• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Profusion Curry
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Salads
    • Comfort Food
    • Curry Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Gluten Free
    • Indian Food
    • Instant Pot
    • Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes
    • Seasonal and Holiday Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • 30-minute Dinners
  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Privacy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • 30-minute Dinners
    • Recipe Index
    • About Us
    • Privacy
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    • Close up image of kothimbir vadi which is Indian savory cilantro fritters made in Instant Pot and Air Fryer.
      Best Kothimbir Vadi Recipe: Crispy Coriander Fritters
    • Cherry tomato chutney is vegan and gluten free condiment made with summer garden fresh cherry tomatoes and spices.
      Cherry Tomato Chutney Recipe
    • Delicious barley salad recipe served in bowls.
      Barley Salad Recipe
    • A bowl of hearty Indian Lentil Salad which also is curry lentil salad.
      Lentil Salad with Curry Lemon Dressing
    • Vegan seasoned smashed potatoes served on the platter.
      Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
    • Rice Noodles Stir Fry along with colorful veggies served for gluten free and vegan Asian dinner.
      Rice Noodle Stir Fry
    • Close up image showing all the colorful veggies and hard boiled eggs used in this making this scrumptious salad.
      Avocado Egg Salad
    • Banza Chickpea pasta with broccoli is served for low carb, high protein meals. This vegan and gluten-free pasta recipe is full of clean eating ingredients.
      Banza Chickpea Pasta Recipe
    • Zucchini noodles cooked with Italian seasoning for vegan, gluten-free and low carb meal.
      Italian Zoodles - Spiralized Zucchini Noodles
    • Vibrant and hearty Italian Pasta salad with full of veggies and cheese and flavorful dressing.
      Italian Pasta Salad
    • Stalks of tender green roasted asparagus served with lemon wedges ad seasoning.
      Air Fryer Roasted Asparagus Recipe
    • Mushroom Stew with vegetables and seasoning served over mashed potatoes for comforting vegan and gluten free dinner.
      Mushroom Stew
    Profusion Curry » Soup Recipes

    Tom Kha Soup

    Published: Nov 2, 2022 · Modified: Apr 10, 2024 by Prajakta Sukhatme · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest image with text overlay for Thai Tom Kha Soup recipe.

    Tom Kha is my favorite creamy Thai Soup. This is one of my go-to meals when I'm craving something comforting, rich yet spicy. I am including various substitutes to make restaurant style Vegetarian Tom Kha at home in just 20 minutes using your Instant Pot or stove.

    Three soup bowls filled with homemade tom kha soup.

    Coconut milk infused with lemongrass, galangal or ginger, lime juice, garlic and Thai red chili paste is the highlight of this Thai soup. Mushrooms and vegetables make it nutritious and tofu adds excellent plant protein.

    These one pot wholesome meals make family weeknight dinners a breeze. Similar to Vegetarian Dumplings Soup and Spicy Ramen Soup, this tom kha also is pantry friendly.

    Jump to:
    • Recipe Highlights
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutes
    • How to Make
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Thai Food Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Recipe Highlights

    • Easy
    • Pantry Friendly substitutes
    • Vegan
    • Gluten-free
    • Made without fish sauce

    This soup is my kitchen version of Thai Restaurant style Tom Kha. I am suggesting several easy to find substitutes that will help you make this soup routinely. I am not claiming it to be an authentic recipe however, it beats the take out meals because it is fast and easy, made with clean quality ingredients and tastes amazing !

    Ingredients

    Ingredients used in making this vegetarian tom kha soup recipe.

    Coconut Milk : Use full fat coconut milk for velvety creamy texture.
    Tofu : I add extra firm tofu cubes in this soup. Tofu is inexpensive plant protein source and helps make this soup hearty and satisfying.
    Vegetables : A medium size onion, cremini or baby Bella mushrooms or oyster mushrooms, red bell peppers are our family favorites. You can use several other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, Bok choy, baby corn, bamboo shoots and bean sprouts.
    Flavoring : Tom Kha is intensely flavorful soup. The classic recipe includes savory broth with galangal which is Thai ginger or Siamese ginger and lemongrass stalks. Minced garlic, liquid coconut amino or soy sauce as well as Nam Prik Pao which is Thai Chili Paste adds another layers of tangy, zesty and spicy flavors to the broth.

    Substitutes

    The main substitutes you will be making in this adapted version of Thai classic soup, is the aromatics. Galangal, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass are not commonly available in United States and outside of Thailand unless you have easy access to International produce markets.

    However, do not let that deter you from making this wonderful soup recipe. With proper adaptation, you can still savor this delicious soup.

    So, you can substitute galangal for regular ginger. Makrut or Kaffir lime leaves can be substituted with regular green lime. You may also find these fresh at local asian market.

    My best solution is to use the Thai Red Curry Paste. You can also buy Thai Soup Herb Mix or Thai Curry Herb Mix on Amazon. It has all the authentic ingredients, long shelf life and can be used in other dishes as well.

