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Tom Kha Gai Soup

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Tom Kha Gai Soup is a classic Thai dish that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and a tangy lime kick. Infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, this comforting soup offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether served on its own or with a side of rice, it’s the ideal dish to indulge in Thai cuisine’s aromatic and vibrant flavors!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

  • 4 cups coconut milk (full-fat or light)

  • 2 cups chicken broth (or water)

  • 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and cut into 4-inch pieces

  • 4-5 kaffir lime leaves, torn

  • 3-4 slices galangal (or fresh ginger if galangal is unavailable)

  • 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (optional, adjust to heat preference)

  • 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced

  • 1 medium onion, sliced

  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)

  • 1 tablespoon sugar (or palm sugar)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

  • 1–2 Thai chili peppers, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine coconut milk and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal (or ginger), and Thai bird’s eye chilies (if using). Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors. Remove the lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves before serving.

  • Add the chicken and vegetables: Add the sliced chicken and mushrooms. Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and mushrooms are tender.

  • Season the soup: Stir in lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more lime juice for tanginess, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness.

  • Serve the soup: Remove the soup from heat and discard the lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro and optional sliced chilies.

  • Enjoy: Serve hot, either on its own or with steamed rice.

Notes

For a vegetarian/vegan version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.Add extra vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or baby corn to increase the texture and flavor.For a spicy kick, add more bird’s eye chilies or chili paste.If you prefer a heartier soup, add cooked noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles for a noodle soup variation.

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