Thai Coconut Lime Soup with Prawns and Mushrooms

Fragrant Thai coconut lime soup sits in the same bright, aromatic family as tom kha, with coconut milk softened by lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaf rather than heavy richness. The broth should stay gently simmered so the aromatics remain clear and the prawns cook just until tender. Mushrooms add savoury depth, while fish sauce and fresh lime bring the salty-sour finish that makes this style of soup so refreshing. Light enough as a starter but satisfying with rice alongside, it is a quick, flexible bowl with clean heat and a vivid citrus lift.
Cuisine style Thai coconut soup
Spice level Mild
Cooking style One-pot cooking • Minimal cleanup
Time commitment Under 1 hour

Why this recipe works

  • Aromatic broth: Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf and galangal infuse the coconut milk with classic Thai fragrance before the prawns are added.
  • Bright but creamy: Fresh lime juice and fish sauce sharpen the richness of the coconut milk, keeping the soup light rather than heavy.
  • Fast-cooking seafood: Prawns cook in just a few minutes, making this a practical soup with a fresh, delicate finish.

Get the most out of this recipe

Adjust the heat

  • For a gentler broth: Use less dried chilli or remove it after the broth has infused for a softer background warmth.
  • For more heat: Add extra dried chilli or a little chilli flakes while the aromatics simmer, then balance with lime and fish sauce at the end.

Ingredient notes

  • Bruise the lemongrass: Crushing the stalks before simmering helps release their citrusy aroma into the coconut broth.
  • Use fresh lime at the end: Adding lime juice off the heat keeps the flavour clean and bright, rather than muted.
  • Galangal matters: Galangal gives the soup its distinctive sharp, piney note; ginger can taste warmer and less traditionally Thai.

Common mistakes

  • Boiling the coconut broth: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added so the broth stays fragrant and light.
  • Overcooking the prawns: Remove the pot from the heat as soon as the prawns are opaque and pink to keep them juicy.
  • Adding lime too early: Stir in the lime juice after cooking so its acidity stays fresh and lively.

Make-ahead tips

  • Infuse the broth ahead: The coconut broth can be simmered with the aromatics in advance, then reheated gently before adding mushrooms and prawns.
  • Reheat gently: Warm leftovers over low heat until piping hot, avoiding a hard boil so the prawns do not toughen.
  • Best served fresh: The soup is most delicate on the day it is made, especially once the prawns and lime have been added.

Equipment you'll need

Ingredients
Instructions
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  1. Trim the lemongrass, then bruise the stalks with the side of a knife to help release their flavour. Tear the kaffir lime leaves to open them up. Crumble the dried red chilli.
  2. Put the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, dried red chilli, galangal paste, coconut milk and water into a large pot. Bring just to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and simmer for 12 minutes so the broth turns fragrant.
  3. Add the fish sauce and a pinch of fine sea salt. Taste the broth and keep it at a gentle simmer, not a boil, so it stays light.
  4. Slice the cremini mushrooms, then add them to the pot. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
  5. Add the prawns and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Take the pot off the heat as soon as the prawns are opaque to keep them juicy.
  6. Squeeze in the lime juice, then taste and adjust with a little more fish sauce or fine sea salt if needed. Roughly chop the fresh coriander and stir most of it through. Ladle into bowls and scatter over the remaining coriander.

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Recipe notes

Tips

  • Keep the soup at a gentle simmer once the coconut milk is added; boiling can dull the fragrance and make the broth taste heavier.
  • If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, make sure the prawns are cooked until fully opaque and piping hot throughout.

Substitutions

  • Replace cremini mushrooms with shiitake mushrooms for a deeper, more savoury flavour.
  • Replace dried red chili with a smaller amount of chili flakes for a quicker, more even heat.

Storage

  • Refrigerate up to 2 days
  • Cool quickly, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until piping hot, avoiding a hard boil to keep the prawns tender; add a fresh squeeze of lime after reheating if you like.

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Recipe overview

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Total time: 40min (20min active)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Allergens:
    Crustaceans Fish
Beginner friendly One pot

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