"Tom Kha Kai", a classic Thai coconut soup, is a symphony of flavors with a harmonious balance of spicy, sour, and creamy. The broth, made from coconut milk infused with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, is rich and aromatic. The addition of tender chicken and succulent mushrooms lends a delightful savory dimension, while the acidity of tamarind and lime juice cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing zing. This delectable soup, often garnished with cilantro and crispy shallots, is a culinary journey to the heart of Thailand, captivating taste buds with its exotic yet comforting flavors.
Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!
TOM KA KAI (THAI COCONUT CHICKEN SOUP)
This is my husband's all time favorite Thai soup - but up until now, I haven't been able to recreate it at home. I've played around with several versions to come up with this one. The authentic ingredients make a HUGE difference - although you can use substitutions, of course, it does affect the outcome. I have been able to find the galangal root (much preferred over ginger!!), the lemongrass, and the kaffir lime leaves at my local asian market. Yum yum yum, worth the extra shopping trip!
Provided by Gatorbek
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 35m
Yield 4 bowls, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In the bottom of a large soup pot, heat the oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking. I often make this is a wok on the stove.
- Salt the chicken and add to oil, tossing to brown all the pieces. Cook about 3 minutes or until outside is browned, but not necessarily cooked all the way through.
- Add mushrooms and toss. Allow to cook until some of the moisture is cooked out and the mushrooms are soft. Turn down heat to medium-low.
- To prepare the lemongrass, slice and mince the lower portion and reserve the stalk to flavor the soup. You can use a food processor for this, or just mince it by hand. The woody upper portion of the stalk will be removed later, so don't chop it up, simply score it by making a few superficial cuts in it to allow it to flavor the soup.
- Add the whites of the onions, reserving the greens. Add the minced lower portion of the lemongrass, grated galangal, and chilies. Toss until just warmed through.
- Add the lemongrass stalk, lime leaves, chicken stock, coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar and remaining onions, reserving just a few for garnish. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend well.
- Taste test and adjust flavors as follows:.
- Not salty enough - add more fish sauce.
- Too sour - add a little more brown sugar.
- Too spicy - add more coconut milk.
- Not spicy enough - add more chilies.
- Ladle into 4 soup bowls and garnish with remaining onion greens, cilantro, and basil.
- Variations:.
- Add more vegetables such as some sliced red bell peppers with the mushrooms.
- Serve over wide rice noodles for a main dish serving.
- Make vegetarian by increasing mushrooms in place of chicken and substituting vegetable stock.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 478.4, Fat 34, SaturatedFat 21.2, Cholesterol 48.6, Sodium 1453.7, Carbohydrate 20.6, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 8.7, Protein 25.6
TOM KHA GAI (CHICKEN COCONUT SOUP)
This silky, aromatic soup is a complete meal in a bowl.
Categories Soup/Stew Chicken Mushroom Dinner Lunch Coconut Lemongrass Simmer Bon Appétit Sugar Conscious Dairy Free Wheat/Gluten-Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Using the back of a knife, lightly smash lemongrass and ginger; cut lemongrass into 4" pieces. Bring lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves, and broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors are melded, 8-10 minutes. Strain broth into clean saucepan; discard solids.
- Add chicken and return to a boil. Reduce heat, add mushrooms, and simmer, skimming occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are soft, 20-25 minutes. Mix in coconut milk, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Divide soup among bowls. Serve with chili oil, cilantro, and lime wedges.
COCONUT SOUP WITH CHICKEN, GALANGA ROOT : TOM KHA KAI
This is very simple and original recipe from Thailand where I come from. Tom Kha Kai is not only a favorite soup among Thai people but it is also favorite dish for foreigner as well.
Provided by Kanchanarak S.
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 30m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Put the chicken broth or water into the pot and bring to boil over medium to medium high heat.
- Add salt, lemongrass, galanga allow to simmer for 10 minutes Reduce the medium heat. Add sliced chicken in to the pot- do not stir until the soup boils again to avoid the releasing it's smell.
- Add flavor by fish sauce and lime juice. Store and taste should be sour first, not too creaminess. Serve with hot boil rice. BON APPÉTIT.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 384.8, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 14.6, Cholesterol 92.8, Sodium 1393.6, Carbohydrate 6, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 2.4, Protein 33.5
THAI COCONUT CHICKEN SOUP (TOM KHA GAI)
This is a version of the famous Thai soup created by a close friend of mine in London. I haven't found any place that serves a better soup than this!
Provided by SeanS
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Gently simmer all but last 5 ingredients for 30 minutes.
- Add chicken and mushrooms and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add noodles, bok choi, cilantro.
- Let stand 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 478.3, Fat 28.7, SaturatedFat 19.2, Cholesterol 51.8, Sodium 1930.9, Carbohydrate 29.5, Fiber 7.7, Sugar 17.3, Protein 32.4
TOM KHA KAI (CHICKEN COCONUT SOUP)
This is my favourite Thai Soup. Everyone seem to like Tom Yum Koong (the seafood one) but i prefer this creamy one...and the heat is flexible...depending on how much you can handle. Recipe from www.10thaidish.athailand.com
Provided by KitchenManiac
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 25m
Yield 2 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine half the coconut milk with the galangal, lemon grass, and lime leaves in a large sauce pan and heat to boiling.
- Add chicken, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Simmer for about 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked, and then add the remaining coconut milk.
- Heat just to boiling and turn off the heat.
- Place the lime juice and chilli paste in a serving bowl and pour the soup over them.
- Garnish with coriander leaves and crushed chillies.
TOM KHA GAI, THAI COCONUT CHICKEN SOUP!
Oh, Tom Kha Gai! This spicy, aromatic soup, rich, tangy, flavorful! The silken texture of the coconut milk enriched chicken broth! The nourishing poached chicken and mushrooms, cradled in this powerful soup. Its winter. The perfect time for Tom Kha Gai. The ultimate seasonal comfort food. Enjoy!
Provided by Soma Sengupta
Categories Chicken
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 cups, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ginger, lemongrass, and curry paste and stir and cook in the heated oil for 1 minute. Slowly pour the chicken broth over the mixture, stirring continually. Add the lime leaves and chillies and simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse the broth.
- After 10 minutes, stir in the fish sauce and brown sugar; simmer for 15 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and mushrooms; cook and stir until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cook until no longer translucent, about 2-5 minutes. Watch carefully, do not overcook. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve, drizzle with a little chilli oil and/or garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 515.6, Fat 45.7, SaturatedFat 30.8, Cholesterol 59.7, Sodium 979.1, Carbohydrate 12.8, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 4.2, Protein 18.7
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your tom kha kai soup the best flavor. If you can, use fresh galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Chicken should be cooked through, but not overcooked. Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry.
- Add vegetables at the end of cooking: Vegetables should be added towards the end of cooking so that they don't overcook. Overcooked vegetables will lose their flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spiciness to your liking: Tom kha kai soup can be made as spicy or mild as you like. If you like spicy food, add more chili peppers. If you prefer a milder soup, use fewer chili peppers or omit them altogether.
- Serve with rice or noodles: Tom kha kai soup is traditionally served with rice or noodles. You can also serve it with bread or crackers.
Conclusion:
Tom kha kai is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. It is a popular dish in Thailand and is now enjoyed by people all over the world. With its combination of spicy, sour, and creamy flavors, tom kha kai is a soup that is sure to please everyone. Give it a try today!
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