Description
A warming Thai coconut soup made with creamy coconut milk, tender chicken, mushrooms, and bold aromatics like lemongrass, galangal, and Thai curry paste. Rich, comforting, and adaptable for Whole30, Paleo, and more.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil
½ onion, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
½ red jalapeño pepper, sliced (or 1–3 Thai chiles, halved)
3 slices fresh galangal or ginger (¼-inch thick)
1 stalk lemongrass, pounded and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 teaspoons red Thai curry paste
4 cups vegetable broth (or Whole30-compliant chicken broth)
4 cups full-fat unsweetened coconut milk or cream (from a can)
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
1–2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or 2 tablespoons coconut aminos for Whole30)
1½–2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan option)
2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2–3 green onions, thinly sliced
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Heat coconut oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, jalapeño or Thai chiles, galangal or ginger, lemongrass, and curry paste. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens.
2. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
3. Strain out and discard the aromatics (onion, garlic, ginger/galangal, and lemongrass).
4. Add the coconut milk, chicken pieces, and mushrooms to the broth. Simmer gently until the chicken is fully cooked, about 10–12 minutes.
5. Stir in fish sauce (or soy sauce), coconut sugar (or coconut aminos), and lime juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Serve hot, topped with green onions and fresh cilantro.
Notes
For a vegan version, use tofu and soy sauce instead of chicken and fish sauce.
To adjust spice levels, use jalapeño for mild heat or Thai chiles for extra heat.
Leftovers taste even better the next day and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Healthy Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop simmer
- Cuisine: Thai