Hearty and Aromatic Vegan Tom Kha Gai: A Traditional Thai Coconut Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass
  • 1 inch piece of fresh galangal, thinly sliced
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves
  • 3 small Thai bird chilies
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces) of full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar
  • 1 cup of sliced shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 cup of diced firm tofu
  • 1 medium-sized tomato, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • Handful of fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare the lemongrass by removing the outer layer and finely chopping the lower third of the stalk. Save the upper two-thirds for simmering in the soup.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, add the lower third of the chopped lemongrass, sliced galangal, kaffir lime leaves, bird chilies, and vegetable broth.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  4. Add the coconut milk and coconut sugar to the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture back to a light simmer.
  5. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and diced tofu to the pot. Let the soup cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
  6. Add the diced tomato, lime juice, and soy sauce to the pot, stirring well to combine. Let the soup cook for another 2 minutes to warm the tomatoes.
  7. Turn off the heat and remove the upper two-thirds of the lemongrass stalk and the kaffir lime leaves.
  8. Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and basil leaves.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - For chopping and preparing the ingredients
  • Knife - To slice and dice the lemongrass, galangal, and other ingredients
  • Large pot - For simmering the soup
  • Stirring spoon - To stir the ingredients in the pot
  • Measuring cups - To accurately measure the vegetable broth, coconut milk, and other liquids
  • Can opener - To open the can of coconut milk
  • Saucepan - To warm up the soup
  • Soup bowls - For serving the finished soup
  • Soup ladle - To scoop and serve the soup into bowls

Recipe variations

  • Use different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy in addition to or instead of mushrooms and tofu.
  • Replace the tofu with tempeh or seitan for a different plant-based protein option.
  • Add some sliced bamboo shoots or baby corn for extra texture and flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of Thai bird chilies or add a tablespoon of Thai chili paste.
  • Include some thinly sliced red or yellow onion for added sweetness.
  • For a creamier soup, use a can of coconut cream instead of coconut milk.
  • Add a tablespoon of vegan fish sauce or tamari for a savory umami boost.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, mint, or even lemongrass leaves as garnish.
  • For a heartier meal, serve the soup over jasmine rice or rice noodles.

Recipe overview

This Vegan Tom Kha Gai recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Thai cuisine. A vegan take on the traditional Tom Kha Gai, this soup boasts a flavorful blend of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, simmered in a coconut milk broth. The addition of shiitake mushrooms and firm tofu provide a hearty, satisfying texture. Finished off with a touch of lime juice and garnished with fresh cilantro and basil, this soup is a harmonious balance of hot, sour, savory, and sweet flavors. Whether you're a long-time vegan or simply exploring new culinary horizons, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's satisfying enough to stand alone as a main dish, but also pairs wonderfully with a side of jasmine rice or steamed veggies. So, let's gather our ingredients and get started on this delicious, comforting, and aromatic Vegan Tom Kha Gai.

Common questions

  1. Can I use canned lemongrass instead of fresh?
    No, it is best to use fresh lemongrass for this recipe as it provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor.
  2. Can I substitute galangal with ginger?
    Yes, if you cannot find galangal, you can use ginger as a substitute. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
  3. How spicy is this soup?
    The spiciness of the soup can be adjusted according to personal preference. The recipe includes Thai bird chilies, which can be quite spicy. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.
  4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
    Yes, you can customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, or bok choy. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. Is the soup gluten-free?
    The recipe itself is gluten-free, but be sure to check the labels of the vegetable broth and soy sauce you use to ensure they are gluten-free.
  6. Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
    Yes, you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lighter version of the soup. However, keep in mind that it may result in a less creamy consistency.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

In the rich and vibrant culinary landscape of Thailand, Tom Kha Gai holds a special place. This soup, with its distinctive blend of creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, spicy chili, and aromatic herbs, is a classic in Thai cuisine. It was originally made with chicken (Gai in Thai), but vegan versions are now widely enjoyed. Interestingly, this soup is often consumed for breakfast in Thailand. Indeed, many Thai people believe in starting the day with a hot, hearty meal to rev up the metabolism. And what could be better than a bowl of Tom Kha Gai, full of flavors to awaken the senses and rich in nutrients to fuel the day? So next time you enjoy this soup, imagine starting your day in the bustling streets of Bangkok, with the fragrant aroma of lemongrass, lime, and coconut filling the air.

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.