How to Make the Perfect Thai Coconut Lemongrass Soup
Thai · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
This fragrant Thai soup combines creamy coconut milk with bright lemongrass and tender mushrooms for a truly aromatic experience. It is a classic Tom Kha Gai style bowl that balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors beautifully.
Why this recipe works
This Thai Coconut Lemongrass Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 280 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 500 g chicken breast sliced thin
- 2 stalks lemongrass bruised and chopped
- 200 g oyster mushrooms
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Pour coconut milk and 400ml water into a medium pot over medium heat. Add the bruised lemongrass stalks and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Mushrooms
Slide the sliced chicken breast into the simmering broth and cook for 8 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Add the oyster mushrooms and continue simmering for another 3 minutes until they are tender.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Stir in the fish sauce and taste the broth. Adjust seasoning if needed by adding more fish sauce for saltiness. Remove the lemongrass pieces before serving.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. Stir well and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced red chili if desired.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken breast → firm tofu for a vegetarian version
- fish sauce → soy sauce for a vegetarian or vegan option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the coconut milk too vigorously which causes it to separate and become grainy
- Forgetting to remove the lemongrass stalks before serving which creates an unpleasant chewy texture
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 280 calories, 18g protein, 12g carbs, 19g fat, 2g fiber.
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