Thai Coconut Peanut Soup

Sharing is caring!

A Soul-Warming Thai-Inspired Delight

When the weather turns chilly or your soul needs a warm, flavorful embrace, this Thai Coconut Peanut Soup offers the perfect blend of creamy richness, spice, and umami depth. Imagine the comforting aroma of coconut milk simmering gently with garlic, ginger, and a medley of vegetables, perfectly balanced with the nuttiness of creamy peanut butter and a hint of lime. This is not just soup; it’s an experience—a comforting, invigorating bowl that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful.

Rooted in the culinary traditions of Thai cuisine, this soup takes a few liberties to accommodate ingredients easily found in American kitchens while retaining the authentic harmony of flavors. The result is a dish that feels exotic yet approachable, spicy yet soothing, hearty yet fresh. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or someone seeking a new cozy favorite, this soup has something for you.

Peanut butter may sound like an unusual ingredient for a soup, but in Southeast Asian cooking, it plays a critical role in adding body and flavor to sauces and soups. When combined with coconut milk and curry paste, it creates a luxuriously creamy base that’s bold, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of spicy. The addition of shredded chicken or tofu makes it a complete meal, while the fresh lime and cilantro add brightness and lift.

One of the beautiful things about this soup is its flexibility. You can adjust the heat level with more or less curry paste, choose your favorite vegetables, and swap out the protein to fit your dietary preferences. It’s a meal that adapts to your mood and your pantry.

What makes this soup shine, though, is the texture. Between the creamy broth, the tender vegetables, and the crunch from chopped peanuts and scallions sprinkled on top, every bite is layered and interesting. It’s the kind of meal that keeps you coming back for just one more bite.

If you love Thai takeout or are craving a bowl of something both nourishing and satisfying, this recipe will quickly become a staple. It brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen without requiring any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Best of all, it comes together in under 45 minutes, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners.

The bold flavors of red curry and ginger are mellowed beautifully by the creaminess of peanut butter and coconut milk. A splash of soy sauce adds savory depth, while a squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness with a burst of acidity. It’s a symphony of flavors that works in perfect harmony.

Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is also nourishing. Packed with healthy fats from coconut milk and peanuts, lean protein from chicken or tofu, and plenty of vegetables, it’s a bowl that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional goals.

For those with dietary restrictions, this soup is easily adaptable. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, and it can be made vegetarian or vegan by choosing plant-based protein options. The ingredients are pantry-friendly and budget-conscious, making it as practical as it is delicious.

If you’re entertaining guests or cooking for your family, this Thai Coconut Peanut Soup is guaranteed to impress. The aroma alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, and the flavors will have them asking for seconds.

Whether served on its own or alongside a bowl of jasmine rice, this soup is hearty enough for dinner but light enough to leave you feeling good afterward. It’s perfect for meal prep too—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.

Let’s not forget the color! This soup is a feast for the eyes with its warm golden hue, bright green herbs, and red specks from the curry paste. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab your camera before your spoon.

From the first simmer to the final bite, making this soup is a joyful process. It’s an act of self-care, a way to bring a little culinary adventure to your routine, and most of all, a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Make it once, and this Thai Coconut Peanut Soup will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Servings

4 servings

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or tofu cubes
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped peanuts, scallions, and fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, ginger, and red curry paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the peanut butter and stir until melted and combined.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
5. Add soy sauce and brown sugar if using. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
6. Add shredded chicken or tofu, red bell pepper, and carrots. Simmer for 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook just until wilted.
8. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
9. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped peanuts, scallions, and cilantro.

Tips

• For more heat, add a dash of sriracha or extra curry paste.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Swap in your favorite veggies like zucchini or mushrooms.
• Make it vegan by using tofu and vegetable broth.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Thai Coconut Peanut Soup is a flavorful fusion of comfort and spice, perfect for when you want something a little different yet totally satisfying. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients—an easy one-pot meal that brings joy to both the cook and the eater.

Summary

A creamy, nutty, spicy, and deeply satisfying Thai Coconut Peanut Soup that’s quick to make, highly adaptable, and utterly craveable. It’s an irresistible blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to become a household favorite.