Description
Tom Kha Gai is a delicious and aromatic Thai soup known for its rich coconut milk base, balanced with the bright flavors of lemongrass, lime, and fish sauce. Traditionally made with chicken, this flavorful dish is comforting and perfect for any season.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
200 grams mushrooms, sliced
2 cups spinach, chopped
2–3 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste)
Juice of 1 lime
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Red chili slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat until melted.
- Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add the lemongrass stalks, smashing them slightly with the back of a spoon to release flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Once simmering, stir in the coconut milk and thinly sliced chicken breast. Cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender and spinach has wilted.
- Season the soup with fish sauce and lime juice, stirring well. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more fish sauce or lime juice if desired.
- Remove lemongrass stalks and discard. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and red chili slices.
Notes
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or extra vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
Spicy Version: Add more red chili slices or Thai bird’s eye chili for extra heat.
Dairy-Free: Naturally dairy-free due to coconut milk base.
Additional Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil or Thai basil for enhanced flavor and fragrance.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freeze broth separately without coconut milk, chicken, or vegetables for best quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
