noodles, and shiitake mushrooms in a rich coconut broth infused with aromatics like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger. This comforting bowl combines sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs.

6 servings
1 hr 35 min

Ingredients

  • cup coarsely chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 3 pieces kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 stalk fresh lemongrass
  • ½ piece dried red chile
  • 3 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 24 pieces large uncooked shrimp
  • 1 large red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar
  • 4 cups canned unsweetened coconut milk
  • cups vegetable broth
  • 10 ounces shiitake mushrooms
  • 9 ounces dried flat rice noodles
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ cup skinless peanuts
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice
  • ½ cup thinly sliced green onions
  • cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 piece lime
  • 6 wedges lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place all ingredients in blender. Process until paste forms. Can be made 1 day ahead. Transfer to small bowl, cover, and chill.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add shrimp shells and cook until pink, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Add spice paste and half of onion; sauté until dry, about 3 minutes. Add fish sauce and sugar; stir until liquid is syrupy, about 2 minutes. Add coconut milk, broth, and mushroom stems. Bring just to boil, then reduce to medium-low, cover, and simmer 30 minutes. Strain soup into large pot, pressing on solids in strainer. Discard solids.

    40 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, place rice noodles in large heat-resistant bowl. Pour simmering water over to cover noodles; let stand at least 20 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally (noodles can stand in water up to 2 hours).

    20 min

  4. 4.

    Heat remaining 1 tablespoon peanut oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add remaining onion and garlic; sauté until brown, stirring frequently, about 13 minutes. Add sesame oil, then sliced mushroom caps. Sauté until mushrooms are soft, about 4 minutes. Bring soup to simmer. Add mushroom mixture, shrimp, peanuts, and lime juice to soup. Simmer until shrimp is opaque, about 2 minutes.

    20 min

  5. 5.

    Drain noodles; divide among 6 bowls. Ladle soup over noodles, dividing equally. Sprinkle soup with green onions and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

    5 min