Thai Coconut Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is a famous Thai soup known for its rich, creamy texture and a harmonious blend of aromatic flavors. This soup combines chicken, mushrooms, and traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, coconut milk, and lime, offering a delightfully exotic and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
- 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 3 kaffir lime leaves (or substitute with 1 tablespoon lime zest)
- 3 slices galangal (or substitute with ginger)
- 2 Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Optional: Thai basil leaves for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal to the pot. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add the chicken slices and mushrooms (and bell pepper if using) to the pot. Cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and sliced Thai chilies. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal pieces.
- Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and Thai basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 20g
Prep and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4-6 people
Thai Coconut Soup is a quintessential Thai dish that balances creamy, sour, spicy, and savory flavors in one bowl. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to include vegetables or different proteins as per your preference. Enjoy this aromatic and comforting soup that brings a taste of Thailand to your kitchen!
