As the sun sets on a chilly evening, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm, flavorful bowl of soup to lift your spirits. And when it comes to soups that pack a punch, few cuisines can rival the bold and spicy flavors of Thailand. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 18 mouth-watering Thai soup recipes that are sure to spice up your dinner routine.
From classic favorites like Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup) and Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup), to innovative twists like Thai Coconut Seafood Soup and Spicy Thai Noodle Soup with Lemongrass, these recipes showcase the best of Thailand’s rich and varied culinary heritage. So sit back, get ready to sweat, and let’s dive into the world of spicy Thai soups!
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this classic Tom Yum Goong recipe, featuring succulent shrimp in a spicy and sour broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 cup tom yum paste (or make your own using lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, garlic, and chilies)
– 4-6 shrimp (peeled and deveined), rinsed under cold water
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
2. Add tom yum paste; stir constantly for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add shrimp and cook until pink and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Chicken Soup)
A creamy and aromatic Thai soup that combines the richness of coconut milk with the flavors of chicken, lemongrass, and galangal. Perfect for a cozy meal or as a comforting remedy.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2 inches galangal, sliced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add garlic, lemongrass, galangal, ginger, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in coconut milk and stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Hot and Sour Soup with Mushrooms
This spicy and tangy soup is a twist on the classic Thai hot and sour soup, adding earthy flavor from sautéed mushrooms. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 cup tamarind paste
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/2 cup tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add garlic, ginger, and mushrooms; cook until mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown.
2. Add broth, tamarind paste, fish sauce, lime juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in tofu and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Coconut Seafood Soup
This creamy and flavorful soup is a popular Thai dish that combines succulent seafood with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, clams)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 can coconut milk
– 4 cups fish broth
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
3. Add ginger and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add mixed seafood and cook until pink and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in coconut milk, fish broth, and curry paste.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Thai Noodle Soup with Lemongrass
This fragrant and spicy soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, made with a flavorful broth, tender noodles, and aromatic lemongrass. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake and cremini)
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and lemongrass; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in broth, coconut milk, curry paste, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over noodles. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Pumpkin Curry Soup
Warm up with this creamy and aromatic Thai-inspired soup that combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the spicy kick of curry.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium pumpkin, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste; cook for an additional minute.
3. Add pumpkin, broth, and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pumpkin is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Beef Noodle Soup (Kuay Teow Neua)
This comforting and flavorful soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, made with tender beef, springy noodles, and a rich broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (rare steak or sirloin)
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups bean sprouts
– 1 cup rice noodles
– 2 tablespoons fish sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon palm sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook beef strips in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, onion, and bean sprouts; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Add beef broth, water, fish sauce, soy sauce, and palm sugar to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Add cooked beef back into the pot; stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Clear Soup with Tofu and Vegetables
This light and refreshing soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, perfect for warm days or as a soothing comfort food. This recipe combines the simplicity of clear broth with the richness of tofu and an array of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, baby corn)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine broth, tofu, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Coconut Corn Soup
Thai Coconut Corn Soup Recipe
Summary: This creamy and aromatic soup combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of coconut milk, spices, and herbs, creating a flavorful and comforting dish inspired by Thai cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the corn kernels, coconut milk, broth, ginger, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-17 minutes
Thai Lemongrass and Ginger Soup
This fragrant and flavorful soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, made with the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. This recipe is a simplified version of the traditional dish, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup coconut milk
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add ginger and lemongrass; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add garlic, broth, coconut milk, and fish sauce (if using). Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Thai Spicy Basil Soup with Pork
Thai Spicy Basil Soup with Pork: A flavorful and spicy soup that combines the richness of pork with the bold flavors of Thai basil.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves, chopped
– 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (depending on desired spiciness)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Pour in chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until pork is tender.
4. Stir in chopped basil and sliced chilies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Glass Noodle Soup (Yen Ta Fo)
A comforting and flavorful Thai soup made with clear broth, glass noodles, and a variety of vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup glass noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup bean sprouts
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring the broth to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add the glass noodles, onion, garlic, carrot, and mushrooms. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Add the bean sprouts and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Season with soy sauce and oyster sauce (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with cilantro or scallions.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Coconut Lime Soup with Chicken
This creamy and refreshing soup is a perfect blend of Thai flavors, featuring juicy chicken, fragrant coconut milk, and the brightness of lime. A comforting and flavorful meal that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, ginger, and curry paste; cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk, broth, and lime juice. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Spicy Squid Soup
This spicy and sour soup is a popular Thai dish that’s both flavorful and refreshing. With its bold flavors and tender squid, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cleaned and cut squid
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cups fish stock
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic, ginger, and onion; cook until softened.
2. Add squid, fish stock, coconut milk, and curry paste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Thai Herbal Fish Soup (Tom Som Pla)
A fragrant and comforting Thai soup that combines the freshness of fish with the warmth of aromatic herbs. This recipe is a perfect representation of traditional Thai cooking, where simplicity meets depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 whole fish (mackerel or tilapia work well), cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 inches lemongrass, bruised
– 2 kaffir lime leaves
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon Thai fish sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon palm sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups water
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add garlic, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves; sauté until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add ginger, fish sauce, palm sugar, and salt; stir to combine.
4. Add fish pieces and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Coconut Vegetable Soup
This creamy and comforting Thai-inspired soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Aromatic vegetables, rich coconut milk, and subtle spices come together to create a deliciously healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, mushrooms)
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add mixed vegetables; cook until tender (5-6 minutes).
4. Pour in coconut milk, broth, ginger, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Spicy Duck Soup
This spicy and savory soup is a popular Thai dish that combines the richness of duck with the bold flavors of chilies, lemongrass, and galangal. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice for a comforting and authentic Thai meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless duck breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4-6 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 2-inch piece galangal, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 4 cups duck broth or chicken broth
– 1 cup coconut milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add duck and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chilies, lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and onion. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Thai Lemongrass and Galangal Soup with Shrimp
A fragrant and flavorful soup that combines the bold flavors of Thailand, this recipe is a perfect blend of lemongrass, galangal, and succulent shrimp. Serve it as a starter or main course for an authentic Thai dining experience.
Ingredients:
– 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
– 1-inch piece of fresh galangal, sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cups chicken or fish stock
– 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add lemongrass, galangal, onion, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in stock and fish sauce (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these 18 mouth-watering Thai soup recipes! From classic Tom Yum Goong and Tom Kha Gai, to unique variations like Spicy Thai Noodle Soup with Lemongrass and Thai Coconut Corn Soup, there’s something for every palate. Discover the bold flavors of Thailand with this collection of spicy and savory soups, featuring a range of ingredients like shrimp, chicken, beef, tofu, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting or light and refreshing, these recipes are sure to become new favorites.
