Authentic Tom Kha Gai: Creamy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Thailand with this Authentic Tom Kha Gai, a delectable coconut chicken soup that brings the essence of Thai cuisine to your kitchen. Inspired by a cherished recipe from a close friend in London, this comforting soup blends tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a creamy coconut broth that is both warming and invigorating. The harmonious combination of lemongrass, lime leaves, and shrimp paste creates a fragrant experience, while the addition of bean thread noodles adds a delightful texture. Perfect as a main dish or a starter, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
3 cups (preferably low sodium)
coconut milk
1 can
lemongrass
1 stalk (lightly crushed)
lime leaves
4 leaves ((use 2 tablespoons lime juice as substitute))
shrimp paste
1 tablespoon
Thai red chili peppers
3 small (thinly sliced (remove seeds for less spice))
ginger
1 inch (sliced)
fish sauce
3 tablespoons ((or more to taste))
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
palm vinegar
1/2 tablespoon ((or white vinegar))
bergamot oil
1/2 drop
boneless chicken breasts
2 (thinly sliced)
mushrooms
8 ounces (thinly sliced)
cilantro
1 bunch (roughly chopped)
bok choy
2 small
bean thread noodles
1 package ((clear, thin))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine chicken stock, coconut milk, lemongrass, lime leaves, shrimp paste, Thai red chili peppers, ginger, fish sauce, soy sauce, palm vinegar, and bergamot oil.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3
After 30 minutes, add the sliced chicken breasts and mushrooms to the pot. Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
4
While the soup is simmering, prepare the bean thread noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
5
Once the chicken and mushrooms are cooked, add the prepared noodles, bok choy, and chopped cilantro to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup stand for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
6
Serve hot and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Tom Kha Gai!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Kha Gai?
Tom Kha Gai is a traditional Thai coconut chicken soup known for its creamy, aromatic, and savory flavor profile.
What does the name Tom Kha Gai mean?
In Thai, "Tom" means boiled or soup, "Kha" refers to galangal (though ginger is a common substitute), and "Gai" means chicken.
Is this recipe authentic?
Yes, this recipe is inspired by authentic Thai culinary practices, utilizing key ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaves, and fish sauce.
What kind of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for two boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender texture.
Can I use coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
You can, but the soup will be much thicker and richer. Coconut milk provides the standard traditional consistency.
What can I substitute for lime leaves?
If you cannot find fresh lime leaves, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of lime juice.
Is the shrimp paste necessary?
Shrimp paste adds a deep, salty umami flavor that is traditional in Thai cooking, though it can be omitted if you have an allergy.
How can I make the soup less spicy?
To reduce the heat, remove the seeds from the Thai red chili peppers before slicing them.
Can I use galangal instead of ginger?
Absolutely. Galangal is the traditional ingredient for Tom Kha; ginger is used in this recipe as a more accessible aromatic substitute.
What type of mushrooms work best?
The recipe recommends 8 ounces of thinly sliced mushrooms; button, cremini, or straw mushrooms are excellent choices.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu, use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock, and replace fish sauce/shrimp paste with light soy sauce or salt.
How long does it take to cook this soup?
The base simmers for 30 minutes to develop flavor, followed by approximately 10 minutes of assembly and final cooking.
What can I substitute for palm vinegar?
If palm vinegar is unavailable, standard white vinegar is a suitable 1:1 replacement.
What are bean thread noodles?
Also known as glass noodles or cellophane noodles, these are thin, clear noodles made from starch that add a unique texture to the soup.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it strictly gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and verify that your shrimp paste and fish sauce are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the broth and aromatics on low for 4-6 hours, adding the chicken and vegetables in the final 30 minutes of cooking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Tom Kha Gai?
Freezing is not recommended because the coconut milk can separate and the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.
What if I cannot find bergamot oil?
Bergamot oil is an optional aromatic; you can omit it or add a small amount of lime zest for a similar citrus fragrance.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
Lightly crush the lemongrass stalk before adding it to the pot to help release its essential oils and fragrance.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, while the recipe uses bok choy and mushrooms, you can also add snap peas, baby corn, or bell peppers.
Why must the soup stand for 5 minutes at the end?
Letting the soup stand allows the flavors to deepen and the bok choy to reach the perfect level of tenderness.
What makes the soup so creamy?
The creaminess comes from the high-quality coconut milk blended with chicken stock.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and often remain more succulent during the simmering process.
Is fish sauce required?
Fish sauce is a staple for the salty and savory profile of the soup; it is highly recommended for an authentic taste.
What can I use if I do not have soy sauce?
You can use tamari, liquid aminos, or a bit of extra fish sauce and a pinch of salt as a replacement.
How do I cook the bean thread noodles?
Prepare them according to the package instructions—usually by soaking in hot water—before adding them to the soup at the end.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is a balanced dish featuring lean protein, healthy fats from coconut, and nutrient-dense vegetables like bok choy.
What should I serve with Tom Kha Gai?
This soup is a complete meal with noodles included, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, the recipe scales easily; simply double all ingredients and ensure you use a large enough stockpot.