    How to Make

    In a Saucepan or Dutch oven, warm up the coconut oil on medium high heat. Add onion, ginger, garlic and lemongrass stalks. Sauté for 3 minutes till onions get browned.

    Add water or vegetable broth and let it come to a boil. Simmer it for 3 minutes until the flavors are extracted in the broth. Turn off the heat. Using the slotted spoon or a strainer, remove the onion, ginger, garlic and lemongrass stalks and discard them.

    Process step collage showing details of step one and two.

    Put the broth back on the stove on medium heat. Add tofu cubes, mushrooms and bell peppers. Stir well. Cover the pot with lid and let them cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

    Add coconut milk, Thai Chili paste, soy sauce and sweetener. Mix well. Let the soup come to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat. Add in fresh lime juice. Adjust the seasoning, salt and pepper. Delicious vegan tom kha with tofu and vegetables is ready !

    Process step collage showing details of step three and four.

    Ladle the soup in the bowl. Garnish with lime wedges, green onions, and cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy !

    Helpful Hint : I like to serve Vegan Tom Kha with Curry Fried Rice or Chili Garlic Noodles. For lighter meals, pair it with the side of Chili Garlic Edamame or Spicy Green Beans.

    Homemade Vegetarian Tom Kha soup ready for dinner.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Tom Kha Soup?

    Tom Kha is popular Thai Coconut Soup. Tom means to boil, kha means galangal so Tom Kha soup means soup made with galangal flavors. This adapted version of classic Thai soup is made with tofu, lemongrass, ginger, mushrooms, lime juice, and coconut milk.

    Is Tom Kha vegetarian?

    Yes. Tom Kha is a vegetarian soup. It is also suitable for vegan and gluten free eating preferences. It is a savory coconut milk based Thai soup made with veggies, aromatics, coconut amino, ginger, spices, and tofu.

    What does Tom Kha Taste like?

    Tom Kha soup is full of delicious savory umami flavors. It has notes of spicy, sweet, and sour taste and a creamy texture.

    What is the difference between Tom Kha and Tom Yum?

    Tom Kha is a coconut milk based creamy Thai soup typically made with Chicken. Tom Yum is a hot and sour broth based non-creamy soup made with prawns or shrimps.

    What is tom kha gai soup?

    Tom kha gai soup is thai coconut chicken soup. It is made with similar flavors but chicken breast and chicken thighs along with chicken broth.

    More Thai Food Recipes

    • Rich and earthy Vegan Massaman Curry made in one pot served for dinner along with rice.
      Vegan Massaman Curry
    • Vegan Thai Red Curry with colorful vegetables and tofu served in a bowl.
      Vegetarian red curry recipe with tofu
    • Thai Zucchini Noodles -Keto
      Thai Zucchini Noodles with Peanut Sauce
    • A bowl of green Curry tofu which is thai coconut curry tofu recipe served with rice for one pot comfort meal.
      Green Curry Tofu

    ❤ If you make this ProfusionCurry Recipe, do let us know how you like it by ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Star Rating and commenting below ! ❤

    📖 Recipe

    Tom Kha Soup made with tofu and vegetables served in a bowl with garnishes.

    Tom Kha Soup

    Prajakta Sukhatme
    Tom Kha Soup is a spicy Vegetarian Thai soup with a lot of exotic flavors. This recipe shows easy substitutes and quick cooking method to make this soup at home.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 155 kcal

    Equipment

    • Dutch Oven

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
    • 1 small onion sliced or diced
    • 2 inches galangal or ginger grated
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 2-3 stalk fresh lemongrass or 2 Tablespoons lemongrass paste
    • 4 cups broth or water
    • 2 cups extra firm tofu diced
    • 1 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms chopped
    • 1 large red bell pepper diced
    • 1 13.5 oz. can of full fat coconut milk
    • 2 Tablespoon coconut sugar to taste
    • ¼ cup lime juice or Kaffir lime leaves
    • 2 teaspoon Thai chili paste adjust per spice tolerance
    • Green onions and cilantro to garnish

    Dry Soup / Herb Mix

    • Thai Dry Herb Mix * See Notes
    • Thai Dry Curry Herb Mix *see Notes

    Instructions
     

    Stove Top Instructions

    • In a Saucepan or Dutch oven, warm up the coconut oil on medium heat. Add onion, ginger, garlic and lemongrass stalks. Sauté for 3 minutes till onions get browned.
    • Add water or vegetable broth and let it come to a boil. Simmer it for 3 minutes until the flavors are extracted in the broth. Turn off the heat. Using the slotted spoon or a strainer, remove the onion, ginger, garlic and lemongrass stalks and discard them.
    • Put the broth back on the stove on medium heat. Add tofu cubes, mushrooms and bell peppers. Stir well. Cover the pot with lid and let them cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
    • Add coconut milk, Thai Chili paste, soy sauce and sweetener. Mix well. Let the soup come to a gentle boil. Turn off the heat. Add in lime juice. Adjust the seasoning, salt and pepper. Delicious vegan tom kha with tofu and vegetables is ready !
    • Ladle the soup in the bowl. Garnish with lime wedges, green onions, and cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy !

