Authentic Tom Kha Gai (Print Version)

Creamy coconut soup with chicken and aromatic Thai herbs

# What You'll Need:

→ Aromatics & Broth

01 - 3 cups chicken broth
02 - 1 stalk lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
03 - 4 slices fresh galangal
04 - 4 makrut lime leaves, torn into pieces
05 - 3 Thai birds eye chilies, lightly crushed

→ Main Ingredients

06 - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
07 - 14 fluid ounces full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
08 - 5 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
09 - 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced

→ Seasonings & Finishing

10 - 2 tablespoons fish sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
12 - 1 teaspoon palm sugar
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 green onions, sliced
15 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium pot, bring chicken broth to a gentle simmer. Add lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, and chilies. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to extract aromatic flavors.
02 - Add sliced chicken and shallot. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until chicken turns opaque and cooked through.
03 - Add mushrooms and pour in coconut milk. Stir gently and return to a simmer. Maintain gentle heat without vigorous boiling.
04 - Season with fish sauce, palm sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings to achieve balanced salty, sour, and sweet notes.
05 - Remove from heat. Discard lemongrass, galangal slices, and lime leaves if preferred for cleaner presentation.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with cilantro and green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The soup offers a complex profile that is creamy, tangy, and delicately spiced.
  • It is naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
  • The combination of fresh aromatics provides a cozy Thai comfort meal in just 40 minutes.
02 -
  • Always use full-fat coconut milk for the traditional creamy texture.
  • Discard the aromatics before serving if you prefer a smoother soup texture.
  • Check ingredient labels to ensure your fish sauce is certified gluten-free if required.
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