Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe
If you’re craving something cozy, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, you absolutely have to try this Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe. It’s my go-to when I want a comforting bowl that’s both quick to whip up and feels indulgent, yet is completely plant-based. Seriously, the creamy coconut-infused broth paired with those soft vegan dumplings creates a perfect harmony that keeps me coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Stick around, and I’ll share all the details and insider tips so you can make it your own kitchen favorite too.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The creamy full-fat coconut milk balances perfectly with the spicy red Thai curry and savory soy sauce.
- Comfort with Ease: Using frozen vegan dumplings makes this an effortless weeknight dinner without sacrificing taste.
- Textural Contrast: Tender dumplings meet caramelized onions and crunchy garnishes for a satisfying bite every time.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily tweak spice levels or add whatever veggies you have on hand.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe combines ingredients that complement each other’s depth and texture. Each element plays a role, from the creamy coconut milk giving richness to the zing of red Thai curry paste that lifts the flavor.

- Avocado oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, perfect for gently caramelizing aromatics without burning.
- Diced onion: Forms a sweet and savory foundation when caramelized slowly.
- Minced garlic: Adds fragrant warmth and depth to the broth.
- Scallions (white parts and sliced greens): White parts sauté with onion, while greens brighten the final plate as garnish.
- Cremini mushrooms: Deliver an earthy umami punch that complements the coconut and curry.
- Red Thai curry paste: Gives lively heat and authentic flavor; I always use Thai Kitchen brand for consistency.
- Soy sauce: Introduces saltiness and depth without overpowering the dish.
- Sugar: Balances the heat and acidity, making the flavors pop without tasting sweet.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid base that carries all the wonderful flavors.
- Full-fat coconut milk: For richness and that velvety texture that turns this soup into a comforting hug in a bowl.
- Frozen vegan dumplings: Quick and easy protein-packed bites that soak up delicious broth.
- Chili oil, fresh cilantro, crunchy garlic: Garnishes that add brightness, heat, and texture to each spoonful.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite things about this Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you like your soup extra spicy or prefer to pile on some veggies, it adapts effortlessly to your cravings.
- More heat: I sometimes add extra chili oil or fresh sliced chilies when I crave a kick that gets my nose running in the best way.
- Veggie boost: Toss in baby spinach, bok choy, or even shredded carrots for extra nutrition and color.
- Different dumplings: Vegan dumplings are great, but feel free to try others stuffed with tofu, veggies, or mushrooms based on what you prefer or have in your freezer.
- Lower fat version: Swap to light coconut milk and use less oil if you’re watching calories, though the taste won’t be quite as indulgent.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe
Step 1: Gently Caramelize the Onions and Aromatics
Start by heating the avocado oil over medium-low heat in a heavy-bottom pot. Add diced onions, the white parts of scallions, minced garlic, and sprinkle in the salt. Patience is key here — cooking slowly allows the onions to soften and release sugars, transforming into a sweet, golden base that’s so important for flavor. Stir occasionally and avoid high heat to prevent burning.
Step 2: Sauté Mushrooms Until Tender
Add chopped cremini mushrooms to the pot. Continue cooking until mushrooms are soft and the moisture mostly evaporates. This helps concentrate their umami, which intensifies the soup’s depth. If you skip this step or rush it, you might end up with watery broth.
Step 3: Build Flavor with Curry Paste and Seasonings
Stir in the red Thai curry paste, sugar, and soy sauce. Sauté everything together for about one minute to “bloom” the curry paste—this toasts the spices and releases their fragrant oils, enriching the soup’s aroma.
Step 4: Add Broth and Coconut Milk, Bring to Simmer
Pour in the vegetable broth, then coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk is what I recommend for that creamy richness and a silkier mouthfeel. Stir to combine and bring back to a gentle simmer, taking care not to boil vigorously to avoid separating the coconut milk.
Step 5: Cook Dumplings Right in the Soup
Drop the frozen vegan dumplings directly into the simmering soup. Let them cook for about 7 minutes, stirring gently now and then so they don’t stick. They’ll thaw and soak up the curry-flavored broth, adding satisfying bite and a bit of fun to each spoonful.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish to Elevate
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with a drizzle of chili oil, fresh chopped cilantro, scallion greens, and crunchy garlic. The garnishes add brightness, heat, and a little texture contrast that I find indispensable for the full experience.
