Fragrant Thai Chicken Rice Soup
Savor the rich, comforting flavors of this Fragrant Thai Chicken Rice Soup, also known as Kao Tom Gai. This nourishing dish combines tender chicken slices with a savory broth infused with the fragrance of herbs and spices, creating the perfect balance of warmth without overwhelming heat. The soup is complemented by a medley of fresh vegetables, including green onions, celery leaves, and cilantro, adding a bright finish to each bowl. Ideal for chilly days, this dish is not only delicious but also a wholesome option for the whole family. Feel free to add fresh chilies for an extra kick if you're brave enough!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
short-grain rice
1 cup (rinsed under cold water)
water
8 cups (for cooking the rice)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning the rice)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 lbs (thinly sliced)
fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons (mixed with 1 teaspoon of salt for marinating)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons (for flavoring)
white pepper
1 tablespoon (for seasoning (or to taste))
chopped green onion
1/4 cup (for garnish)
chopped celery leaves
1/4 cup (for garnish)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice with 8 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes or until the rice has softened and absorbed most of the liquid.
2
While the rice is cooking, marinate the thinly sliced chicken breasts in a mixture of fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon of salt for about 5 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
3
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Add the marinated chicken and white pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
5
Once the rice is cooked, ladle a cup of the rice broth into small bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the sautéed chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions, celery leaves, and fresh cilantro.
6
Serve hot, and enjoy the nourishing warmth of this delightful soup!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fragrant Thai Chicken Rice Soup?
Fragrant Thai Chicken Rice Soup, also known as Kao Tom Gai, is a nourishing dish featuring tender chicken slices and a savory broth infused with herbs and spices.
What is the Thai name for this chicken rice soup?
This dish is also known as Kao Tom Gai.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe, including garnishes.
What type of rice is used in Kao Tom Gai?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of short-grain rice.
How should I prepare the rice before cooking?
You should rinse the short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
How much water is needed to cook the rice?
You will need 8 cups of water to cook the rice.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
The rice should simmer uncovered for about 60 minutes or until it has softened and absorbed most of the liquid.
What cut of chicken is best for this soup?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared for the soup?
The chicken breasts should be thinly sliced.
What is used to marinate the chicken?
The chicken is marinated in a mixture of 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for about 5 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
What aromatics are used in the soup?
The soup uses 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion and 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What type of oil is used for sautéing the aromatics?
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil are used for sautéing.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
What seasoning is added to the chicken while cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of white pepper (or to taste) to season the chicken.
How long does the chicken take to cook in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes or until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
Is this soup spicy?
No, it is designed to have a balance of warmth without overwhelming heat, though you can add chilies if you prefer spice.
Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can add fresh chilies for an extra kick if desired.
What fresh herbs are used as a garnish?
The soup is garnished with chopped green onion, chopped celery leaves, and fresh cilantro.
How do you assemble the soup bowls?
Ladle a cup of the rice broth into a bowl, top with a portion of the sautéed chicken mixture, and then add garnishes.
Is this soup a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and healthy option for the whole family.
When is the best time to serve this soup?
This soup is ideal for chilly days and should be served hot.
How much white pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of white pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
What is the texture of the rice in this soup?
The rice becomes softened and absorbs most of the liquid, creating a thick, porridge-like consistency.
Can I use celery leaves in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped celery leaves is used as a garnish to add a bright finish.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of minced garlic for flavoring.
Should the rice be cooked covered or uncovered?
The rice should be simmered uncovered.
What makes the chicken tender in this recipe?
Marinating the chicken in lime juice and salt for 5 minutes helps enhance its tenderness.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What are the flavor profiles of this soup?
The soup is savory, fragrant with herbs, and has a bright finish from lime and fresh garnishes.