Tom Kha Gai Soup Recipe

Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with Tom Kha Gai, a creamy coconut soup infused with fragrant lemongrass, spicy chilies, and tender chicken pieces for a comforting bowl that’s both refreshing and rich.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Thai

Keyword: Tom Kha Gai Soup Recipe

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Ingredients

1 lb chicken thigh boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces (see note 1)
1 stalk lemongrass bottom half only, smashed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
12 thin slices galangal see note 2
5 makrut lime leaves torn into large pieces, with center stems removed
3-4 Thai chilies bruised or roughly chopped
2 cups unsalted chicken stock preferably homemade
1 ½ cups coconut milk
1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon table salt
2 tablespoons fish sauce divided
1 teaspoon palm sugar finely chopped (or substitute granulated sugar)
5.5 oz oyster mushrooms
2 ½ tablespoons lime juice
Fresh chopped green onion and/or cilantro for garnish
Jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

In a pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the kosher salt and chicken pieces, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Pour in the coconut milk, then add the lemongrass, galangal slices, makrut lime leaves, Thai chilies, half of the fish sauce, and the palm sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
Stir in the oyster mushrooms, bringing the soup back to a simmer. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the mushrooms are tender.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more fish sauce if necessary. Remove the pot from the heat, add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and taste again, adjusting the lime juice to your preference. Garnish with chopped green onion and/or cilantro.
Serve with jasmine rice as a part of a Thai meal, or enjoy by adding rice directly into the soup for a complete meal. (Note: The herbs are used for flavor infusion and are not meant to be eaten. Either remove them before serving or inform your guests accordingly.)