Pro Tips for Making Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe
- Low and Slow Caramelization: Taking your time to caramelize onions on medium-low heat develops sweetness and depth—don’t rush this step!
- Full-fat Coconut Milk Matters: Using full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and rich mouthfeel that light versions just can’t replicate.
- Don’t Overboil After Adding Coconut Milk: To avoid the coconut milk separating or curdling, keep the heat low once it’s in the pot.
- Gently Stir Dumplings: Stir carefully when cooking dumplings in the soup so they don’t break apart or stick to the bottom.
How to Serve Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a big fan of chili oil drizzled just before serving—it gives this soup that lovely hit of heat. Fresh cilantro and sliced scallion greens add a bright, herbal finish. And crunchy garlic bits? They bring that irresistible texture and a pop of savory goodness. Trust me, don’t skip the garnishes—they truly elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
This soup is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple jasmine rice or steamed bok choy for extra greens. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside a light cucumber salad to balance the richness with something crisp and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this soup in mini bowls or shot glasses as an appetizer, garnished with tiny dollops of chili oil and micro-cilantro. It’s a fun way to wow guests with an upscale twist on comfort food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. Because the dumplings absorb some broth over time, the soup thickens a bit—no worries, just stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this soup, I recommend freezing the broth separately from the dumplings to keep textures at their best. I usually freeze the base minus dumplings and add freshly cooked ones when I reheat—it keeps things tasting fresh and dumplings from getting soggy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a little broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the coconut milk to separate.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh dumplings instead of frozen in the Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh vegan dumplings will work just as well. They may cook slightly faster, so keep an eye on them while simmering to avoid overcooking or breaking apart.
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Is this Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe spicy?
It has a warm, mild-to-moderate heat level thanks to the red Thai curry paste and optional chili oil. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more curry paste or chili oil if you like it hotter.
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Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your dumplings are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer gluten-free vegan dumplings you can rely on.
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What can I substitute for red Thai curry paste?
If you can’t find red Thai curry paste, you can use an equal amount of mild curry powder, but it won’t have quite the same complexity. For a similar heat and flavor, consider mixing curry powder with a little chili paste.
Final Thoughts
This Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe has become a little kitchen treasure for me—not just because it’s quick and easy, but because it blends comforting and exotic flavors so beautifully. Whether you’re new to cooking with coconut milk or just want a reliable go-to soup that feels special, give this one a try. I’m confident it’ll become one of your favorites too, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Print
Coconut Curry Soup with Vegan Dumplings Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A quick and flavorful coconut curry soup with tender vegan dumplings, infused with aromatic spices and fresh garnishes for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 4 scallions (white parts, finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped cremini mushrooms
- 1 tbsp red Thai curry paste
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1 bag frozen vegan dumplings (12 to 15 pieces)
For Serving and Garnish
- 2 to 3 tsp chili oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp sliced scallion greens
- 1 tbsp crunchy garlic
Instructions
- Heat aromatics: Heat avocado oil in a heavy-bottom pot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, white parts of the scallions (finely chopped), and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and begin to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes, to bring out a natural sweetness.
- Sauté mushrooms: Add the chopped cremini mushrooms to the pot with the softened aromatics. Sauté until mushrooms are tender and most moisture has evaporated, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings: Stir in the red Thai curry paste, sugar, and soy sauce. Cook for about one minute to toast the curry paste and dissolve the seasonings fully.
- Simmer soup base: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add coconut milk: Stir in the full-fat coconut milk until fully combined, and bring the soup back up to a gentle simmer.
- Cook dumplings: Add the frozen vegan dumplings directly into the simmering soup. Cook over medium-low heat for about 7 minutes, or until the dumplings are thawed and heated through.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup and dumplings into bowls. Garnish each serving with chili oil, sliced scallion greens, chopped fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of crunchy garlic to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier soup base.
- Take your time caramelizing the onions for deeper flavor.
- Adjust the chili oil amount to control the soup’s spiciness.
- Vegan dumplings can be found frozen in most grocery stores or Asian markets.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the dumplings and soy sauce are gluten-free alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


