Galangale does not replace
Galangale is a defining feature of Tom Kha Gai. Ginger tastes different and makes the soup less typical.
Thai Recipe
Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is not about curry paste, but a fragrant coconut broth. Galangale, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are pulled out, chicken and mushrooms cook gently, lime juice is added at the end.
Total time
35 min
Calories
420 kcal
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Why this recipe works
Tom Kha Gai with coconut milk, galangal and lemongrass
Tom Kha Gai lives on the aromatic fragrance of the galangale. Galangale tastes different from ginger and is important for its typical character. It should be creamy, fresh and slightly sour. To prevent the coconut milk from being dull, it is balanced with lime, fish sauce and a little chilli.
Lunch
One-Pot Recipes
Dinner
Meat
Recipe
Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai is a mild, aromatic Thai soup with coconut milk, chicken, galangale, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, lime and fish sauce.
Ingredients
4 servings
Method
-
1
Aromatic compounds
Heat the stock, coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves slowly and leave to infuse for 8 minutes.
-
2
Cook the chicken
Add the chicken slices and simmer over a low heat for 5 to 6 minutes.
-
3
Add mushrooms
Add the mushrooms and simmer for a further 4 minutes. Do not boil the soup too much bubbling.
-
4
Season to taste
Season with fish sauce and palm sugar. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lime juice.
-
5
Serve
Serve with chilli and coriander. Galangale, lemongrass and lime leaves are not eaten.
Kitchen know-how
Tips for Tom Kha Gai
Gently heat.
Do not boil coconut milk and chicken too much. Gentle heat keeps the soup creamy and the meat tender.
Lime last
Stir in the lime juice only after cooking, so that the acidity remains fresh and clear.
Variations
How to adapt this recipe
Replace chicken with prawns and let them simmer until just before the end.
Use vegetable stock, tofu and mushrooms. Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or light miso paste.
Nutrition per serving
420kcal
14.0 gCarbohydrates
28.0 gProtein
28.0 gFat
Values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, portion size and preparation method used.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ about Tom Kha Gai
Galangale is a root with a citrus, peppery flavour. It is more typical for Tom Kha Gai than ginger.
Galangale, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves give off flavour, but are usually too firm to eat.
Lime juice tastes fresher when it does not boil for long. Moreover, strong acidity can make coconut milk appear dull.
Yes, with vegetable broth, tofu and mushrooms. You can replace fish sauce with soy sauce or light miso paste.
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