Spicy Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Delve into the rich, aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine with this Spicy Coconut Chicken Soup, known as Tom Kha Gai. This comforting dish is made with tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and creamy coconut milk. The blend of spicy Thai chilis, zesty lime, and earthy galangal creates a delightful symphony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. It's perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or impressing guests at your next dinner party. Serve it alongside steamed rice or savor it by itself for a satisfying meal.
3
Servings
283
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coconut Milk
2 ((12 ounce cans))
Chicken Stock
2 (cups)
Thai Red Chili Peppers
4 (diced)
Fresh Galangal Root
1 (inch, sliced)
Fresh Gingerroot
1 (inch, minced)
Chicken Breasts
2 (thinly sliced, preferably frozen)
Straw Mushrooms
2 ((8 ounce cans or fresh))
Roma Tomatoes
4 (medium, optional)
Lemongrass
1 (stalk, finely chopped, optional)
Kaffir Lime Leaves
5 (thinly sliced)
Fresh Cilantro
1 (cup, chopped)
Thai Chili Paste
1 (tablespoon, optional)
Lime Juice
3 (tablespoons)
Fish Sauce
2 (tablespoons)
Brown Sugar
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the coconut milk and chicken stock, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
2
Add the sliced galangal, minced ginger, and diced Thai chilis to the pot and lower the heat to a simmer. Allow them to infuse their flavors into the broth for about 10 minutes.
3
Introduce the thinly sliced chicken to the pot, stirring occasionally until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Add the straw mushrooms and the thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves to the pot, stirring to combine.
5
If using, cut cross-sections of the lemongrass and add them in, along with the cubed roma tomatoes.
6
For added complexity, consider zesting a lime into the soup for an extra burst of flavor.
7
(Optional) Stir in the Thai chili paste or red curry paste for an additional layer of spiciness.
8
Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
9
Just before serving, turn off the heat, then add the brown sugar, lime juice, and fish sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
10
Taste and adjust the flavor profile if needed, adding more chili paste for heat, lime juice for acidity, or fish sauce for saltiness.
11
To finish, generously sprinkle fresh cilantro on top before serving. Enjoy hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice.
12
Remember, leftovers will develop even more flavor, making them a delightful treat the next day.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
17
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Kha Gai?
Tom Kha Gai is a classic Spicy Coconut Chicken Soup from Thai cuisine known for its rich, aromatic flavors and creamy base.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 3 servings.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 283 calories.
What are the primary flavor components of the broth?
The broth features a symphony of spicy Thai chilis, zesty lime, earthy galangal, and creamy coconut milk.
How much coconut milk is required for the recipe?
You will need two 12-ounce cans of coconut milk.
Is galangal the same as ginger?
No, galangal is an earthy, citrusy root distinct from ginger, although both are used in this recipe for depth of flavor.
What type of mushrooms are used in this soup?
The recipe calls for two 8-ounce cans of straw mushrooms, though fresh mushrooms can also be used.
How long should the aromatic herbs infuse in the broth?
The galangal, ginger, and Thai chilis should simmer in the coconut milk and stock mixture for about 10 minutes.
What is the best way to prepare the chicken for this soup?
The chicken breasts should be thinly sliced; the recipe suggests slicing them while partially frozen for easier handling.
How long does the chicken take to cook in the broth?
The thinly sliced chicken typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes to become thoroughly cooked and tender.
Are tomatoes a mandatory ingredient in Tom Kha Gai?
No, the roma tomatoes are listed as an optional ingredient to add texture and flavor.
Is lemongrass required for this recipe?
Lemongrass is an optional addition that provides a traditional citrus aroma.
How many Thai Red Chili Peppers should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 diced Thai Red Chili Peppers.
What can I use to make the soup extra spicy?
You can add one tablespoon of Thai chili paste or red curry paste for an additional layer of heat.
When should I add the lime juice and fish sauce?
Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar just before serving, after turning off the heat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving of this soup?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the coconut milk.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 17 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Can I add lime zest to the soup?
Yes, zesting a lime into the soup is recommended for an extra burst of complexity and flavor.
What is a good garnish for Tom Kha Gai?
Freshly chopped cilantro is the ideal garnish to sprinkle on top before serving.
What should I serve alongside this coconut soup?
It is delicious when served alongside a bowl of steamed rice or enjoyed on its own.
How many kaffir lime leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 5 thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, one tablespoon of brown sugar is used to balance the salty and sour flavors.
How do I adjust the flavor if it is not salty enough?
You can add more fish sauce to increase the saltiness of the final dish.
What if I want the soup to be more acidic?
You can add additional lime juice until the desired level of acidity is reached.
Do leftovers store well?
Yes, the flavors will continue to develop and meld, making leftovers a delightful treat the next day.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken stock.
Can I use red curry paste instead of chili paste?
Yes, red curry paste is a suitable alternative for adding spiciness and complexity.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed in the recipe.
What is the primary category for this dish?
This recipe is categorized under Chicken dishes.