Description
Creamy coconut currents swirl through this Tom Kha Gai soup, bringing Thailand’s beloved comfort to your kitchen. Fragrant lemongrass, tender chicken, and silky broth promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, thinly sliced
Liquid Base:
- 4 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 3–4 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3–4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3–4 slices galangal
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2–3 Thai birds eye chilies, smashed
- 1 cup mushrooms (button or straw), sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1–2 teaspoons tamarind paste
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Craft a fragrant base by gently simmering chicken broth and coconut milk over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Incorporate lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies to develop deep, complex aromatics.
- Introduce thinly sliced chicken into the infused liquid, stirring occasionally and cooking until protein turns completely opaque and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms and allow them to become soft and succulent, about 3-4 minutes. Enhance the flavor profile by adding fish sauce, sugar, and tamarind paste, carefully balancing seasoning through tasting.
- Extract the pot from heat and delicately fold in fresh lime juice, ensuring the citrus notes remain vibrant by avoiding further boiling.
- Transfer the aromatic soup into serving vessels, embellishing with finely chopped cilantro and scallions. Present alongside steamed jasmine rice or enjoy as a standalone warming dish.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp to create a versatile protein option that caters to different dietary preferences.
- Remove chilies or reduce their quantity for a milder version that suits sensitive palates while maintaining the soup’s authentic flavor profile.
- Consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier rendition of this classic Thai soup.
- Add extra mushrooms or include additional vegetables like baby corn or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg