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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Print

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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Related posts:

  1. Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
  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

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%
6 more rows

Is coconut soup good for diabetics? ›

While coconut does contain natural sugars and carbohydrates, research suggests that it may have some potential benefits for people with diabetes. Coconut has a low glycemic index, which can cause a slower rise in blood sugar levels than high glycemic index foods.

Is coconut soup high in cholesterol? ›

You'll only get cholesterol in your diet from animal-based foods. Coconut is naturally free of cholesterol, whether you have raw coconut meat, coconut milk, coconut water or coconut oil. The controversy behind the link of coconut and cholesterol, however, lies in its saturated fat content.

Is Tom Kha soup good when you're sick? ›

Ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and lemongrass support your immune system. So the soup is perfect during the cold and flu season, for recovery from an illness, or just for boosting immunity and preventing infections. There are many variations to Tom Kha soup, and this recipe is my take on the classic.

Are Thai soups healthy? ›

Galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass are among the primary ingredients used in Thai soups. Simmering them in broth allows them to release their phytochemicals and nutrients. Their oils have not only a pleasant aroma and taste, but also harbor many health benefits to the digestive system.

Are Thai coconuts healthy? ›

Thai Nam Hom coconuts are a treasure trove of essential nutrients. They contain significant amounts of vitamins, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and various B vitamins. These vitamins play vital roles in supporting overall health, boosting immunity, and promoting optimal bodily functions.

Does coconut spike blood sugar? ›

Coconut can be a healthy choice for people with diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index (GI) of 51. Coconut is also a good source of fibre, which can help in controlling blood sugar levels. . People with diabetes must aim for at least 25 grams of fibre daily.

Does coconut sugar spike insulin? ›

If you are looking for a natural, plant-based sweetener to keep your blood glucose and energy levels up, coconut sugar is the ideal choice. Lower chances of a blood sugar spike. Per serving, coconut sugar contains a small amount of inulin, a type of soluble fiber that can make post-meal blood sugar spikes less likely.

Does almond milk spike insulin? ›

Almond milk: The fat in almond milk is predominantly monounsaturated fat. Eating more of this fat and less carbohydrates or saturated fat may help control blood sugar and improve insulin resistance.

Should you avoid coconut if you have high cholesterol? ›

Myth: Coconut oil is a heart-healthy cooking alternative.

The reality: Coconut oil has been shown to raise cholesterol levels — the good and the bad kinds — more than other plant-based oils like olive or canola. And in truth, medium-chain triglycerides make up only a small amount of the fatty acids in coconut oil.

Can I eat spaghetti if I have high cholesterol? ›

Pasta can be bad for cholesterol, as can other refined carbohydrates such as white bread and white rice. Pasta doesn't contain cholesterol, but it is high in carbohydrates. Some types of carbohydrates can affect cholesterol levels, so it's important to eat the right kind of pasta along with healthier sauces and sides.

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.

Does Thai food have a lot of sugar? ›

Most of Thai sugar consumption comes from green tea (13 teaspoons of sugar) and soft drinks (9 teaspoons), which contain a dangerously high amount of sugar content. Moreover, many popular dishes in Thailand often add extra free sugar.

How much sugar is in Thai coconut water? ›

Nutrition Information
Coconut Water 100% OriginalCoconut Water with Thai Lime
Carbohydrate of which Sugars5.5 g 4.5 g5.9 g 5.0 g
Fibre0 g0 g
Protein0 g0 g
Salt0.06 g0.05 g
4 more rows

Why is Thai coconut so sweet? ›

Ratchaburi Province, home to Copra's factory and source of all its coconuts, is an agricultural powerhouse in Thailand because of its soil and weather. Its dark, mineral-rich soil, abundant water and year-round sun ensure that the coconuts are extremely sweet.

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