Tom Kha Gai is a traditional Thai soup known for its creamy coconut base, zesty lime notes, and a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and savoriness. This soup is rich, fragrant, and comforting, with tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2-3 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or white button)
- 1-2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust for spice level)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ginger, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Build the Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the coconut milk, stirring to combine.
3. Cook the Chicken and Mushrooms
- Add the chicken slices and mushrooms to the pot. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are tender.
4. Season the Soup
- Stir in the Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, and sugar (if using).
- Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add Lime and Chili
- Stir in the fresh lime juice and sliced chili peppers. Adjust the seasoning with more lime juice, fish sauce, or curry paste if desired.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Tom Kha Gai
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the number of chili peppers or omit them for a milder soup.
- Herb Substitutions: If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, add extra lime juice for a similar brightness.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Make it Heartier: Add rice or rice noodles to turn the soup into a full meal.
This Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) is a beautiful fusion of flavors that’s sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Enjoy with jasmine rice or on its own for a satisfying experience!
