Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Chicken

by: thaifoodie

May31,2021

4.7

6 Ratings

  • Serves 4

Jump to Recipe

Author Notes

Tom Kha Gai is a creamy, aromatic, and zesty soup that is distinctly Thai. Made with coconut milk, chicken, lemongrass, galangal, and chili, its very easy to make but certainly delivers impressive flavors! I made this for my website: http://www.thaifood-recipes.com/tom_ka_gai/. Hope you like it! —thaifoodie

Test Kitchen Notes

This happens to be one of my favorite Thai soups, so I was so excited to try this recipe. It is savory in comparison to other Tom Kha Gai I have tried, but I really enjoyed the final dish. The soup offers a lot of layers of flavor, and I think it could even simmer a bit longer to really enhance those nuances. I recommend pulling out the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves before serving (maybe before adding the chicken and the mushrooms?). I think this is a great base for a variety of different proteins (would be lovely with white fish), and I will add it to my repertoire when I want a more savory soup. —figgypudding

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • 500 milliliterscoconut milk
  • 200 gramssliced chicken breast
  • 1/2 medium tomato, chopped into chunks
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped into chunks
  • 2 cupsmushrooms (preferably straw mushrooms), chopped in half
  • 1 small red chili (add another if you'd like more spice)
  • 1 piecegalangal, 1 inch long
  • 1 piecelemongrass, white part only, chopped in half
  • 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoonfish sauce
  • 1 teaspoonpalm sugar
  • 1 shallot, chopped in thirds
  • 1 teaspooncoriander leaves
  • 1 kaffir lime leaf, stem removed
Directions
  1. In a medium saucepan or wok bring the coconut milk to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce heat and add the galangal, chilli, lime leaf, and lemongrass. Simmer the coconut milk for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavours of the herbs and spices to infuse into the coconut milk.
  3. Add the sliced chicken and cook until the chicken turns white. Next add fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. If you wish to increase the volume of liquid, you can add some liquid chicken stock at this point. Cook for approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Add the onion, tomato, and mushrooms to the soup and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir through the shallot and coriander. Serve with a side of steamed rice.

Tags:

  • Soup
  • Thai
  • Chicken
  • Lemongrass
  • Vegetable
  • Coconut
  • Shallot
  • Milk/Cream
  • Coriander
  • Gluten-Free
  • Appetizer

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • charles

  • Kate Valleri

  • Raine Screwball Eaday

  • Sarah E.

  • Mindy Stone

Popular on Food52

29 Reviews

charles May 31, 2021

Really enjoyed it. I made it vegetarian, so no chicken, and added some carrots. I also noticed when I added extra stock and vegetables, I did need to add a little more of the core flavors to retune the dish. For me that was adding some more lemongrass, fish sauce, chili, lime, and galangal. Overall I'm really happy with this, and it's simple to make at home.

I will make this again. To really sell anyone curious, my wife doesn't like coconut and she up for having it again.

cherie January 23, 2020

This was a delicious soup and so easy to make. I am going to search for galangal in my area - I can only find ginger and I would like to taste the difference of the two.
I doubled the recipe and it was very tasty the next day. I would like to find a source for Kaffir lime leaves here in the area of California where I live (Ventura County) but so far - no luck. I have to buy them through Amazon.

Shalimar B. April 11, 2020

There are a few Asian grocery stores in Ventura and Oxnard where you can find galangal and kaffir leaves. I freeze all in small packages.

cherie April 12, 2020

I haven't found the Galangal - I have the Kaffir lime leaves through amazon. Thank you for letting me know - I should search in the Ventura/oxnard area. is there a specific asian grocery or is it a traditional grocery carrying these items? (i.e., Ralphs, vons etc.

Jean October 16, 2020

I’m not in CA, but have found both galangal and kaffir lime leaves at Korean grocery stores on the east coast.

lighthouse6 November 15, 2019

Just made this for lunch. It's good. I did double the fish sauce and lime to get a more authentic taste because I love that sweet, salty, sour thing going on. I also used thighs - never breast meat. Yum. Thanks for the inspiration!

CanadianChef November 10, 2019

This recipe is also great with salmon or halibut.
For a little more "creaminess", i prefer to use coconut cream.
This is a very good base recipe.

Kate V. October 17, 2019

My husband lived in Ratchaburi, Thailand for awhile and he picked up some awesome cooking skills. This is one of my favourite soups, and he's taught me a few insider tricks. Here's a few changes to make this dish a bit more authentically Thai: use chicken thighs, even with bones, for a better flavour. Up the fish sauce and sugar x 2, at least. Put the (clean) roots of your coriander into the soup at the beginning- they have tons of flavour; make sure you remove the bones and roots before serving.

