Craving something bold, creamy, and packed with exotic flavor? Look no further than this spicy Thai coconut soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai. This authentic dish combines the rich, velvety taste of coconut milk with zesty lime, spicy chili, and fragrant herbs to create a warming and satisfying soup.
It’s perfect for cold nights or whenever you need a bowl full of comfort and spice. Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food lover or a curious home cook looking to spice things up, this recipe is quick, simple, and bursting with flavor.
Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegetarian. This SEO-friendly Thai coconut soup recipe will be your new go-to meal, impressing guests and warming your soul with every spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons red Thai curry paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 stalk lemongrass (smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 slices galangal or ginger
- 2 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
- 1 pound boneless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Thai chili or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
Step 1:
Heat coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in red curry paste and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Step 2:
Add coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal or ginger, and lime leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes, letting the herbs infuse the broth with deep, citrusy flavors.
Step 3:
Stir in chicken slices and mushrooms. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked and mushrooms are tender, about 5–7 minutes. Don’t let it boil hard.
Step 4:
Add fish sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add Thai chili or red pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
Step 5:
Remove lemongrass and lime leaves. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with jasmine rice or enjoy it on its own.
Bottom Line
The best spicy Thai coconut soup recipe, also called Tom Kha Gai, brings together the rich, soothing flavor of coconut milk with bold and aromatic Thai spices. With ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, red curry paste, and lime, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and sweet.
It’s easy to customize—swap chicken for tofu or shrimp, adjust the spice level, or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. This soup not only satisfies cravings for comfort food but also impresses with its authentic Southeast Asian flavors. Rich in antioxidants and immune-boosting ingredients, it’s both nourishing and delicious.
Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for one or cooking for guests, this spicy Thai coconut soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Make it once, and you’ll keep coming back to its creamy, spicy goodness.