Recipe For Tom Ka Gai Soup

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 03, 2025

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Tom Kha Gai Soup: A Deliciously Aromatic Thai Delight

Tom Kha Gai, meaning "galangal chicken soup" in Thai, is a fragrant and creamy coconut soup that's both comforting and exotic. This recipe will guide you through creating this flavorful masterpiece in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly for larger or smaller batches.

• For the Soup Base:
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can Full-Fat Coconut Milk
  • 1 stalk Lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped (remove the tough outer layers)
  • 2-inch piece Galangal, thinly sliced (can substitute with ginger if unavailable)
  • 4 Kaffir Lime Leaves, roughly torn (adds a distinct citrusy aroma)
  • 1-2 Thai Red Chilis, sliced (adjust to your spice preference; remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (or to taste – this adds umami depth)
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar (or to taste, balances the flavors)
• For the Chicken and Garnish:
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced (cremini or shiitake work well)
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 2-4 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Infuse the Broth: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This step is crucial for developing a rich and aromatic broth.

2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the simmering broth and cook until it's cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Don't overcook, as this will make the chicken tough.

3. Add Vegetables: Stir in the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.

4. Season and Finish: Remove the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar as needed. You want a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

5. Serve: Ladle the Tom Kha Gai soup into bowls. Garnish generously with scallions and cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrusy freshness.

Tips for the Best Tom Kha Gai:

• Fresh Ingredients are Key: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of your soup. Use fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves whenever possible.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you're sensitive to spice, start with fewer chilies or remove the seeds. You can always add more later.
• Don't Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it's fully cooked through.
• Garnish Generously: The garnishes not only add visual appeal but also enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

Tom Kha Gai is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Steamed rice
• Thai sticky rice
• Crusty bread for dipping

Enjoy your homemade Tom Kha Gai soup! This flavorful and aromatic soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion. Let us know in the comments how your Tom Kha Gai turned out!