Spicy Coconut and Lemongrass Thai Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant Thai-inspired soup with creamy coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, and a kick of red chili for warmth and depth. This thai-inspired game day (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs coconut milk, chicken broth, inch piece, thinly sliced galangal root for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 220 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 400 ml coconut milk, 3 cups chicken broth, 1 bruised lemongrass stalk cut into 3-inch pieces, 1-inch sliced galangal root, 1 sliced small red chili, and 3 torn lime leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 8 oz thinly sliced chicken breast and 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the pot. Simmer for 7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 2 tbsp lime juice, adjusting seasoning to taste. Remove lemongrass stalk, galangal, and lime leaves.
  4. Step 4: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Coconut and Lemongrass Thai Soup take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Coconut and Lemongrass Thai Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep coconut milk from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Coconut and Lemongrass Thai Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Coconut and Lemongrass Thai Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Spicy Coconut and Lemongrass Thai Soup gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying