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Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)

Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
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Tom Kha Soup (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup) is a luscious and comforting Thai classic that balances creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, fragrant herbs, and gentle spice. Featuring tender chicken, fresh mushrooms, and aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, this soup offers an exotic yet accessible flavor profile. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit all spice preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Broth Base

  • 2 cups coconut milk (full-fat canned preferred)
  • 2 cups water or chicken stock

Aromatics & Herbs

  • 2 lemongrass stalks, smashed
  • 3–4 slices galangal, thinly sliced
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn roughly

Vegetables

  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms (straw or oyster), sliced or halved

Seasonings

  • 2–3 tbsp fish sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (adjust to taste)
  • 2–3 fresh Thai chilies, sliced (adjust for desired heat)

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Additional sliced fresh chilies (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Begin by smashing the lemongrass stalks to release their oils and slicing the galangal thinly. Tear the kaffir lime leaves roughly to help infuse the broth more effectively.
  2. Simmer the Broth: In a pot, combine the coconut milk and water or chicken stock. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the smashed lemongrass, sliced galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes, creating a fragrant and flavorful base.
  3. Add Chicken and Mushrooms: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and fresh mushrooms to the simmering broth. Cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the mushrooms are softened but still retain their texture.
  4. Season the Soup: Stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sliced Thai chilies. Taste the broth and adjust fish sauce, lime juice, or chilies to achieve a perfect balance of salty, sour, and spicy flavors according to your preference.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Remove the lemongrass stalks, galangal slices, and kaffir lime leaves from the soup. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for a bright and fresh finish. Add extra fresh chilies if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves for authentic flavor and fragrance.
  • Keep the soup at a gentle simmer to prevent coconut milk from curdling or becoming grainy.
  • Add lime juice gradually and taste as you go to balance acidity without overpowering other flavors.
  • Slice chicken thinly for quick cooking and better absorption of flavors.
  • Adjust the number of chilies based on your preferred spice level; start with fewer and add more if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tom Kha Soup, Thai Coconut Chicken Soup, Thai soup, coconut milk soup, lemongrass soup, easy Thai recipe, spicy soup, gluten free soup

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/tom-kha-soup-thai-coconut-chicken-soup/