Easy Homemade Tom Kha Gai
Easy homemade Tom Kha Gai recipe with authentic Thai flavors, coconut chicken soup ready in 40 minutes. Anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 slices fresh galangal (or 1.5 tablespoons minced)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 kaffir lime leaves (or 2 tablespoons lime zest)
- 2 Thai red chilies, whole or sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1.5 teaspoons palm sugar or coconut sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Warm the neutral oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- 2
Add the Thai red curry paste directly to the hot oil and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices and deepen their aromatic qualities.
- 3
Pour in the chicken broth gradually while stirring to blend the curry paste smoothly into the liquid without lumps.
- 4
Add the bruised lemongrass pieces, galangal slices, minced garlic, and Thai chilies to the simmering broth.
- 5
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it infuse for 5-7 minutes, allowing the aromatics to release their essential oils into the liquid.
- 6
Carefully add the cubed chicken pieces to the simmering broth, making sure they're submerged in the liquid.
- 7
Simmer the chicken gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is just cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- 8
Pour in the full-fat coconut milk while stirring gently to incorporate it evenly without breaking or separating the cream.
- 9
Add the sliced mushrooms and onion to the pot, stirring to distribute them throughout the broth.
- 10
Tear the kaffir lime leaves gently and add them to the soup, then continue simmering for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- 11
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and palm sugar, tasting as you go to ensure balanced seasoning.
- 12
Let the soup rest for 1-2 minutes off heat so flavors can settle and meld together.
- 13
Strain out the large aromatic pieces (lemongrass, galangal, whole chilies, and lime leaves) using a fine-mesh sieve or slotted spoon if desired, or leave them in for extra flavor and rustic presentation.
- 14
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro and additional sliced Thai chilies.
- 15
Serve immediately while hot, with lime wedges on the side for guests to adjust acidity to their preference.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Full-fat coconut milk | Light coconut milk mixed with 1/2 cup heavy cream | Reduces saturated fat and calories while maintaining creamy texture |
| Chicken breast | Skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces | Thighs stay more tender and juicy during cooking while providing more selenium and B vitamins |
| Palm sugar | Monk fruit sweetener or small drizzle of honey | Reduces refined sugar intake while maintaining sweetness needed to balance lime and fish sauce |
| Fish sauce | Tamari or soy sauce (use same quantity) | Provides umami depth for those avoiding fish-based products or with shellfish allergies |
| Cremini mushrooms | Mixed oyster and shiitake mushrooms | Shiitake provides additional umami, anti-inflammatory compounds, and gut-health benefits |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 78mg |
| Sodium | 845mg |
| Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 35g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
