The Best Thai Coconut Soup Recipe
This Thai coconut soup recipe is the perfect blend of rich, velvety coconut milk and savory spices, bringing a taste of Thailand straight to your home kitchen. Here's how to make this delicious, restaurant-worthy dish.
What is Thai Coconut Soup?
Also known as Tom Kha Kai, Thai coconut soup is a fragrant, creamy soup made with coconut milk and typically served hot. While traditional versions of this soup included duck, modern recipes often feature chicken or shrimp as the protein.
How to Make Thai Coconut Soup
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to prepare this flavorful soup at home:
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons of red curry paste, and 1 stalk of minced lemongrass. Cook and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Gradually stir in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add 3 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 cans (13.5 ounces each) of coconut milk and pound of fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms become soft.
- Step 4: Add 1 pound of peeled and deveined medium shrimp to the soup. Cook until the shrimp are no longer translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Season with salt to taste and garnish with cup of chopped fresh cilantro.
How to Store Thai Coconut Soup
Store any leftover soup in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can You Freeze Thai Coconut Soup?
Its not recommended to freeze Thai coconut soup as the coconut milk may separate during thawing, affecting the texture and flavor.
Recipe Tips
- For an alternative protein, you can substitute chicken for shrimp.
- If you can't find fresh lemongrass, try using 1 tablespoon of lemongrass paste instead.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 368
- Fat: 33g (42% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 28g (138% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 86mg (29% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 579mg (25% Daily Value)
- Carbohydrates: 9g (3% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
- Protein: 13g (26% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 5mg (5% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 50mg (4% Daily Value)
- Iron: 7mg (38% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 451mg (10% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Comments
Kimberly Nguyen
09/28/2025 04:27:43 AM
Wow, this dish was fantastic! My boyfriend devoured it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it as well. Unfortunately, my sister wasn't a fan of the lemongrass chunks. Personally, I loved them, but if they're not your thing, you could consider using lemongrass paste instead. Overall, this recipe was quick, simple, and incredibly comforting. Highly recommend!
Cynthia Hall
09/29/2025 09:55:24 AM
My husband's exact words were, "This recipe is a keeper!" Whether fresh or as leftovers, it tastes just as amazing. I opted for 2 cups of chicken instead of shrimp and 1 tablespoon of lemongrass paste since our store was out of lemongrass. Following recommendations from other reviewers, I sautéed the mushrooms and used two cans of coconut milk instead of three. Let me tell you, this soup is absolutely delicious!
Anna Hill
09/26/2025 02:55:34 PM
Great base recipe! I made a few tweaks to suit my ingredients on hand. I didn't have lemongrass, so I used 3-4 tablespoons (not teaspoons) of red curry paste. With 2 cans of coconut milk, the broth turned out delicious. I swapped grocery store oil for tallow from my farmer friend. I found jarred minced ginger convenient to use. Although I forgot the brown sugar and skipped the salt, the Better Than Bouillon chicken base worked well. I incorporated large shrimp, sliced red and yellow peppers, green beans, scallions, and Bella mushrooms. Following the recipe's recommendation, I added fish sauce, cilantro, and lime. I served the dish over Basmati rice and rice noodles. It was a hit with my husband, who added hot sauce for extra heat. He suggested more shrimp, scallops, or fish next time. My 12-year-old stepson enjoyed it too and suggested more noodles and shrimp. This was my first attempt at a Thai red curry soup, and I'll definitely make it again. Lime leaves and red chili could be nice additions, and I might try adding peas next time - feel free to customize to your liking!
Paul Taylor
09/29/2025 06:55:19 AM
Excellent recipe that is perfect for the whole family. I left out the fish sauce because of an allergy and substituted chicken for it. To lower the fat content, I used 2 cans of light coconut milk. For an extra kick of spice, you can drizzle some sriracha in your own bowl. I added salt to taste afterwards. This recipe has definitely earned a spot in my regular lineup. Thank you!
Kenneth Collins
09/29/2025 08:04:19 AM
I followed the recipe closely, substituting chicken for shrimp, but found it lacking in flavor. After doubling the lemongrass and adding a full tablespoon of red curry paste, it was significantly improved.
Patricia Wright
09/26/2025 11:36:58 AM
I followed the recipe but made one addition. I had some anchovies leftover from my pizza night, so I decided to toss them in as well.
Betty Rodriguez
09/27/2025 10:19:17 AM
I have prepared this dish several times using shrimp, and today I decided to try it with chicken. To suit my taste for spiciness, I consistently double the amount of red curry sauce and use only one can of coconut milk - three cans would be excessive. Additionally, I incorporated bell peppers and spaghetti noodles for added substance and texture.
Emma Hernandez
09/27/2025 03:03:49 AM
Simple to prepare with just a few ingredients, bursting with delectable flavors!
Jonathan Gomez
09/28/2025 10:08:12 PM
This dish was absolutely amazing! I couldn't get enough of it—I ended up having three servings! I diced chicken and cooked it in a skillet, along with green beans, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Everything turned out perfectly cooked and flavorful. I substituted oyster sauce for fish sauce as my husband has a fish allergy, and it worked out great. I will definitely be making this dish over and over again—it was truly delicious!
Ashley Campbell
09/26/2025 08:27:02 PM
I absolutely loved this dish! It was bursting with flavors and tasted almost like the Thai soup you get at a restaurant. To enhance the taste, I threw in some tomato pieces and sprinkled crushed red peppers on top for an added kick of spice.