Tom Kha Gai Coconut soup with chicken, mushrooms, galangal, chilli and coriander
Thai Recipe

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai is not about curry paste, but about a fragrant coconut broth. galangal, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves are removed, chicken and mushrooms cook gently, lime juice is only added at the end.

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Total time 35 min
Calories 420 kcal
Servings 4 servings
Difficulty Easy
By the Published Updated Editorially approved

Why this recipe works

Tom Kha Gai with coconut milk, galangal and lemongrass

Tom Kha Gai lives from the aromas. galangal tastes different from ginger and is important for the typical character. The soup should be creamy, fresh and slightly sour. To prevent the coconut milk from looking dull, it is finally balanced with lime, fish sauce and some chilli.

Lunch One-Pot Recipes Dinner Meat

Recipe

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai is a mild, aromatic Thai soup with coconut milk, chicken, galangal, lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, mushrooms, lime and fish sauce.

Ingredients

4 servings

Method

  1. 1

    Remove Aromatics

    Slowly heat the broth, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves and let them rest for 8 minutes.

  2. 2

    Cooking chicken

    Add chicken slices and allow to cook gently for 5 to 6 minutes in a mild heat.

  3. 3

    Add mushrooms

    Add mushrooms and simmer for another 4 minutes. The soup should not boil heavily.

  4. 4

    Flavouring

    Season with fish sauce and palm sugar. Remove the pot from the stove and stir in lime juice.

  5. 5

    Serving

    Serve with chilli and coriander. galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves are not eaten.

Kitchen know-how

Tips for Tom Kha Gai

Do not replace galangal

galangal is characteristic for Tom Kha Gai. Ginger tastes different and makes the soup less typical.

Heat gently

Do not cook coconut milk and chicken. Gently heat keeps the soup creamy and the meat tender.

Last lime

Stir in lime juice only after cooking so that the acidity remains fresh and clear.

Variations

How to adapt this recipe

Replace chicken with shrimp and let it pull just before the end.

Use vegetable broth, tofu and mushrooms. Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or light misopaste.

Nutrition per serving

420kcal
14.0 gCarbohydrates
28.0 gProtein
28.0 gFat

Values are estimates per serving and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.

Frequently asked questions

FAQ about Tom Kha Gai

galangal is a root with a citrus-like, peppery aroma. It is more typical for Tom Kha Gai than ginger.

galangal, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves give off taste, but are usually too firm to eat with.

Lime juice tastes fresher if it doesn't cook for long. In addition, strong acidity can make coconut milk look dull.

Yes, with vegetable broth, tofu and mushrooms. Fish sauce you replace with soy sauce or light misopaste.

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