This Turkey Thai Soup is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the richness of coconut milk with the aromatic spices of red curry paste. It's a perfect way to use up leftover turkey and create a comforting, exotic dish that will warm you up on a chilly day.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in your pantry. Red curry paste and fish sauce are essential for authentic Thai flavor but may require a trip to the international aisle of your supermarket. Coconut milk is another key ingredient that adds creaminess and depth to the soup.

Ingredients For Turkey Thai Soup Recipe
Turkey: Shredded cooked turkey adds protein and a hearty texture to the soup.
Chicken broth: Provides a flavorful base for the soup.
Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
Red bell pepper: Adds color and a slight crunch.
Carrot: Adds sweetness and texture.
Red curry paste: Brings a spicy, aromatic flavor to the soup.
Fish sauce: Adds a salty, umami depth to the soup.
Lime juice: Provides a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the coconut milk.
Onion: Adds a savory base flavor.
Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth.
Cilantro: Fresh herb used for garnish, adding a burst of color and freshness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the onion, garlic, and ginger, make sure to finely chop or mince them to ensure they cook evenly and release their full flavors. Sautéing these aromatics in olive oil until they are fragrant helps to build a rich base for the soup. Additionally, when adding the red curry paste, stir it well to combine with the aromatics, allowing the paste to cook slightly and release its oils, which enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
cooked turkey - Substitute with cooked chicken: Chicken has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement in soups.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk with a splash of coconut extract: Almond milk with coconut extract can mimic the creamy texture and flavor of coconut milk.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch, making them a good alternative.
carrot - Substitute with parsnip: Parsnips have a similar texture and slightly sweet flavor, which works well in soups.
red curry paste - Substitute with green curry paste: Green curry paste offers a different but complementary flavor profile, adding a unique twist to the soup.
fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a similar umami flavor and is a good alternative for those avoiding fish products.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can be used in place of onions for a subtler taste.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used when fresh garlic is not available, though it may be less pungent.
ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used as a substitute, though it is more concentrated, so use less.
olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can add a slight coconut flavor and works well in Thai-inspired dishes.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add both saltiness and umami to the dish.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can be used similarly to black pepper.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil offers a different but complementary herbaceous note to the soup.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Soup
How to Store or Freeze This Soup
- Allow the Turkey Thai Soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery soup.
- Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
- Label each container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.
- Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. Ensure the refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below to maintain optimal freshness.
- For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The Turkey Thai Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing its flavor and texture.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the soup's quality.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to avoid hot spots.
- If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to enhance the flavor and presentation.
How to Reheat Leftovers
For stovetop reheating, pour the Turkey Thai Soup into a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Once the soup is steaming and hot, it's ready to serve.
If using a microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute intervals until the soup is hot throughout.
For a slow cooker, pour the leftover soup into the slow cooker and set it to low. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the soup is thoroughly warmed.
To reheat in an oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is hot and bubbling.
If you have a double boiler, place the soup in the top part and heat over simmering water. Stir occasionally until the soup is hot.
For a quick reheat, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly, which will help it heat more evenly. Then, heat on the stovetop or in the microwave as described above.
Best Tools for Making This Soup
Large pot: Used for cooking the soup and combining all ingredients.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and carrot.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring the red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and olive oil.
Measuring cups: Useful for measuring the chicken broth and coconut milk.
Grater: Needed for grating the ginger.
Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.
Serving bowls: Used to serve the finished soup.
Tongs: Handy for adding the shredded turkey to the soup.
How to Save Time on Making This Soup
Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and carrot in advance to save time.
Use rotisserie turkey: Buy a rotisserie turkey and shred it to skip the cooking step.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the red curry paste, fish sauce, and lime juice before starting.
One-pot cooking: Use a single large pot to minimize cleanup time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for future meals.

Turkey Thai Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Cooked turkey, shredded
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 can Coconut milk
- 1 Red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 Carrot, sliced
- 2 tablespoon Red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
- 1 Small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
- 2. Stir in red curry paste and cook for another minute.
- 3. Add chicken broth, coconut milk, red bell pepper, and carrot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- 4. Add shredded turkey, fish sauce, and lime juice. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- 5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts for This Soup
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