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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Soup

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Authentic Tom Kha Gai is a classic Thai coconut chicken soup made with tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves. Balanced with tangy lime juice, fish sauce, and chilies, this comforting soup is light, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 cups chicken stock

1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

1/2 tsp table salt

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed

5 slices galangal

4 makrut lime leaves, torn

3–5 Thai chilies, crushed (adjust to taste)

2 tbsp fish sauce (plus more to taste)

1 tsp palm sugar or granulated sugar

1 1/2 cups oyster mushrooms, halved

2 tbsp fresh lime juice

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Steamed jasmine rice, optional for serving

Instructions

  1. Bring chicken stock to a boil in a medium pot. Add salt and chicken thighs. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until chicken is fork-tender.
  2. Stir in coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, chilies, mushrooms, half the fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional fish sauce if needed. Turn off the heat and stir in lime juice.
  4. Remove lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves before serving if desired.
  5. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onion and cilantro. Serve hot with jasmine rice if desired.

Notes

  • For vegetarian, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable stock.
  • Add vegetables like baby corn, straw mushrooms, or bok choy for variety.
  • Use chicken breast instead of thighs, but cook briefly to prevent drying.
  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; reheat gently without boiling.
  • Not recommended for freezing due to coconut milk separation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/authentic-tom-kha-gai-soup/