Description
Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is an aromatic and flavorful Thai soup. It features tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and a blend of fragrant herbs with a touch of spice. This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
- 3–4 slices galangal (or ginger)
- 4–5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3–4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons lime juice
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: sliced red chili, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Add sliced chicken to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and stir. Add fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more chilies for extra spice.
- Ladle the soup hot into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced red chili if desired.
Notes
- Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, carrots, or spinach can be added.
- Substitutions: Tofu or shrimp can be used instead of chicken.
- Herb Variations: Lime zest can substitute kaffir lime leaves if unavailable.
- Storing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or coconut milk if it thickens.
- Make Ahead: The soup can be made a day in advance. Add chicken and coconut milk when reheating.
- Freezing: Freeze without coconut milk; add it during reheating. Texture may change slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: Pairs well with jasmine rice or rice noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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