Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2024)

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Thai coconut soup is one of my favorite soups to order out at Thai restaurants. Today I’m going to show you how to make it at home.

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (1)

Birmingham folks: this recipe was inspired by (and tastes just like!) the coconut soup at Surin, a popular Thai food spot.

I chose tofu as my protein, because that is how I always order it at Surin. You can use this same soup base with a different protein, if you prefer.

If you want more recipes, check out my vegan soup recipes and all soup recipes.

Ingredients

For tastiest results, always use the best quality ingredients you have access to. To make this Thai coconut soup recipe you will need the following:

  • coconut oil
  • garlic
  • ginger
  • lemongrass (I used squeezable)
  • Thai red curry paste
  • vegetable stock
  • low sodium Tamari or soy sauce
  • maple syrup (or sweetener or choice)
  • unsweetened coconut milk
  • extra firm tofu
  • mushrooms
  • lime juice
  • cilantro
  • green onions

Ingredient notes

  • I love using the lemongrass in those squeezable tubes out of convenience. If you prefer fresh lemongrass, feel free to use that instead.
  • I did use fresh ginger and fresh garlic since I already had some on hand.
  • I keep Tamari in my house, but feel free to use soy sauce in its place.
  • You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer. I have made this with white, baby portabella and sh*take mushrooms, and all were good.

How to make Thai coconut soup

First, prepare the tofu.

Preparing the tofu – tips

I always recommend pressing your tofu first. I got this tofu press on Amazon, and it makes it super easy!

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2)

Alternatively, you can set the tofu on a plate with a clean kitchen towel underneath, and sit something heavy-ish on top, such as a cast iron skillet on top to press out the water.

You want to press it for at least 15 to 30 minutes.

You can dice your tofu in any shape you want. I prefer small, bite-sized cubes.

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (3)

You can see more specific step-by-step instructions for how I dice my tofu in this post – air fryer tofu.

Tofu is already cooked, so when adding it to this Thai coconut soup, it only need to be added at the end – long enough to heat through.👌🏻

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (4)

Cooking Thai coconut soup

Heat the oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, ginger, and garlic and cook about a minute, stirring constantly, being careful not to burn.

Add the curry paste and keep stirring for 30 seconds. Add the vegetable stock, Tamari/ soy sauce, and maple syrup and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer to blend flavors, about 15 minutes.

Stir in the coconut milk, tofu, and mushrooms. Bring back to a boil and cook 1 minute.

Turn off heat, stir in lime juice and taste for seasoning and add salt if desired. (Note: mine was plenty salty enough)

Serve immediately, garnishing each bowl with cilantro and scallions.

Thai coconut soup batch size

This recipe makes eight large, or ten smaller servings.

Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (5)

If you are cooking for only one or two people, I recommend cutting the recipe in half. You can do this in the recipe card below, by using the slider to cut the servings to 5, instead of 10.

I like to have leftovers, and this Thai coconut soup does reheat well. Please note that the coconut milk will cause some separation when refrigerated. It will re combine once heated.👌🏻

Storage

Store leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. This soup os great reheated, and I enjoy having leftovers reheated for lunch for days.

Please note that the coconut milk fat will separate out during refrigeration. It will rise to the top. No worries, this will re incorporate with heating and stirring.

Thai Coconut Soup Recipe

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Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (6)

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Thai Coconut Soup (Vegan)

Thai coconut soup is one of my favorite soups to order out at Thai restaurants, and it happens to be vegan. With tofu + mushrooms

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Thai

Keyword coconut tofu soup, Thai coconut soup, vegan Thai coconut soup

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 10

Calories 240 kcal

Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger grated
  • 2 1/2 Tablespoons lemongrass (I used squeezable)
  • 2.5 teaspoons Thai red curry paste
  • 6 cups vegetable stock (omnivores feel free to sub chicken stock)
  • 3 tablespoons low sodium Tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon 100% maple syrup (or sweetener or choice)
  • 28 ounces unsweetened coconut milk (two 14-ounce cans)
  • 16 ounces extra firm tofu (1 block, pressed, drained and diced)
  • 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (sliced, I used white mushrooms)
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves chopped or torn
  • 2 green onions sliced thin

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

  2. Add the lemon grass, ginger, and garlic and cook about a minute, stirring constantly, being careful not to burn.

  3. Add the curry paste and keep stirring for 30 seconds.

  4. Add the vegetable stock, tamari/ soy sauce, and maple syrup and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  5. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer to blend flavors, about 15 minutes.

  6. Stir in the coconut milk, tofu, and mushrooms. Bring back to a boil and cook 1 minute.

  7. Turn off heat, stir in lime juice and taste for seasoning and add salt if desired. (Note: mine was plenty salty enough)

  8. Serve immediately, garnishing each bowl with cilantro and scallions.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Nutritional information is approximate and was calculated using a recipe nutrition label generator.

Nutrition Facts

Thai Coconut Soup (Vegan)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 240 Calories from Fat 189

% Daily Value*

Fat 21g32%

Saturated Fat 18g113%

Sodium 908mg39%

Potassium 397mg11%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 7g14%

Vitamin A 550IU11%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 37mg4%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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  2. Vegetable Barley Soup
  3. White Bean Soup (easy, vegan)
  4. Slow Cooker Black Bean Soup
Vegan Thai Coconut Soup Recipe - A Pinch of Healthy (2024)

FAQs

Is Thai coconut soup good for you? ›

Tom Kha is a traditional chicken and coconut soup from Thailand. The recipe calls for many delicious spices that give the soup its characteristic mix of hot, tart, and umami flavors. Tom Kha soup is perfect if you have blood sugar problems or want to lose weight. It is low in carbohydrates and yet very satisfying.

How many calories are in Thai coconut milk soup? ›

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
223Calories
18gFat
12gCarbs
7gProtein

What's the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha? ›

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

How many carbs are in Thai coconut chicken soup? ›

Save On Foods Kitchen Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (250 ml) contains 10g total carbs, 9g net carbs, 13g fat, 9g protein, and 200 calories.

Is Thai coconut high in sugar? ›

Besides being fabulous because it has low sugar, young Thai coconuts are fabulous for containing carbohydrates and calories and an instant reservoir for vitamins and minerals.

Are Thai soups healthy? ›

Most of the soups are broth-based

As you may know, bone broths are excellent for healing and nourishing the gut lining. They contain nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, amino acids, and glutamine. These are not only easy to digest but also contain anti-inflammatory properties.

Is coconut milk in Thai food healthy? ›

Through the use of spices like turmeric, coriander, and ginger, our digestive system can reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. The use of coconut milk in Thai cuisine also helps with digestive health. Coconut milk improves gut health and makes food digestion easier in the body.

Is Thai coconut milk healthy? ›

Health benefits of coconut milk. Coconut milk may benefit health in several ways, such as by stimulating weight loss and lowering cholesterol. It can also add flavor to sweet and savory dishes and serve as an alternative to dairy milk.

Is Tom Kha or tom yum healthier? ›

Tom yum has fewer than 100 calories per cup. It also has shrimp, veggies, and fragrant spices, such as lemongrass. Tom yum and other broth-based soups, like tofu-vegetable or wonton, are usually lower in fat and calories than soups made with coconut milk, such as tom kha.

Why does tom yum taste so good? ›

For most varieties a paste called nam phrik phao (Thai: น้ำพริกเผา) is also added, made from shrimp, chilis, shallots, and garlic. This imparts sweet, salty, and spicy tastes. Yet other ingredients may also be used, depending on the exact variety of tom yam, such as evaporated milk.

Is Tom Kha just tom yum with coconut milk? ›

What is Tom Kah Gai? It's a spicy Thai coconut soup with galangal and chicken. Tom Kha is a creamy-spicy soup, made with coconut milk, whereas Tom Yum is a non-creamy, hot and sour soup, often containing prawns (shrimp).

Can I eat tom yum soup on keto? ›

If you are a soup lover, Tom Yum and Tom Kha soups are both Keto-friendly. For a more filling option, you can ask for various meats or seafoods to be added. These aren't like bland American soups.

Does Thai coconut soup have carbs? ›

Desiam Thai Coconut Soup Tom Kha (1 bag) contains 7g total carbs, 7g net carbs, 1.5g fat, 0g protein, and 40 calories.

How many calories are in Thai coconut shrimp soup? ›

Marina Del Rey Thai Shrimp Coconut Soup (1 bowl) contains 16g total carbs, 14g net carbs, 16g fat, 8g protein, and 240 calories.

What are the benefits of coconut soup? ›

Packed with powerhouse superfoods, the ingredients in this soup are packed with many health benefits. Coconut Milk contains antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is known to increase levels of HDL cholesterol in the body which protects the blood vessel lining.

Are Thai coconuts healthy? ›

Coconuts are filled with vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. This fruit has less sugar and sodium content compared to energy drinks. Yet, it's filled with potassium, calcium, and chloride. All these replenish the body and boost energy levels.

How healthy is Thai soup? ›

with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, abilities in lowering cholesterol levels, antibacterial and antifungal properties great for heart disease, candida, soothes achy joints, rheumatism, cough and nausea problems, anti-aging properties.

How much sugar is in Thai coconut soup? ›

Nutrition
% DV*% DV*
Total Carb.13g 5%22g 8%
Dietary Fiber2g 7%4g 14%
Total Sugars5g9g
Incl. Added Sugars1g 2%2g 4%
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