How to Make the Perfect Tom Kha Gai
Thai · Easy · 30 min · 4 servings
Tom Kha Gai is a silky Thai coconut soup infused with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime that creates an unmistakably aromatic broth. It is both comforting and complex, with a perfect balance of sour, salty, and creamy flavors.
Why this recipe works
This Tom Kha Gai recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 300 g boneless chicken breast thinly sliced
- 3 stalks lemongrass bruised and cut into pieces
- 6 slices fresh galangal
- 200 g oyster mushrooms torn
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Simmer the Aromatics
Combine coconut milk and 1 cup of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the lemongrass and galangal slices and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the broth.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the sliced chicken to the simmering broth and cook for 8 minutes until the chicken is opaque and cooked through. Do not boil aggressively as this will toughen the chicken.
Step 3: Add Mushrooms
Add the oyster mushrooms and cook for 3 more minutes until softened and just tender.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and fish sauce to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced Thai chilies before serving. Do not eat the lemongrass or galangal pieces.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- galangal → fresh ginger as a milder alternative
- oyster mushrooms → cremini or button mushrooms
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Boiling the soup too hard which makes the chicken tough and rubbery
- Adding lime juice while the soup is still on the heat which turns it bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 24g protein, 10g carbs, 22g fat, 2g fiber.
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