Tom Kha Gai Soup Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 06, 2025

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Tom Kha Gai Soup: A Delicious and Aromatic Thai Delight

Tom Kha Gai, meaning "galangal chicken soup" in Thai, is a fragrant and creamy coconut soup that's both comforting and flavorful. This recipe will guide you through creating this culinary masterpiece at home, ensuring an authentic taste that rivals any restaurant. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust quantities as needed.

• For the Soup:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped (remove tough outer layers)
  • 2-inch piece galangal, thinly sliced (or 1 tbsp galangal paste)
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, roughly torn
  • 2-3 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1-2 tbsp fish sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (or to taste)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or to taste)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms work well)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

• Optional Additions:

  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro stems (for added depth of flavor)
  • Cooked rice (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Start by bruising the lemongrass. This releases its potent aroma. Roughly chop the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the chicken pieces until lightly browned. This adds depth of flavor.

3. Build the Broth: Add the chicken broth, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer and Season: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar to taste. Adjust seasoning according to your preference. The balance of sweet, sour, and salty is key to authentic Tom Kha Gai.

5. Add Vegetables: Stir in the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Serve hot with cooked rice, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Tom Kha Gai:

• Use quality ingredients: The flavor of this soup heavily relies on the freshness of your ingredients. Good quality coconut milk is crucial for creaminess.
• Adjust the spice level: Start with fewer chilies and add more to taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Aim for tender, juicy pieces.
• Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning accordingly. This is a crucial step in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

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This comprehensive recipe, coupled with SEO best practices, will help your blog post rank higher in search results, attracting more readers and food enthusiasts seeking authentic Tom Kha Gai recipes. Remember to share this delicious recipe with your friends and family!