Tom Kha Gai – Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Introduction

Tom Kha Gai, a fragrant and creamy soup, is a hallmark of Thai cuisine. It combines rich coconut milk, tender chicken, and fresh aromatics like galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, delivering a harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this soup is both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients

Essential:

1 tbsp coconut oil
1-2 tbsp red curry paste (optional for heat)
2 cups chicken broth or stock
1 can (13.66 oz) full-fat coconut milk
1 stalk lemongrass, pounded and cut into chunks
1-2 inches galangal, sliced (or ginger as a substitute)
2-3 Thai chilies, halved (adjust to taste)
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 red bell pepper, julienned
2 tbsp fish sauce
1-2 tbsp lime juice (to taste)
Optional: 12 shrimp (peeled and deveined)

Garnish:

Cilantro, chopped
Green onions, sliced
Lime wedges

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: In a medium pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Sauté lemongrass, galangal, Thai chilies, and red curry paste (if using) for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Simmer Base: Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add Protein and Vegetables: Stir in coconut milk, chicken slices, mushrooms, and bell pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Add shrimp during the last 3 minutes if using.
Season: Stir in fish sauce and lime juice, adjusting to taste for a balance of saltiness and tanginess.
Serve: Remove lemongrass chunks before serving. Garnish with cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges. Serve hot, optionally with jasmine rice

Conclusion

Tom Kha Gai is a delightful combination of bold flavors and creamy texture, offering a unique and versatile dish that suits various dietary preferences. It’s an easy recipe to customize with tofu or additional seafood for variety. Perfectly balancing richness with tangy citrus notes, it’s a dish sure to impress.

For more details, visit the full recipe

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