Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (2024)

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This Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is sweet, savory, and filling! Made with a creamy coconut milk broth, fresh veggies, and warm seasonings, it’s a light, nutritious soup full of flavor.

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (1)

Table Of Contents

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  • We Love Thai Coconut Soup!
  • What is the Difference Between Tom Yum and Tom Kha?
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to Make This Easy Coconut Milk Soup Recipe
  • Topping Ideas
  • How to Store and Reheat
  • Can I Freeze Thai Coconut Soup?
  • More Gluten-Free Soup Recipes

We Love Thai Coconut Soup!

Ever wondered what makes a good Thai Coconut Soup? Thai coconut soup, also known as tom kha kai, is a creamy Thai soup made with a creamy broth and coconut milk base. Made with fresh aromatics, veggies, and warm seasonings, it features an explosion of tastes and textures unlike anything else!

Bonus Nutrient Tip: Thai coconut soup typically contains a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients such as coconut milk (rich in healthy fats), vegetables (providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber), and optional protein sources like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

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What is the Difference Between Tom Yum and Tom Kha?

Tom Yum soup is spicier and has a clear broth whereas Tom Kha is creamy and sweeter with a velvety texture thanks to the use of coconut milk. Both soups can be made with a variety of proteins. However, tom yum usually contains shrimp while tom kha contains chicken.

So there you have it, Tom Yum brings the heat and the tang, while Tom Kha offers up creamy coconut bliss. Time to grab a spoon and dig in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make this recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information!

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  • Oil – Use a neutral flavored oil such as avocado oil or light olive oil.
  • Aromatics – Fresh ginger, garlic, and lemongrass stalks add a bright, zingy flavor to the soup. Find these in the produce section of your local grocery store!

Ingredient Swap: If you can’t find fresh lemongrass, feel free to substitute lemongrass paste instead.

Note: The type of chili paste and curry powder makes a difference in the flavor and spiciness of the soup. Use any kind you like best, and adjust the amount included to your liking. We used a mild curry powder because our chili paste was hot. However, you can also find hot curry powder such as Hot Madras Curry Powder if you prefer extra heat!

  • Broth – Use organic broth, vegetable broth/stock, or chicken broth for the liquid base of the soup.
  • Fish Sauce – This adds a touch of salty flavor. Feel free to substitute gluten-free soy sauce if preferred.
  • Raw Sugar – This cuts some of the spice and savoriness, creating a well-rounded flavor.
  • Coconut Milk – Use regular full fat or light canned coconut milk to add a sweet taste and create a creamy consistency.
  • Mushroom Caps – Use white mushroom caps, and slice them into pieces.
  • Lime Zest – Adds a vibrant note of citrus.

Note: Feel free to add cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, cooked chicken thighs, tempeh, or tofu to add protein and make this dish to make it even more filling!

How to Make This Easy Coconut Milk Soup Recipe

  1. Sauté. Heat the oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Then, add the ginger, garlic, chili pasta, lemongrass, and curry powder. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  2. Simmer. Stir in the broth, sugar, and fish sauce, not letting the ingredients boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, and simmer.
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Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (5)
  1. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix in the coconut milk until the soup is creamy. Add the mushrooms and lime zest. Cook on low or medium-low heat until the vegetables are soft.
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Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (7)
  1. Serve. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Then, spoon the soup into bowls, add your garnishes of choice, and enjoy!
Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (8)
Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (9)

Topping Ideas

We love to load our Thai coconut soup up with all the best toppings! Some of our favorite options include:

  • Chopped Scallions (Green Onions)
  • Cilantro
  • Lime Juice
  • Thai Bird’s Eye Red Peppers
  • Lime Wedges
  • Thai Basil

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat.

Can I Freeze Thai Coconut Soup?

We don’t recommend freezing this soup! The coconut milk will likely separate and become chunky once thawed.

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More of Our Favorite

More Gluten-Free Soup Recipes

  • Thai Curried Carrot Ginger Soup
  • Gluten Free Chicken Pho Gha
  • Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Creamy Vegan Mushroom Soup

Print

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (11)

Thai Coconut Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 26 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Make this easy Thai coconut soup with lemongrass, ginger, chili paste, and coconut milk for a sweet, savory, creamy soup full of flavor and nutrients!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Aromatics/Broth

  • 1 Tablespoon light olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 Tablespoon asian chili paste, adjust to spice preference (see notes)
  • 1 stalk fresh lemongrass, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 23 teaspoons curry powder (see notes)
  • 4 cups organic broth or vegetable stock
  • 2 Tablespoons fish sauce or gluten free soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon raw sugar

Soup

  • 15ounce (2 cups) canned regular or light coconut milk
  • 8 ounces white mushroom caps, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons lime zest (1 lime)
  • Fresh lime juice

For Serving

  • Chopped scallions (green portion)
  • Fresh torn cilantro
  • 2 red Thai peppers (seeds in or removed), sliced for garnishing
  • Optional add-ins: cooked shrimp, chicken, tofu, etc.

