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.

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (2)

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!

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (3)
  • 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.
Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (6)
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.

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (10)

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

Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (12)

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Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe | Cotter Crunch (2024)

FAQs

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

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 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.

How to thicken laksa broth? ›

If you don't want to change the coconut-rich flavor, use coconut flour for thickening the same as you would wheat or other flour. Remove some stock from the pot, let it cool, mix into it until you have a slurry, then return the slurry to the pot while constantly stirring and bring to a boil until thickened.

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.

What if I accidentally used coconut cream instead of coconut milk? ›

If you accidentally purchased coconut cream when you meant to buy coconut milk (or vice versa), don't fret! You can use either of these as a substitute for each other.

What does tom yum mean in English? ›

Originated in Thailand, this is sometimes called Tom Yam and is a soup that normally includes shrimp in a hot and sour serving. The words Tom Yam mean “boiling” or “hot” and “spicy and sour” which perfectly describes this soup. As a staple Thai dish, this famous Tom Yum Goong is served in Thai Square.

What is Thailand favorite soup? ›

Tom Yum Noodle Soup is a spicy and sour soup full of flavor. It is made from rice noodles, shrimp, chicken or pork, mushrooms and is flavored with lemongrass, camphor lime leaves and galangal. Tom Yum is a popular Thai soup and the addition of noodles makes it even more filling.

What does Tom mean in Thai? ›

The Thai word for “boil” or tom (pronounced “dtome”) features prominently on Thai menus and tom yum goong is probably one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world.

What can I add to soup to make it rich? ›

Add Cream: Let's get the obvious one out of the way.

Whether you use a few tablespoons or a few cups, cream gives soup a silky mouthfeel and rich flavor. You can definitely add milk or other dairy as well, though it will taste gradually less creamy as you go down in percent.

What is the secret to soup? ›

7 Tips for Successful Soup Making
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. It is worth investing in a heavy pot with a thick bottom to use for making soup. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What is the best thickener for soup? ›

About this method: One of the most common ways to thicken sauces and soups is with a starch-based slurry, and cornstarch is a popular choice. Cornstarch is flavorless, easy to mix up, and versatile, which makes it a go-to pantry ingredient.

How to thicken coconut soup? ›

Almond butter

Almond butter is a versatile thickening agent used in everything from soup blends to baked goods. It also has a slightly sweet taste, which is excellent for soups with a sweeter taste like pumpkin and carrot soup and coconut-based soups.

Does boiling coconut milk thicken it? ›

Make sure to shake the can of coconut milk before opening to ensure it is not separated. Add 1/2 the can to the pot. Bring to boil, reduce temperature and allow the mixture to reduce to almost a paste like texture. This will allow the coconut flavors to intensify, and give you a thicker starting point.

Is canned coconut milk the same as coconut cream? ›

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 the best substitute for coconut milk in curry? ›

8 best substitutes for coconut milk
  • Shredded coconut (and a blender)
  • Coconut cream.
  • Plant-based milk and coconut oil.
  • Coconut water and plant-based milk.
  • Coconut cream.
  • Milk or plant-based milk.
  • Evaporated milk.
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half.
Dec 30, 2022

How to use coconut cream for curry? ›

Coconut cream is usually added at the end of cooking, when other ingredients have already been simmered together. This ensures that the coconut cream doesn't curdle or separate from the rest of the curry.

Can I use coconut cream in Thai curry? ›

Just do it. Super creamy and lush, thanks to the coconut cream, level the spice just where you want it and then let your Thai-inspired yellow curry dreams come true. Impeccably savory with a teensy bit of sweet, scooped over a bed of steamy rice.

Does Thai curry use coconut cream or milk? ›

The majority of Thai curries are made with coconut milk as the main liquid, which produces creamier curries, but they're not necessarily “rich.” The amount of coconut milk can vary by quite a lot, depending on the texture one is looking for: massaman curry, for example, is quite rich because it uses coconut milk and is ...

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