Fragrant Thai Tom Kha Soup

Tom Kha Soup is a quintessential Thai delicacy, celebrated for its complex yet comforting flavor profile. This fragrant and velvety soup features tender chicken and earthy mushrooms bathed in a luxurious coconut broth, perfectly balancing the aromatic notes of lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves.

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The magic of this dish lies in the infusion process. By simmering the coconut base with bruised lemongrass and fresh galangal, the broth absorbs a citrusy, spicy depth that defines the soul of Thai home cooking.

Ingredients

• 300 g (10 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 400 ml (1 can) coconut cream
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken stock
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
• 4 slices fresh galangal (or 1 tbsp ginger, if unavailable)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 200 g (7 oz) button mushrooms, sliced
• 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 2–3 Thai birds eye chilies, smashed (optional, to taste)
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice (plus extra to serve)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Extra lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1: Build the Base

In a large saucepan, combine coconut cream and chicken stock. Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, garlic, and chilies. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 2: Infuse

Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the aromatics to fully infuse the broth with flavor.

Step 3: Cook Chicken and Mushrooms

Add the sliced chicken and mushrooms to the pot. Continue to simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender.

Step 4: Refine the Broth

Carefully remove and discard the stalks of lemongrass, galangal slices, and lime leaves.

Step 5: Season to Perfection

Add fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Stir well, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed to find your preferred balance of salty, sour, and sweet.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the most flavorful broth, make sure to bruise the lemongrass stalks before adding them to the pot; this releases the essential oils. Always maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to keep the coconut cream smooth and velvety.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce. If you prefer a lighter consistency, you can use coconut milk instead of coconut cream, though the cream provides a more traditional richness.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is traditionally enjoyed as a light main or a starter. To make it a more substantial meal, it pairs beautifully with a bowl of fragrant jasmine rice. Don't forget the extra lime wedges for those who enjoy a brighter, more acidic finish.

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Enjoy this comforting bowl of Tom Kha Soup, a dish that perfectly encapsulates the harmony of Thai flavors—creamy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Q&A About the Recipe

→ Can I make Tom Kha Soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with firm tofu and replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a delicious vegetarian version that maintains the authentic flavors.

→ What can I use if I can't find galangal?

Fresh ginger works as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. Use about 1 tablespoon of sliced ginger in place of galangal.

→ How spicy is Tom Kha Soup?

The heat level is adjustable. Start with fewer Thai bird's eye chilies or omit them entirely for a mild version, adding more to taste for increased spiciness.

→ Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?

Absolutely. Coconut milk creates a lighter version while still maintaining the essential creamy texture and coconut flavor of the soup.

→ How long does Tom Kha Soup keep in the refrigerator?

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of stock if needed to adjust consistency.

→ What should I serve with Tom Kha Soup?

Jasmine rice is the traditional pairing, perfectly complementing the aromatic broth. It also works well as a standalone dish for a lighter meal.