Andrea February 9, 2017

I made this last night and the flavor was great but my chicken came out a bit tough. I don't usually cook chicken this way (poached?) so looking for suggestions for how to fix this next time. I maxxed at the time ranges in the recipe, and then kept it on low for 5 more while I was waiting for my rice to finish. Too much time for the chicken? Or would letting it cook even longer increase the tenderness?

Kate V. October 17, 2019

Chicken breasts can be really dry. Try slicing up thighs instead.

cherie January 23, 2020

The first time I made this, I used chicken breasts and poached them in chicken stock, then shredded rather than sliced. I used about 1 cup of the poaching liquid in the soup. The chicken was very tender. Next time, I will try thighs.

Raine S. March 21, 2016

That was gorgeous. I literally just finished it haha. Question though, am I supposed to sieve the lemongrass out at any point? It's awful to chew

james December 17, 2016

Yes, don't eat the lemongrass. Take it out.

Sarah E. November 3, 2015

Absolutely delicious! Made this tonight--I found fresh lemongrass at Whole Foods but they were our of galangal and kaffir lime leaves so those two I found packaged in the Asian food aisle instead - they worked out very well! I doubled the chicken to make this a filling main dish, added 1 cup chicken stock also. Will make again!

Mindy S. October 27, 2015

I did not have galangal so I used fresh ginger instead. I also substituted red curry paste for red chiles and added Julianne carrots and 1/4 cup packed chopped cilantro. My guest loved the soup and I will definitely be making this again.

Jen! February 14, 2015

This was delicious and super easy to make. We added 15oz fresh rice noodles. Yum!

Margarita U. February 24, 2014

Absolutely delicious! I used ground ginger instead of galangal, and brown sugar because I was in a hurry. For the mushrooms I used a bag of mixed Asian varieties by Woodstock and sold at WFoods. Instead of shallot added red onion or maybe scallions. I had a jar of sliced lemongrass that I keep in the fridge, and added 1-2 teaspoons.

Nicole October 27, 2013

You usually find them at WholeFood or specially dept. often, if you ask the manager to order these food they will be happy to do so. I might try World Market too! Good luck because you really have to try the recipe, it is worth it

ayoung816 October 27, 2013

Sounds wonderful! But where would I find lemongrass and galangal? Thanks

Tann'sgirl November 4, 2013

Any Asian food market will have lemon grass, and ginger can be substituted for galangal.

Jane H. October 13, 2015

Uwajimaya has both!

Arrxx October 27, 2013

Yvonne re: Metric conversion.
There are numerous "conversion" apps online. Here's one.
www.worldwidemetric.com/measurements.

Rhonda35 October 4, 2013

Delicious and easy. I used double the lime juice because I like the enhanced sourness.

Jenna @. October 1, 2013

I am super excited to find this recipe from a source I trust! I always get it at my favorite local Thai place, but wanted to make it at home. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Nicole September 30, 2013

Made the soup last night and my husband and I enjoyed it very much! Will definitely do again soon.thank you for the recipe.

yvonne M. September 29, 2013

Sounds great but with. Metric measurements I am totally lost. Can any one translate it?

lighthouse6 November 15, 2019

You can always find any conversion for ANYTHING online : )

foxeslovelemons September 26, 2013

I can tell just by reading the recipe how many layers of complex flavor this recipe has. Congrats on the CP!

catydid November 30, 2011

Delicious and surprisingly easy! I left out the fish sauce and sugar, did add about a cup of chicken broth. I used leftover turkey (from thanksgiving!) and it was a big hit! Best use of leftover turkey yet! Thank you!

Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai) Recipe on Food52 (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Tom Kha and Tom Kha Gai? ›

Perhaps you have seen “Tom Kha Gai” on the menu at Thai restaurants- “Tom Kha” means galangal (flavorful relative of ginger) soup and “Tom Kha Gai” refers to the chicken version of the soup. And “Tom Yum” refers to a different Thai soup that has a tomato base instead of coconut milk.

What is Tom Kha Gai made of? ›

Ingredients. Tom kha kai recipes typically include coconut milk, galangal (sometimes substituted with ginger), kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, Thai chili, coriander (or dill), straw mushrooms (or shiitake or other mushrooms), chicken, fish sauce, and lime juice. Fried chilies are sometimes added.

