Tom Kha Gai is a popular Thai coconut chicken soup that is infused with the classic Thai herbs: lemongrass, galangal, and makrut (kaffir) lime leaves. Here are the ingredients for an authentic Tom Kha Gai recipe:
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (chicken breast is okay to use, but the methods need to be modified as per the notes in the recipe card)
- Chicken broth or stock, unsalted, preferably homemade
- Coconut milk
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Makrut lime leaves (aka kaffir lime leaves)
- Thai chilie
- Oyster mushrooms or another Asian mushroom
- Fish sauce
- Palm sugar (or light brown sugar)
- Cilantro or green onions for garnish
- Fresh lime juice
Instructions:
Sauté in medium size pot over medium heat in about 2 tbsp coconut oil until tender
6 mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 sweet red pepper, diced
2 Thai chili, halved or to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2” Galangal, sub. – fresh ginger, grated*
1 stalk Lemongrass, pounded and chopped into chunks, sub. – 2 tsp lemongrass paste*
2 tsp Red curry paste or to taste
Then add
2 cups chicken bone broth, sub. – chicken stock*
1 can Coconut milk
1 Chicken breast, cooked and sliced
12 Shrimp, peeled/deveined cooked (optional)
Then
Stir well to incorporate
Simmer on low heat for about 5-10 minutes
Finish with a good squeeze of fresh lime juice
Garnish with fresh lime slices, green onion and cilantro
Enjoy !!
Note: Galangal and Lemongrass is sometimes hard to find here. I don’t notice much difference in flavour using the substitutions. You might want to remove before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 15g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I substitute galangal with ginger in Tom Kha Gai?
Yes, you can substitute galangal with fresh ginger.
Use about 2 inches of grated ginger as a replacement.
Is lemongrass paste an acceptable substitute for fresh lemongrass?
Certainly, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of lemongrass paste for the fresh lemongrass.
Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken bone broth?
Yes, you can use chicken stock as a substitute for chicken bone broth in this recipe.
Is it necessary to include shrimp in the soup, or can I skip it?
The shrimp is optional, and you can omit it if you prefer a version without seafood.
How long should I simmer Tom Kha Gai on low heat?
Simmer the soup on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Adjust the time based on your desired level of infusion.
Can I use regular ginger instead of galangal in Tom Kha Gai?
Yes, you can substitute fresh ginger for galangal.
Use approximately 2 inches of grated ginger as a replacement.
Is lemongrass paste an acceptable alternative to fresh lemongrass?
Certainly, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of lemongrass paste for the fresh lemongrass.
Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
Can I use chicken stock instead of chicken bone broth?
Yes, chicken stock can be used as a substitute for chicken bone broth in this recipe.
Is the inclusion of shrimp essential, or can I make the soup without it?
The shrimp is optional, and you can omit it if you prefer a version without seafood.
How long should I simmer Tom Kha Gai on low heat?
Simmer the soup on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Adjust the time based on your desired level of infusion.
