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The Best Thai Coconut Soup

A bowl of Thai coconut soup with chicken, mushrooms, and red bell pepper garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge

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This Thai coconut soup is authentic, rich, and easy to make in 30 minutes. The secret is blooming lemongrass and red curry paste in hot oil before adding the creamy full-fat coconut milk broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 (4-inch) stalk lemongrass, tender inner part only, minced
  • 3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
  • 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 (14-ounce) can chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add lemongrass and red curry paste; cook and stir for 1 minute until the paste darkens slightly and smells fragrant.
  2. Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth. Stir well to incorporate the curry paste. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat – do not boil hard.
  3. Stir in fish sauce and brown sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Add chicken pieces, mushrooms, and red bell pepper. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in fresh cilantro and lime juice.
  6. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest broth. Lite coconut milk will work but produces a thinner result.
  • Only use the tender inner part of the lemongrass stalk – the outer layers are too fibrous to eat.
  • Shrimp or firm tofu can be substituted for chicken. Shrimp cooks in 3 to 4 minutes; add tofu in the last 5 minutes.
  • Freezing is not recommended as coconut milk separates upon thawing. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

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