Thai Coconut Soup
This gluten-free Thai Coconut Soup, also known as Tom Kha Gai, is a creamy and fragrant soup perfect for a comforting meal. It features tender chicken, aromatic galangal, lemongrass, and the essential rich coconut milk, balanced with lime juice and fish sauce for a truly authentic Thai experience.
45 min
Total Time
4
Servings
easy
Difficulty
15 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) Coconut milk
- 1 lb Chicken breast (thinly sliced)
- 4-5 slices Galangal (fresh)
- 2 stalks Lemongrass (bruised)
- 4-5 leaves Kaffir lime leaves
- 8 oz Mushrooms (sliced)
- 2-3 tablespoons Fish sauce (gluten-free)
- 2-3 tablespoons Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1-2 Red chilies (sliced (optional))
- 2 Green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/4 cup Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Coconut sugar or brown sugar (optional)
- 1 inch Ginger (grated)
Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine chicken broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- 2
Add galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and ginger to the pot. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor.
- 3
Add the sliced chicken to the pot and cook until it is cooked through (about 3-5 minutes).
- 4
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they are tender.
- 5
Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding coconut sugar for a touch of sweetness if desired.
- 6
Remove from heat and discard the galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
- 7
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sliced red chilies (if using), green onions, and cilantro.
- 8
Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Notes
- •Adjust the amount of red chilies according to your spice preference. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- •For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk. You can also add a dollop of coconut cream on top before serving.
- •If you can't find fresh galangal, you can use ginger as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. You can also buy galangal paste.
Recipe Variations
- →Try adding different herbs for variety.
- →Substitute ingredients based on dietary needs.