Ingredients
-
400g chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
-
1 can (400ml) coconut milk
-
4 cups chicken broth (or water)
-
4 slices galangal (or ginger as a substitute)
-
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
-
3 lemongrass stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed
-
3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to your heat preference)
-
1 medium onion, sliced
-
4 medium mushrooms, sliced (optional but adds flavor)
-
2 tablespoons fish sauce
-
1 tablespoon sugar
-
1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
-
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Directions
Tom Kha Gai (ต้มข่าไก่) is a popular Thai dish known for its rich, creamy, and aromatic broth. The soup features tender chicken cooked in coconut milk with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves, creating a fragrant base. The combination of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar gives it a unique balance of savory, sour, and sweet flavors. This dish is often served with mushrooms and garnished with fresh cilantro, making it a comforting, flavorful meal enjoyed in Thailand and worldwide.
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for Tom Kha Gai (per serving):
Calories | 250-300 kcal |
Protein | 20-25g |
Fat | 18-22g |
Saturated Fat | 12-15g |
Carbohydrates | 6-8g |
Fiber | 1-2g |
Sugars | 2-3g |
Sodium | 600-800mg |
Cholesterol | 50-60mg |
Note: These values can vary depending on portion size, the specific ingredients used, and any modifications made to the recipe.
Steps
1
Done
|
Prepare the aromaticsIn a large pot, combine the chicken broth, galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors. |
2
Done
|
Add chicken and mushroomsAdd the thinly sliced chicken and mushrooms (if using) to the broth. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. |
3
Done
|
Add coconut milkPour in the coconut milk and stir. Bring it to a gentle simmer. |
4
Done
|
Season the soupStir in the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary — you can add more fish sauce for saltiness or lime juice for acidity. |
5
Done
|
Final touchesRemove the soup from heat once it’s all well combined and heated through. Discard the lemongrass stalks, galangal, and lime leaves. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. |
6
Done
|
ServeLadle the soup into bowls and serve hot with steamed rice on the side. Enjoy your Tom Kha Gai with its rich, creamy coconut flavor and a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and sour! |