    How to Make Instant Pot Tom Kha Soup?

    • Press Sauté and add oil to the instant pot insert. Once it displays hot, add onion, ginger, garlic and lemongrass stalks. Sauté for 3 minutes till onions get browned. Cancel Sauté Function. Add water or vegetable broth, tofu cubes, mushrooms and bell peppers. Stir well.
    • Pressure cook on high for 3 minute. After it's done cooking, wait for 5 minutes and then do a quick release. Carefully open the lid and then add coconut milk, Thai Chili paste, soy sauce and sweetener. Mix well.
    • Press the sauté function and allow the soup to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust the seasoning, salt and pepper. Delicious vegan tom kha with tofu and vegetables is ready. Serve and Enjoy !

    Notes

    Storage and Reheating 

    Allow it to cool completely before ladling into an airtight container. You can place the container in the fridge for up to about 5 days. To reheat, you can place in the microwave and warm it up in 30 second intervals.  

    ** Where to find Authentic Thai Ingredients

    In large US cities, you can find fresh Galangal, Thai chilies, and Kaffir lime leaves in any local Asian grocery stores. You can also find frozen pastes of galangal and lemon grass in large grocery stores in freezer section.  You can also buy Dry Herb Mix online at Amazon listed under ingredients.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cupCalories: 155kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 10gFat: 6gSodium: 94mgPotassium: 364mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 945IUVitamin C: 46mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @ProfusionCurry or tag #ProfusionCurry!

    ❤️❤️ Follow us on Pinterest , Instagram and Facebook ! We love creating delicious family favorite recipes from around the world. Come Join Us ! ❤️❤️

    More Amazing Vegetarian Soup Recipes

    • A dinner serving of vegan pepper soup with cheesy garlic toast.
      Instant Pot Vegan Stuffed Pepper Soup
    • Various soup recipes to make during winter months.
      Winter Soup Recipes
    • Easy Healthy Black Bean Soup Recipe
      Easy Black Bean Soup Recipe
    • Healthy InstantPot Minestrone Soup
      Minestrone Soup (Instant Pot Option)

    Sharing is caring!

    • Share
    • Reddit
    • Flipboard
    • WhatsApp

    Filed Under: Soup Recipes, Vegan Recipes

    Reader Interactions

    5 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I am the recipe developer and photographer of this food website ProfusionCurry! Join me for easy-to-follow recipes and trusted tips to make delicious food and yummy recipes.

    More about me →

    30-minute Dinners

    • Mushroom Stew with vegetables and seasoning served over mashed potatoes for comforting vegan and gluten free dinner.
      Mushroom Stew
    • Delicious and easy Vegan Chickpea Orzo Soup garnished and served in soup bowls.
      Vegetable Orzo Soup
    • Vegan Thai Red Curry with colorful vegetables and tofu served in a bowl.
      Vegetarian red curry recipe with tofu
    • Creamy tender Arborio rice cooked with delicious flavors and served in white bowl along with garnishes. This comforting risotto is easy to make at home using Instant Pot.
      Restaurant Style Risotto Recipe
    • An Italian dinner pasta with tomato cream sauce served with tomatoes and spinach.
      Penne Rosa - Creamy Tomato Pasta
    • A dinner serving of vegan pepper soup with cheesy garlic toast.
      Instant Pot Vegan Stuffed Pepper Soup

    Popular Recipes

    • A glass jar filled with Strawberries and cream overnight oats.
      Strawberries and Cream Overnight Oats
    • Fresh Vegetable Vietnamese Spring Rolls are served along with different dipping sauces. This delicious and beautiful Profusioncurry recipe is a must for summer and spring lunches.
      Easy Vietnamese Spring Rolls
    • Paneer Bhurji is a popular North Indian dish made with Indian cottage cheese, herbs and Indian spices.
      Paneer Bhurji (Cottage Cheese Scramble)
    • 2-ingredient bagel bites with Greek yogurt and almond flour, served on a plate for a satisfying low-carb, high protein breakfast or snack.
      2-Ingredient Bagel Bites with Greek Yogurt
    • Apple puff pastry roses with cinnamon sugar dusting served as a dessert.
      How to Make Puff Pastry Apple Roses
    • Tofu Sofritas with Chipotle Adobo sauce served with garnishes.
      Tofu Sofritas with Chipotle Adobo

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Our recipes are featured on several distinguished publisher. image

    Other

    • Privacy Policy

    Follow Us

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    About

    • About

    As an Amazon Associates, this site earns commission from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Profusion Curry

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.