Authentic Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, smashed
  • 10 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
  • 7 slices galangal
  • 7 bird's eye chilies, smashed
  • 1 cup straw mushrooms
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • ¼ cup cilantro leaves, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by preparing the chicken. Slice the chicken into thin strips and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Add the smashed lemongrass stalks, torn kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, bird's eye chilies to the pot.
  4. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the broth.
  5. Add the sliced chicken, straw mushrooms, quartered onion and tomatoes.
  6. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  7. Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
  8. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for slicing the chicken and preparing the vegetables.
  • Knife - Essential for slicing the chicken and chopping ingredients.
  • Large pot - Used for simmering the soup and holding all the ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon - Ideal for stirring and mixing the soup while it simmers.
  • Soup ladle - Used for serving the hot soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Used for serving the delicious Tom Kha Gai soup.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Seafood Variation: Add shrimp, fish, or a combination of seafood to the soup for a flavorful seafood twist.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of bird's eye chilies to increase or decrease the spiciness of the soup.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Vegetable Medley: Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, or snap peas to add color and variety to the soup.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro stems to the broth while simmering to enhance the aromatic flavors.
  • Extra Creaminess: Stir in a spoonful of creamy peanut butter or coconut cream for a richer and creamier texture.
  • Lime Leaves Substitute: If kaffir lime leaves are not available, you can use grated lime zest as a substitute.

Recipe overview

Tom Kha Gai, also known as Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, is a flavorful and aromatic dish originating from Thailand. This soup combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the tangy kick of lime and a hint of spice from bird's eye chilies. Infused with traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, every spoonful of Tom Kha Gai is a delight to the senses. The process of making this soup involves simmering these ingredients together and then adding the chicken and vegetables. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and invigorating. Whether it's a cold winter's day or a breezy summer evening, Tom Kha Gai is a perfect choice for a warm, home-cooked meal.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Both will work well.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for galangal? If you can't find galangal, you can substitute it with ginger. However, keep in mind that galangal has a distinct flavor, so the taste of the soup may be slightly different.
  3. What are kaffir lime leaves? Kaffir lime leaves are aromatic leaves commonly used in Thai cuisine. They have a unique citrusy flavor. If you can't find fresh kaffir lime leaves, you can use dried leaves or substitute with lime zest as a last resort.
  4. Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Tom Kha Gai by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add tofu or vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
  5. Is it possible to make this soup less spicy? If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the number of bird's eye chilies or remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before adding them to the soup. Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preference.
  6. How long can I store the leftovers? You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to simmer the soup and hold all the ingredients.
  • Knife - Used to slice the chicken and prepare the vegetables.
  • Cutting board - Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
  • Soup ladle - Used to serve the soup into bowls.
  • Soup bowls - Required for serving the Tom Kha Gai.
  • Spoon - Needed for eating the soup.

Origin stories

Tom Kha Gai, translated as "chicken galangal soup," is a famous traditional dish hailing from Thailand. This soup, beloved for its rich and aromatic qualities, is a reflection of Thai culture's emphasis on harmonious blends of different flavors. The key components of galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves represent the fundamental herbs that undeniably identify Southeast Asian cuisine, specifically Thai. Despite its complex taste profile, the process of making Tom Kha Gai is surprisingly simple, making it a popular choice to cook at home, and it's often served with a side of steamed rice. Over time, variations of this soup have emerged, including those with seafood and tofu as alternatives. Indeed, the soup's versatility is a testament to its popularity and enduring presence in Thai cuisine.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.