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Creamy Homemade Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)


  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Transport yourself to Thailand with this authentic and easy Tom Kha soup recipe. Rich, creamy, and bursting with aromatic flavors, it’s a comforting yet vibrant dish.


Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, divided
  • 2 inches galangal, thinly sliced
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed, bruised
  • 45 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz oyster or straw mushrooms, trimmed
  • 34 tbsp fish sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 34 tbsp fresh lime juice (adjust to taste)
  • 12 tsp Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), or to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Optional: Pinch of sugar, fresh bird’s eye chilies for extra heat

Instructions

  • 1. Prepare Aromatics: Slice galangal, bruise lemongrass, and tear kaffir lime leaves. Have chicken and mushrooms sliced and ready.
  • 2. Simmer Broth: In a pot, combine broth and half of the coconut milk. Add galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse flavors.
  • 3. Cook Protein & Mushrooms: Add sliced chicken and mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook gently for 5-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender.
  • 4. Season & Balance: Remove from heat. Stir in remaining coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Discard large aromatics.
  • 5. Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish generously with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins