Fragrant Thai Tom Kha Soup (Print Page)

Fragrant Thai soup with chicken, coconut cream, lemongrass, galangal, and mushrooms in a velvety broth.

# What You Need:

→ Protein

01 - 10 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced

→ Broth & Base

02 - 13.5 fl oz coconut cream
03 - 2 cups chicken stock
04 - 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
05 - 4 slices fresh galangal or 1 tablespoon ground ginger
06 - 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

07 - 7 oz button mushrooms, sliced
08 - 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
09 - 2 cloves garlic, smashed
10 - 2 to 3 Thai bird's eye chilies, smashed, optional

→ Seasoning

11 - 2 tablespoons fish sauce
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus extra for serving
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - Salt to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh cilantro leaves
16 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - 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.
02 - Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the aromatics to infuse fully into the broth.
03 - Add sliced chicken and mushrooms to the pot. Continue to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender.
04 - Remove and discard lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves using a slotted spoon or tongs.
05 - Add fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Stir thoroughly, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with extra lime wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Authentic Flavors: Uses traditional Thai aromatics like galangal and kaffir lime leaves.
  • Fast & Easy: A sophisticated dish ready in just 40 minutes.
  • Naturally Dietary Friendly: This recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free.
02 -
  • Chili Control: Adjust the number of smashed Thai bird's eye chilies to reach your desired spice level.
  • Fresh Galangal: While ginger is a substitute, fresh galangal provides the authentic woody, citrus scent specific to Tom Kha.
  • Discarding Aromatics: Removing the lemongrass and galangal before serving makes the soup much easier to eat.
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