I remember the first time this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup really won over my family like a comforting friend. It was on a chilly evening when I needed something filling but quick—the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The creamy lentil coconut soup was just the right mix of spicy and soothing, and my kids and spouse kept asking for seconds without any fuss. That kind of easy success in everyday cooking is exactly why I keep this recipe close; it’s dependable and packed with flavor.
This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup fits perfectly into real home cooking because it uses simple ingredients you probably already have. Nothing fancy or tricky here—just good food that goes from pot to bowl with little stress. It’s also a wonderful way to sneak in some hearty lentils with a touch of Thai-inspired spice and coconut creaminess.
If you’re looking for a reliable weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup delivers every time. It’s forgiving, nutrient-rich, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Plus, it’s suitable for plant-based diets, which is a bonus in my house.
I’m excited to share this recipe with you because I know it can become your go-to too. You’ll find it easy to make, filled with flavors that comfort without complex steps, and versatile enough for tweaks to suit your taste. Let’s dive in and make a cozy bowl of this red lentil soup Thai style that will have your family asking for more.
What You’ll Need:
To make this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup, gather the following ingredients—nothing unusual, just good pantry-friendly items:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed well (these cook quickly and lend that beautiful creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or any neutral oil you have)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (skip if you don’t have it, but it really brightens the flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste (adjust to your spice level)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full fat works best for that creamy lentil coconut soup base)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (you can use chicken broth if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh squeezed adds a nice zing)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or basil for garnish

No worries if you don’t have fresh ginger; sometimes I use a pinch of ground ginger instead when I’m in a pinch for this red lentil soup Thai style. You’ll find coconut milk right in the regular grocery aisle by the canned goods, and that Thai red curry paste can often be found near international foods or the refrigerated section.
This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup keeps costs reasonable because lentils and pantry staples make up most of the dish, plus a little goes a long way with the curry paste and coconut milk. For prep shortcuts, having minced garlic and ginger in the freezer works wonders on busy nights.
If you have extras, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and it actually tastes better as the flavors meld. I like adding a bit more lime juice just before serving because it really brightens the creamy lentils.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Start by rinsing the red lentils under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This prevents the soup from getting too thick and starchy.
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute. This step is where the aroma really starts to build—the kitchen will smell amazing while your Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup begins to take shape.
- Stir in the Thai red curry paste. This is where a little patience pays off; cook for about 2 minutes to bloom the spices which adds depth to your coconut curry lentil soup.
- Pour in the rinsed lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Your red lentils will soften and the soup will thicken nicely.
- While your Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup simmers, you can set the table or make a quick side salad. Multitasking in the kitchen helps keep things moving smoothly.
- Once the lentils are tender, stir in lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Don’t worry if your Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup looks a bit thick—feel free to add a splash of water or broth to reach your preferred consistency. This soup is forgiving and tastes just as comforting whether silky or chunky.
I’ve found that taking a little extra time to gently cook the curry paste and onions really lifts the flavor, so don’t rush that step. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and the reward is a creamy, spicy Thai lentil soup that warms you from the inside out.
From start to finish, this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup takes about 40 minutes, with plenty of room for multitasking or prep work. It’s practical, approachable, and delicious every single time.
Pro tip: If you want some extra texture, stir in some chopped fresh spinach or kale a few minutes before the end of cooking.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually ladle this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup into bowls topped with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime. The bright herb tops off the creamy lentil coconut soup beautifully.

This soup pairs wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or warm naan bread to soak up all that delicious broth. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed vegetables also work well to balance the spicy Thai lentil soup flavors.
My favorite way to serve this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup is for a cozy weeknight dinner or when we have guests. The crowd always appreciates a bowl that’s hearty but still vibrant with flavor.
If you have leftovers, try using this soup over cooked grains for a nourishing lunch the next day or blend it smooth to make a creamy dip or spread for bread. Seasonal variations? Adding diced sweet potatoes in the cooking phase brings a lovely sweetness, especially in fall.
Friends and family often tell me this soup is what they imagine when they crave comfort food with a little kick. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together—simple, satisfying, and a little adventurous with those warm Thai notes.
If you want more ideas that blend fresh flavors with ease, check out this turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup I love on chillier nights.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze portions for a quick meal later.
What’s a good substitute for Thai red curry paste?
If you don’t have curry paste, you can mix a teaspoon of curry powder with a pinch of chili flakes and a little garlic powder. It won’t be exactly the same but still delicious and spicy Thai lentil soup flavor.
How do I adjust this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup for more or fewer people?
Just scale the ingredients up or down. Red lentils cook consistently, and the liquid ratio is easy to keep in balance. For a bigger family dinner, double the recipe, and for a smaller portion, halve it.
Can I use other lentils in this recipe?
While red lentils cook super quickly to give you that creamy lentil coconut soup consistency, you can use yellow lentils or split peas. Just increase cooking time and add more broth as needed.
Is this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup spicy?
It has a gentle heat you can control by adding more or less red curry paste. Adjust the spice early, so it develops through cooking.
Can I add protein to this soup?
Sure! Add cooked chicken, tofu cubes, or shrimp near the end of cooking to make it more filling.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze portions up to 3 months. Reheat gently with a little added broth or water.
Want more vibrant dishes with a coconut twist? Try this delicious, protein-packed lentil burgers recipe for a change of pace.
For other tasty takes, you might also like the Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup from Familystyle Food or the Thai Red Curry Lentil Soup from Savory Lotus for some inspiration.
Final Thoughts:
This Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup has a special place in my regular rotation because it’s one of those recipes that just works—simple ingredients, doable steps, and a comforting result every time. Having a reliable recipe like this means I can count on a delicious, creamy lentil coconut soup whenever hungry friends drop by or I need a fuss-free dinner.
My Best Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup Tips:
- Take your time sautéing the onions and curry paste to deepen the flavor.
- Rinse the lentils well to avoid overly thick soup.
- Adjust lime juice and spice level at the end to suit your family’s taste.
I’ve tested variations adding sweet potato, spinach, and even swapping in chicken broth for a richer base. The version with extra lime and fresh cilantro gets requested most often at family dinners.
If you’re making this Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup for the first time, I encourage you to make it your own with whatever tweaks suit your kitchen. You’re going to love how it brings warmth and flavor without extra fuss.
For lighter meals or tropical flair, check out this pineapple coconut smoothie as a refreshing side or dessert.
Thanks for trusting me to share this dependable recipe with you. Happy cooking friends—may your kitchen always smell of cozy, spicy, creamy goodness!
And if you want some inspiration from a top chef, here’s a neat Thai Red Lentil Soup recipe by Ottolenghi you might enjoy trying sometime.
Your next delicious Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup is just steps away—grab your pot and start stirring!
Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup
A fragrant and creamy Thai-inspired soup featuring red lentils simmered in coconut milk with vibrant spices and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add red curry paste and stir for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add diced red bell pepper and carrot, cooking for another 3 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and coconut milk, then add rinsed red lentils. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are soft and veggies are tender.
- Stir in lime juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to desired consistency, leaving some texture.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, add cooked shrimp or chicken before serving. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread for a heartier meal.

