Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup) Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 chicken breasts
diced into bite-sized chunks
- ½ white onion
finely diced
- 1 stalk lemongrass
lightly bashed
- 1-inch chunk ginger
thinly sliced
- 5 makrut lime leaves
roughly torn
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 2 small red Thai chiles
halved
- 1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce
- 6 ounces white mushrooms
sliced
- 3 cups coconut milk
- juice of 1 lime
Directions
- 1
Add the chicken broth to a large soup pot and boil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, onion, lemongrass, ginger, and makrut lime leaves. Stir and leave to simmer for 15 minutes.
- 2
Add the brown sugar, chiles, fish sauce, mushrooms, and coconut milk. Stir well and simmer for another 3 minutes.
- 3
Take the pan off the heat and squeeze in the lime juice.
- 4
Serve the soup with lime wedges and cilantro, if desired.
Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup) Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving a comforting bowl of aromatic Thai soup? This Tom Kha Gai recipe delivers all the creamy, fragrant flavors of your favorite Thai restaurant right to your kitchen, perfect for both seasoned Thai food lovers and those new to the cuisine.
This Tom Kha Gai truly shines because of its harmonious blend of ingredients, creating a soup that's both deeply satisfying and incredibly inviting. The balance of creamy coconut milk with fragrant lemongrass, zesty ginger, and delicate makrut lime leaves creates an experience that's subtly sweet, savory, and incredibly fresh, ensuring every spoonful is a delight.
Prepare for a rich, velvety broth that coats your palate with a slight coconut sweetness, beautifully balanced by the savory chicken broth and a hint of spice from the red Thai chiles. You'll find tender chunks of chicken and soft, earthy mushrooms swimming in this aromatic base, making for a hearty yet refreshing meal. The experience is one of warmth and comfort, without being overly heavy, making it a wonderful dish for any day of the week.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this Tom Kha Gai to your preferences. You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the number of red Thai chiles or omit them entirely. For an extra touch of freshness, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro just before serving is always welcome.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this soup stands beautifully on its own. Pair it with a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up every last drop of the exquisite broth, or enjoy it as a light yet satisfying starter.