A fragrant, creamy coconut broth built on red curry paste, lemongrass and lime — comforting the way only a Tom Kha-style soup can be.
Tips for the best Thai Coconut Curry Soup
- Fry the curry paste in the oil for a minute before adding liquid. It wakes up the aromatics.
- Remove the lemongrass and galangal before serving: they are there for flavour, not for eating.
- Add the lime juice at the end, off the heat, so it stays bright.
Ingredient swaps
- No galangal? Fresh ginger works.
- No lemongrass? A strip of lime zest adds a similar citrus note.
- Some red curry pastes contain shrimp paste. Check the label if you are cooking vegan.
- Swap tofu for chicken or prawns if you are not vegetarian.
Thai Coconut Curry Soup
A fragrant, creamy coconut broth built on red curry paste, lemongrass and lime — comforting the way only a Tom Kha-style soup can be.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot and fry the curry paste for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the lemongrass, galangal and vegetable broth, and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse.
- Stir in the coconut milk, mushrooms and tofu, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Remove the lemongrass pieces, then stir in the soy sauce and lime juice.
- Ladle over bowls of jasmine rice and finish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Fish out the lemongrass and galangal before serving — they’re for flavour, not for eating.
What to serve with it
- Thai Basil Chicken, for a Thai dinner
- Air Fryer Crispy Tofu, as a crunchy topping
- Mango Lassi, to drink
Storing and reheating
Keep the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days, with the rice stored separately. Reheat gently and do not let it boil hard, so the coconut milk stays smooth.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thai coconut curry soup vegan?
It can be. Use vegetable broth, tofu and a curry paste without shrimp paste.
Can I use light coconut milk?
Yes, but the soup will be thinner and less rich.
Is this the same as tom kha?
It is inspired by Thai coconut soups like tom kha, with red curry paste added for more depth.
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