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Add ginger, garlic, chili paste, lemongrass, and curry powder. Cook, stirring often, for 1-2 minutes or until very fragrant.
  2. Stir in the broth, fish sauce, and sugar then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Optional but could take away flavor – strain ginger/lemongrass from the broth.
  3. Pour in the coconut milk and stir until creamy. Add the mushrooms and lime zest. Continue to cook on low to medium-low heat until mushrooms are cooked through and soft or about 5 to 8 minutes. If using, the optional protein options can be added with the mushrooms.
  4. Stir in the lime juice; garnish with chopped scallions, cilantro and sliced red Thai pepper, if desired.
  5. Store cooled soup in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

Substitute Tips – 1 ½ Tablespoons lemongrass paste may be substituted for the fresh lemongrass.

Flavor Tips – The type of chili paste and curry powder makes a difference in taste/spiciness so adjust to your liking. I use a mild curry powder because my chili paste is hot, but you can also find hot curry powder such as Hot Madras Curry Powder.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: soup
  • Method: stove top
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 203
  • Sugar: 7.9 g
  • Sodium: 480.1 mg
  • Fat: 13.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12.4 g
  • Fiber: 1.3 g
  • Protein: 7.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (2024)

FAQs

What is Thai coconut soup made of? ›

In large soup pot, heat vegetable or chicken broth and add coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal or ginger, lime leaves, cilantro stems, and red pepper flakes (or Thai chiles). Bring to a boil and then cover and let simmer on low for at least 20 minutes.

Is coconut soup good for you? ›

It uses coconut milk as a base for the soup, which I love because it's one of those nutrient-packed foods that has a ton of health benefits like lowering blood pressure, building muscle, boosting fat loss, and reducing inflammation.

Why is Thai soup so good? ›

Galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass are among the primary ingredients used in Thai soups. Simmering them in broth allows them to release their phytochemicals and nutrients. Their oils have not only a pleasant aroma and taste, but also harbor many health benefits to the digestive system.

Can you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk in curry? ›

It is thicker, has a higher fat content and is scoop-able throughout. Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

What is the most popular Thai soup? ›

Tom Yum soup is the most popular Thai soup. In Thai, “tom” translates into “boiled” and “yum” refers to the traditional sour, salty and spicy flavor found in lots of Thai dishes.

How do you thicken Thai coconut soup? ›

What is a good method for thickening curry if all you have is lite coconut milk? There are plenty of ways to thicken the sauce if you do it right. You can use mashed potatoes or flour. Corn flour can be used as well and you can use cream mixed with coconut milk.

Is it OK to eat coconut everyday? ›

One can consume about 40g coconut per day, and it is okay as long as it is uncooked. Its cholesterol content increases only when you grate it and extract milk and then boil it. The same goes for coconut dry kernel, certain foods taste better when coconut dry kernel is used, but it is not good for health.

Can too much coconut be bad for you? ›

Coconut is high in calories and contains saturated fat, which may be linked to increased cholesterol levels. Check with your healthcare professional about eating it if you have very high cholesterol or are at risk of heart disease.

Is coconut soup good for your stomach? ›

Coconut, a low-carb fruit, is also full of dietary fibres that can help in promoting healthy digestion.

What is the No 1 soup in the world? ›

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

What do Thai people eat with soup? ›

As I wrote in my guide to putting together a balanced Thai meal, soup is usually served alongside other dishes centered around a rice-based meal.

What is the secret of Thai food? ›

So here are the two real tricks to achieving that great Thai taste when cooking at home. Firstly, always use entirely fresh produce whenever you can. Secondly, avoid pre-made or off the shelf seasonings, instead prepare them yourself using the raw ingredients.

What happens if you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk? ›

Can You Replace Coconut Cream with Coconut Milk? The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

Which is better coconut cream or coconut milk? ›

Coconut Cream vs Coconut Milk

Compared to normal coconut milk, coconut cream has a much higher fat content, containing around 19-22% fat. Coconut cream still retains the delicious coconut flavor that coconut milk has, but is much thicker as it is essentially coconut milk with less water.

What is healthier coconut milk or heavy cream? ›

Though coconut cream contains a similar amount of calories as heavy cream, it provides less than half the fat, which might make it a good option if you're limiting your fat intake.

Does Thai coconut soup have sugar? ›

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make Thai coconut soup at home: Cook the ginger, curry paste, and lemongrass in oil. Stir in the broth, brown sugar, and fish sauce.

What is a traditional Thai soup? ›

Tom yum goong maybe the most famous soup of Thailand, but its milder creamier sister, tom kha gai, is my personal favourite. This comforting Thai coconut chicken soup recipe is infused with the classic Thai herbs: lemongrass, galangal, and makrut (kaffir) lime leaves.

What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha? ›

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

What is the history of Thai coconut soup? ›

History. Tom kha is a Thai soup that originated around 1890 and was first recorded in a Thai recipe book. The earliest recorded version of the soup was called Tom kha pet, and it featured duck and young galangal in a coconut milk-based curry.

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