Spicy Coconut Lemongrass Mussel Soup
Indulge in this flavor-packed spicy mussel soup made with creamy coconut milk, fresh lemongrass, and zesty lime juice. This easy Thai-style soup is the perfect comfort food for seafood lovers looking for a light, aromatic, and protein-rich dish that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
2 lbs fresh mussels, scrubbed and debearded
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 stalk lemongrass, smashed (for a citrusy Thai aroma)
1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely minced
2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust for spice level)
1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
4 cups vegetable broth (or seafood broth for richer flavor)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or fish sauce for authentic Thai taste)
Juice of 2 limes
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, ginger, and smashed lemongrass. Cook for about 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Pour in the coconut milk, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and fresh lime juice. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes so the flavors infuse deeply.
Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender, maintaining its bright color and crunch.
Add the mussels to the pot, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes or until they all open up. Discard any unopened mussels.
Season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot, fragrant soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges, steamed jasmine rice, or crusty bread on the side.
Chef’s Tips:
For an extra kick, add an extra Thai chili or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
Make it gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari.
Always discard mussels that don’t open after cooking or have cracked shells before starting.
Quick & Easy:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 hearty bowls
Spicy Seafood Soup, Thai Mussel Soup, Coconut Lemon grassnSoup