Is Tom Kha Gai soup good for you? ›

Tom Kha soup is perfect if you have blood sugar problems or want to lose weight. It is low in carbohydrates and yet very satisfying. Due to its high healthy fats and protein content, you will not be hungry for many hours after eating it. Not snacking between meals is one of the best ways to encourage weight loss.

What does Tom mean in Thai soup? ›

It is a soup that normally includes shrimp. The strong hot and sour flavors makes it very popular in Thai Cuisine. The name "tom yam" is composed of two Thai words. Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam means 'mixed'. Tom yum.

Which is healthier tom yum or Tom Kha soup? ›

Best: Tom Yum Soup

Tom yum has fewer than 100 calories per cup. It also has shrimp, veggies, and fragrant spices, such as lemongrass. Tom yum and other broth-based soups, like tofu-vegetable or wonton, are usually lower in fat and calories than soups made with coconut milk, such as tom kha.

What does tom kha mean in Thai? ›

What Does Tom Kha Gai Mean? Tom Kha Gai is a popular Thai soup known for its intense galangal, coconut aromatic flavor. The literal translation is “boiled galangal chicken” but can be broken down as: TOM means SOUP or BOILED/COOKED, KHA means galangal root and GAI means chicken.

How do you thicken Tom Kha soup? ›

N.B: you can add more soy, sugar, fish sauce or lime juice to your taste. Optional: - Want to thicken your soup mix 3 tsp of cornstarch w/ 8 tsp of water and mix well in the soup.

Can you boil coconut milk in soup? ›

What can you cook with coconut milk? Soups, curries, and stews - coconut milk is an amazing base liquid for all kinds of soups - if you want a warmer, richer, creamier taste, just throw in a can of coconut milk and enjoy! Try it in... Curries - like this keto-friendly chicken curry or curried cauliflower and kale soup.

Is Thai soup good when sick? ›

Tom Ka Gai or Tom Yam: Thai Coconut Soup

Additional benefits: eases congestion and stimulates your taste buds; a plus given that your sense of taste is diminished during a flu or cold which contributes to lack of appetite. If you have someone who can cook the soup for you, that's great.

Why is Thai soup so good? ›

Galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass are among the primary ingredients used in Thai soups. Simmering them in broth allows them to release their phytochemicals and nutrients. Their oils have not only a pleasant aroma and taste, but also harbor many health benefits to the digestive system.

What do you eat with Thai soup? ›

Exotic Thai: The hint of sweet chili sauce and mint in the sandwich complement this aromatic Thai soup with lemongrass and coconut while pairing it with roasted chicken and julienned cucumber and carrot in a delicate wrap.

How much sugar is in Tom Kha soup? ›

Region: US
ServingIngredientCalories
1.18 ozcoconut milk66
3.15 gramsfish sauce1
0.36 gramsugar1
1.75 glemongrass2
5 more rows
Mar 18, 2016

What does yum yum mean in Thai? ›

Thai salads are most commonly know as 'yum'. Yum, meaning “mix,” is a hearty dish consisting mostly of meat, fish, or seafood together with many other typically Thai ingredients which may include peanuts, fruit, and herbs.

What is the difference between Tom Yum soup and Tom Kha soup? ›

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha soup? ›

What is Tom Kah Gai? It's a spicy Thai coconut soup with galangal and chicken. Tom Kha is a creamy-spicy soup, made with coconut milk, whereas Tom Yum is a non-creamy, hot and sour soup, often containing prawns (shrimp).

What are the two types of Tom Yum soup? ›

There are two different types of Tom Yum soup. The original Tom Yum is a clear soup called Tom Yum Nam Sai. The later version, which is commonly seen and widely adored, is a vibrant-coloured, richer and creamier soup called Tom Yum Nam Khon as it has roasted chilli paste, evaporated milk or coconut cream added to it.

What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Klong? ›

There are two slight variants to Tom Yum, the first of these being Tom Yum Nam Khon. In this version, milk is added to the soup to make it taste creamier. The second different version is Tom Klong, where Thai chilli jam is added to the broth, this produces an orange coloured soup with a much stronger chilli taste.

What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Yum Goong? ›

Add the word “goong” which means “prawns” to tom yum and you get tom yum goong or sweet, sour and spicy soup with prawns. Et voilà! You've just mastered your first three Thai words!

Is tom yam and Tom Yum the same thing? ›

Tom yum or tom yam is a type of hot and sour Thai soup, usually cooked with shrimp (prawn). Tom yum has its origin in Thailand. In recent years,tom yam has been popularised around the world. The words “tom yam” are derived from two Thai words.

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