Lemongrass Soup: Easy Crockpot Version with Coconut

When life hands you lemongrass that grows like it’s training for the garden Olympics, one logical solution is to whip up a steaming pot of lemongrass soup. This lemon grass soup recipe is my go-to for turning those fragrant stalks into something way more impressive than mulch. When you’re craving cozy Thai coconut chicken soup with lemongrass, this zesty Thai lemon grass soup recipe is a flavor-packed meal hero every time. Get an easy crockpot lemongrass coconut soup for those days when you have time to let it slow cook, plus learn how to make a shortcut 15-minute lemongrass soup from pantry staples when you’re in a hurry. Let’s get started!

In which USDA Garden Zones does Lemongrass Grow?

Lemongrass grows best in USDA plant hardiness zones 9–11 as a perennial. In cooler zones (like where I live in 8 and below), it can be grown as an annual or in containers that are brought indoors during winter. You can even grow lemongrass indoors. Click here for indoor lemongrass growing tips.

I was introduced to lemongrass when a neighbor gave a start to my son (who lives in garden zone 10) just over a year ago. It grew so well that it now needs to be trimmed back to prevent it from taking over the area where it’s planted. What do I like to do with the lemongrass when I’m visiting my son and his family? I make lemongrass soup!

This is what the lemongrass start looked like when we planted it in May of 2024. Keep reading for a view of what the plant looks like now.

Why I Love This Easy Crock Pot Lemongrass Soup Recipe

I love anything lemony, including lemon balm, lemon roasted chicken, lemon baked salmon, lemon blueberry scones, lemon berry mascarpone cake, lemon blueberry jam, and preserved lemons. Lemons are a favorite party theme as well, so naturally, this easy lemongrass soup recipe is now a favorite as well. I appreciate the way this easy lemongrass soup recipe lends itself well to cooking slowly or quickly. Lemongrass is super simple to grow, especially if you live in one of the warmer garden zones. Here’s what the plant looks like now, thriving even after a trim of the leaves.

Since I was visiting my son and his family in late summer, I wanted to avoid heating the kitchen up at all costs. I made the zesty crockpot lemongrass soup version and let the lemony flavors infuse the soup all afternoon. Except for the coconut cream, all other ingredients were easily sourced from the pantry or refrigerator. Need lemongrass soup in a hurry? I’ve got that version here for you as well. No lemongrass? Got you covered there, too. Have lemongrass but not sure how to harvest it for cooking? First of all, I’m jealous. Second, I have a step-by-step visual guide below. Keep reading to get all of the tips you need for making flavorful lemongrass soup.

Equipment for Lemongrass Soup

1 pair of garden clippers or pruners (my favorites are made by Felco)

1 3-4 quart crock pot

1 cutting board

1 sharp knife

1 soup ladle

Measuring spoons

Ingredients for Lemongrass Soup

2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed (or 1½ tsp lemongrass paste)

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk or 1 can coconut cream + 1/2 cup water

1 tsp ground ginger powder (or more to taste)

3 cloves garlic, smashed (or 1/2 tesp minced garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder)

1 small onion, sliced (optional, but adds depth)

1–2 Thai chilies, chili flakes, or a squirt of sriracha (optional heat)

2 cups mushrooms (fresh or canned), sliced

1–2 cups cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (add near the end)

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp lime juice (fresh or bottled)

1 tsp sugar or honey to taste (optional)

Fresh cilantro or green onion (optional, for garnish)

Makes 4-6 servings. Serve with rice if desired.

Instructions for Crock Pot Lemongrass Soup

A crock pot version will let the lemongrass and spices slowly infuse while you go about your day. Here are the set-it-and-forget-it instructions:

Harvest 2 stalks of lemongrass. Trim the sharp leaves off and peel the outer tough layers. Smash (bruise) with the back of a knife. Cut each stalk (mine turned out to be about 1 foot long) into two pieces. You want to make sure the lemongrass is easy to remove before serving, so keep the pieces large.

Add to crock pot: broth, lemongrass, ginger, garlic, onion, chilies, and mushrooms.

Cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours. This allows the aromatics to infuse.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in coconut milk/cream, protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. (I usually do not add any extra sweetness.)

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more lime for brightness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Remove lemongrass stalks before serving.

Garnish with cilantro or green onion.

Quick Lemongrass Coconut Soup (Pantry Style)

Perfect for a weeknight! Here’s a super quick 15-minute pantry-friendly version using common ingredients—no long simmering, no hunting for specialty items. To make this version, keep all of the ingredients the same as the above recipe. Follow these instructions for cooking:

Instructions

In a medium pot, whisk together broth, coconut milk/cream, onion, mushrooms, lemongrass or lemongrass paste, ginger powder, garlic powder, and chili flakes.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust. Add more lime for brightness or soy for salt.

Add any quick proteins (canned chicken, frozen shrimp, or tofu) and simmer just until heated through (about 5 minutes).

Serve hot, garnished with whatever you have on hand.

Common Lemongrass Soup Questions

How do you cut lemongrass for soup?

To cut lemongrass for soup, trim off the root and tough top leaves, peel the outer layer, then slice or bruise the tender white stalk to release its flavor. Here are the steps, pictured below.

Is lemongrass soup good for you?

According to a wide variety of sources, such as The Times of India, lemongrass soup is good for you. It’s light, low in calories, and rich in antioxidants, while also aiding digestion and boosting immunity.

What does lemongrass do for soup?

Lemongrass adds a fresh, citrusy flavor and aroma to soup, balancing richness with brightness while enhancing the overall depth of the broth.

What can you substitute for lemongrass?

No lemongrass? You can purchase either lemongrass paste, lemongrass powder, or lemongrass cubes for a boost of lemon flavor.

What does lemongrass do for your gut?

As noted above, referencing The Times of India article, lemongrass can support gut health by aiding digestion, reducing bloating, and providing antimicrobial compounds that may help keep the digestive tract balanced.

 

More Meal Inspiration

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Have fun making easy lemongrass soup (quickly or slowly), and may all of your home-cooked, made-with-love meal endeavors meet with great success!

Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. To get more easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.