Spicy Thai Coconut Soup
A creamy, tangy, and spicy Thai-inspired soup packed with bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and your choice of protein. Perfect for a cozy meal or an adventurous dinner.
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for removing lemongrass)
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
- 2 stalks lemongrass smashed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegan version
- 2 cups coconut milk full-fat
- 1 tbsp red curry paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce or soy sauce for vegan
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Juice of 2 limes
For the Add-Ins:
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs thinly sliced; or tofu for vegan
- 1 cup mushrooms shiitake or button, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
- 1 –2 red chilies sliced; adjust for spice preference
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh cilantro and Thai basil for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Add the lemongrass, chicken broth, coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Stir in the sliced chicken thighs, mushrooms, bell pepper, snap peas, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for another 10–12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Lime and Spice:
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with more fish sauce, lime juice, or sugar, if needed. Add sliced chilies for extra heat.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, Thai basil, and lime wedges.
Notes
To freeze, omit the vegetables and add fresh ones when reheating.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by using fewer or more chilies.
Adjust the spice level to your preference by using fewer or more chilies.