Keto Thai curry is ultra delicious, silky, and turmeric-infused. This curry is packed with so much goodness, from the "hidden" eggplant and tender shiitakes to the savory meat, roasted bok choy, and fresh toppings. Basically, it's a keto curry recipe with all the things.
Curries can be very keto-friendly since they're typically made with canned coconut milk (high in fat with very few carbs). As long as there's no added sugar and the other ingredients are kept low-carb, it's an ideal dish for those on the ketogenic diet.
Whether you're new to low-carb eating or you're a seasoned pro, this chicken curry will definitely satisfy your cravings for something spicy and creamy.
It's perfect for meal prep, as it can be stored in the fridge for a few days and reheated for a quick and delicious meal (just like my Keto Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Curry Sauce!).
velvety smooth low-carb curry
I'll let you in on a little secret: I've found a trick for this keto curry that I'm a tiny bit obsessed with.
Some recipes call for blending potatoes into the broth, but that won't do for a keto version of curry.
Hello eggplant, the dream potato substitute for this low-carb version! It carries a bit of sweetness and completely takes on the flavor of the Thai curry paste.
I love this hack for getting a silky, creamy consistency that is a bit on the thick side, as any good curry soup should be. Plus, you're getting an extra serving of veggies along with it!
No need to peel or salt the eggplant beforehand, either. Just simmer with the soup until softened, then puree until smooth. It's so good, you'd never even know it was added.
This curry chicken soup is perfect during those cold winter months when you're craving something warm and comforting.
The heat from the red curry paste combined with creamy coconut milk is cozy and comforting and will make you want to snuggle up on the couch with some blankets. Snug as a bug.
why this recipe works
This has to be one of the easiest curries to make, as it's ready to enjoy in under 45 minutes and takes less than five steps to prepare.
It's also quite the chameleon, as you can use up whatever leftover veggies and protein you have lying around.
Don't have shiitake mushrooms? Use white mushrooms or baby bellas instead or swap in some butternut squash instead.
Leftover turkey and pre-cooked chicken is ideal for this recipe (and a great way to repurpose that Thanksgiving turkey or a rotisserie chicken). You can also try this recipe with tofu for a tasty vegan option.
I also can't forget to mention the roasted bok choy, because it adds a nice bit of crunch and depth of flavor to the soup. It cooks up quick, so you can just toss it in the oven while all your soup ingredients get nice and happy.
Whether you're keto, gluten-free, or just craving something delicious and satisfying, this red curry soup will be your holy grail.
If you love Asian food, you'll really love this homemade, Thai-inspired version. Nothing this good should be this easy to make, but I'm certainly not complaining!
Serve it up with some Coconut Cauliflower Rice for a healthy, homemade meal that's better than takeout!
This low-carb curry is:
- A delicious meal that caters to low carb diets without sacrificing taste.
- A use-what-you-have recipe that can be easily customized to your taste and convenience.
- Quick and effortless to make, with a total time of just 40 minutes to prepare.
- A surprising dish featuring blended eggplant that gives it the absolute perfect creamy consistency.
ingredients for keto Thai red curry
Here's a look at the ingredients you'll need to make this Thai-inspired chicken curry!
(Note: These are the main ingredients used in this recipe. To see the full list of ingredients with measurements, scroll down to view the recipe card below!)
- Red curry paste. This is what gives our keto curry its bold and spicy flavors. If you're sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and add more as desired.
- Aromatics. Fresh ginger, onion and garlic add a punch of flavor.
- Ground turmeric. Turmeric is a nutritional spice that gives this dish its beautiful golden color. It also adds depth of flavor and a touch of earthiness.
- Monk fruit sweetener. A zero-sugar sweetener that adds a hint of sweetness without all the carbs.
- Coconut milk. I recommend using full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier soup.
- Eggplant. I prefer using the top half with no seeds, but you can use the whole eggplant if you wish.
- Mushrooms. I've made this dish with shiitake mushrooms, white mushrooms and crimini mushrooms so use what you can find! They add a lovely umami flavor and extra nutritional value.
- Leftover/cooked protein. Feel free to use what you have! Whether that's turkey, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Baby bok choy. This vegetable adds a nice crunch and extra nutrients to the soup.
- Vegetable toppings of choice. Use anything from fresh cilantro, lime, shredded cabbage, or red bell peppers to top off your soup and add extra flavor.
a warming keto curry
Ready for the greatest keto Thai coconut curry soup? Each bowl is warming, comforting and creamy.
Here's a look at the recipe but check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page for all of the details.
In a large pot, heat the coconut oil or avocado oil. Add the onion and cook to soften. Add the garlic, ginger, red curry paste, and turmeric.
Pour in the broth and coconut milk, then add the eggplant and sweetener. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Transfer all of the eggplant and about half the soup to a high-speed blender and purée until smooth. Pour it back into the pot and stir to combine.
Add the shiitake mushrooms, pre-cooked chicken or turkey (or other protein), fish sauce, and cook on medium heat for another 10 minutes.
