Creamy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Kai)
Tom Kha Kai is a fragrant and tantalizing Thai coconut soup that combines the rich creaminess of coconut milk with the bold and uplifting flavors of fresh herbs and spices. This soup features tender slices of chicken, infused with the aromatic notes of galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. The balance of heat and sweetness makes it customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your liking. Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful snack, it’s a favorite for Thai cuisine lovers seeking comfort in a bowl. This recipe is inspired by traditions from Thailand, ensuring an authentic and satisfying experience.
2
Servings
300
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coconut milk
2 cups (Shake before using)
Young galangal
6 slices (Fresh, sliced)
Lemongrass
2 stalks (Lower portion cut into 1-inch lengths and crushed)
Kaffir lime leaves
5 leaves (Fresh, torn in half)
Boneless chicken breasts
8 ounces (Sliced thinly)
Fish sauce
5 tablespoons (Use good quality)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (Granulated)
Lime juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Black chili paste
1 teaspoon (Nam phrik pao)
Coriander leaves
1/4 cup (Fresh, torn)
Green Thai chiles
5 chiles (Fresh, crushed)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, combine half of the coconut milk with the galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves.
2
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the flavors to infuse.
3
Add the sliced chicken, fish sauce, and sugar to the pan, stirring well to combine.
4
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
5
Stir in the remaining coconut milk and heat just until it reaches a gentle boil. Remove from heat immediately.
6
In a separate serving bowl, combine the lime juice and black chili paste.
7
Carefully pour the hot soup over the lime juice and chili paste mixture.
8
Garnish with torn coriander leaves and crushed green Thai chiles before serving.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Kha Kai?
Tom Kha Kai is a fragrant Thai coconut chicken soup known for its creamy texture and aromatic herb profile.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
The soup features a balance of rich creaminess from coconut milk with bold herbal notes, heat, and sweetness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for a single serving?
Each serving of this soup contains 300 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of this soup?
There are 25g of protein in each serving.
Which aromatic herbs are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses young galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
How should the galangal be prepared?
Use 6 slices of fresh, sliced young galangal.
How long do you simmer the chicken?
The chicken should be simmered for approximately 4 minutes or until cooked through.
What type of chicken is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of boneless chicken breasts, sliced thinly.
How do you prepare the lemongrass stalks?
Cut the lower portion into 1-inch lengths and crush them to release their aromatic oils.
What is the specific chili paste used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Nam phrik pao, which is a Thai black chili paste.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the soup is customizable so you can adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference.
Where is the lime juice added?
The lime juice is combined with chili paste in a separate serving bowl before the hot soup is poured over it.
What is the first step in cooking the soup?
In a large saucepan, combine half of the coconut milk with the galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves.
How many kaffir lime leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 5 fresh kaffir lime leaves, torn in half.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the soup with torn coriander leaves and crushed green Thai chiles before serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 12.5g of carbohydrates.
Is fresh lime juice necessary?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice for the most authentic flavor profile.
How many green Thai chiles are used?
The recipe calls for 5 fresh green Thai chiles, crushed.
Is sugar added to the soup?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar are used to balance the flavors of the dish.
What category does this soup belong to?
It is categorized as a Lunch or Snack dish.
Should I shake the coconut milk?
Yes, the recipe suggests shaking the coconut milk before using it to ensure it is well mixed.
What type of fish sauce should I use?
A good quality fish sauce is recommended for the best flavor results.
How should the chicken be sliced?
The chicken breasts should be sliced thinly for quick and even cooking.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 specific ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by authentic culinary traditions from Thailand.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a favorite for those seeking comfort in a flavorful bowl of Thai cuisine.
When do I add the remaining coconut milk?
Stir in the remaining coconut milk after the chicken is cooked and heat just until it reaches a gentle boil.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include thai soup, coconut soup, chicken recipe, comfort food, spicy soup, lunch, snack, and easy recipe.