Drizzle olive oil on the baby bok choy and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 10 minutes or until the outer leaves are slightly browned and crisp.
Let the bok choy cool, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Serve the Thai red curry soup with the roasted bok choy on top, along with fresh basil (bonus if it's Thai basil!), a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
tips for the best results
- You can blend the soup in batches and then transfer it back into the pot. Or you can blend about half of the soup, as long as all the eggplant is blended. This gives the soup a nice texture while still being creamy.
- If you don't have time to roast the bok choy, you can also sauté it in a pan over medium heat until slightly charred.
- The longer the soup sits, the thicker it will become due to the eggplant. Simply add some more broth or water when reheating to thin it out.
- Feel free to swap in chicken broth, chicken stock or even my homemade chicken bone broth for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients!
variations and substitutions
Red curry paste: You're welcome to use a different type of curry paste, like yellow curry paste or even green curry paste. Or you can make your own curry paste if you'd like!
Monk fruit sweetener: Other great zero-sugar sweeteners to use are erythritol, allulose, or pure monk fruit sweetener drops.
Coconut milk: Swap full-fat coconut milk with light coconut milk for a lighter soup. Coconut cream also works well if you want a creamier consistency.
Spice it up: To amp up the spice level of the soup, add in other spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, or additional red curry paste.
To make this Thai red curry soup vegan/vegetarian: Swap out the protein for tofu, substitute coconut sugar for monk fruit sweetener, and leave out the fish sauce.
what to serve with keto coconut curry
This delicious, Thai-inspired curry would taste fantastic with a fresh salad like my tangy citrus slaw or low-carb cold noodle salad.
You could also try serving it with some keto cauliflower fried rice or crispy keto chicken wings for a complete and satisfying meal.
you might also love
- This fall kale salad with pumpkin maple vinaigrette is a sweet, spicy, and savory salad that has got it all. From the warmth of roasted veggies to the crunch of grain-free granola, and a light pumpkin maple vinaigrette dressing, it's safe to say that this salad will be the star of any fall menu.
- This savory almond meal bread is a keto bread you'll make on repeat! It's tender, yet has a hefty crumb and holds up to whatever delicious toppings you throw its way.
- Sticky, saucy, and full of flavor, this Keto Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, whether you're following a keto diet or not! With its sweet and savory bourbon sauce coating tender chicken pieces, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It's incredibly easy to make without all of the excess sugar found in traditional bourbon chicken recipes.
- If you love curry, you'll definitely enjoy my Keto Turkey Meatballs in Creamy Curry Sauce! It's a simple dinner recipe that's ready in 30 minutes.
- Poached cod in coconut milk is a simple and light meal that only takes minutes to prepare.
Keto Thai Curry with Chicken and Eggplant
This keto Thai curry is creamy, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients like mushrooms, eggplant, fresh ginger and aromatics. Use leftover chicken (or turkey) for ease. The eggplant is blended into the curry soup to thicken it and create a rich, velvety consistency.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or avocado oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2, 14-oz. cans coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated monk fruit sweetener (or sweetener of choice)
- ½ eggplant, cubed (I prefer using the top half with no seeds)
- 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, etc.)
- 1-2 cups pre-cooked chicken or turkey
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 heads baby bok choy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- salt and pepper to taste
- toppings of choice like cilantro, lime, Thai basil, etc.
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes to soften.
- Add the grated ginger, garlic, ground turmeric, and curry paste. Stir the mixture and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth, coconut milk, sweetener and cubed eggplant. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the eggplant is soft.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (for the roasted bok choy).
- Ladle all of the eggplant cubes and about half of the liquid in the soup pot into a high-powered blender. Puree until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture back into the pot and stir well to mix it with the rest of the curry.
- Add the mushrooms, chicken (or turkey), and fish sauce. Cook over medium heat for another 10 minutes.
- While the curry simmers, roast the bok choy. Slice the each head in half lengthwise. Drizzle the halves with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper and set them on the baking sheet. Roast for 8-10 minutes or until the outer leaves are slightly browned and crisp. Let it cool a bit, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve the curry with the roasted bok choy on top along with other toppings like fresh cilantro, Thai basil, lime juice, and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- When blending the soup, it's not necessary to blend all of it. You can transfer about half the curry into the blender along with all of the eggplant. The blended eggplant gives the soup an ultra thick and creamy texture.
- If you don't have time to roast the bok choy, you can also chop it and sauté it in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Or omit the bok choy topping entirely.
- The longer the soup sits, the thicker it will become due to the eggplant. If needed, you can add a few tablespoons of broth or water when reheating to thin it out.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 403Total Fat: 34gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 362mgCarbohydrates: 13gNet Carbohydrates: 10gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 16g
This nutritional information is approximate and is provided for convenience as a courtesy.
Pat Nyswonger says
This looks fantastic, Abby!
Abby says
Thank you! 🙂