Originating from Thailand, Tom Kha Kai is a traditional spicy soup characterized by its fragrant coconut milk broth, laced with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. This delightful soup finds its essence in the perfect balance between sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. It is commonly prepared with chicken, mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a symphony of textures and flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
This article offers three enticing recipes that cater to various dietary preferences and skill levels. The first recipe presents the classic Tom Kha Kai in all its glory, while the second recipe provides a vegetarian adaptation that retains the authentic taste experience. Last but not least, the third recipe introduces a simplified version of Tom Kha Kai, perfect for beginners or those short on time.
Each recipe includes a comprehensive ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, ensuring that home cooks of all levels can recreate this Thai delicacy in their own kitchens. With its vibrant flavors and versatility, Tom Kha Kai is a culinary journey waiting to be embarked upon.
BEST EVER TOM KHA GAI - THAI COCONUT SOUP
This tom kha soup (Thai coconut soup) is absolutely perfect. Rich and creamy yet tangy and salty, this Thai soup is filling but light and positively bursting with flavor. The very best recipe I've ever made or tried. Whole30, paleo, and vegan options offered.
Provided by Cheryl Malik
Categories Main Course Side Dish Soup
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- In a medium pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeno or chile, galangal or ginger, lemongrass, and red curry paste and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until onions are softened. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Strain out the aromatics (the garlic, onions, lemongrass, and ginger) and discard. Add in coconut cream or milk, chicken breast (or tofu or shrimp), and mushrooms. Simmer until chicken breast pieces are just cooked through, then add fish sauce, coconut aminos (or coconut sugar), and lime juice, plus more of each to taste.
- Cook 2 minutes, then ladle into serving bowls and top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 682 kcal, Carbohydrate 18 g, Protein 27 g, Fat 60 g, SaturatedFat 52 g, Cholesterol 48 mg, Sodium 1266 mg, Fiber 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving, TransFat 1 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g
THE BEST THAI TOM KHA SOUP RECIPE
Tom Kha Gai - Thai chicken coconut soup aromatic of lemongrass, lime kaffir leaves and galangal, gives you a refreshing aftertaste with a creamy taste from coconut.
Provided by natty's pantry
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Chicken Soup Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring coconut milk and chicken stock to a boil in a pot over high heat. Reduce heat to medium. Add cilantro, lemongrass, galangal, Thai chile peppers, and kaffir lime leaves; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high heat. Add chicken; simmer until no longer pink in the center, about 7 minutes. Stir in cabbage; cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove soup from heat; stir in lime juice and fish sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 451.8 calories, Carbohydrate 13 g, Cholesterol 69 mg, Fat 36.2 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 23 g, SaturatedFat 27.5 g, Sodium 243.8 mg, Sugar 2.8 g
TOM KA KAI (THAI COCONUT CHICKEN SOUP)
This is my husband's all time favorite Thai soup - but up until now, I haven't been able to recreate it at home. I've played around with several versions to come up with this one. The authentic ingredients make a HUGE difference - although you can use substitutions, of course, it does affect the outcome. I have been able to find the galangal root (much preferred over ginger!!), the lemongrass, and the kaffir lime leaves at my local asian market. Yum yum yum, worth the extra shopping trip!
Provided by Gatorbek
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 35m
Yield 4 bowls, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- In the bottom of a large soup pot, heat the oil over high heat until very hot but not smoking. I often make this is a wok on the stove.
- Salt the chicken and add to oil, tossing to brown all the pieces. Cook about 3 minutes or until outside is browned, but not necessarily cooked all the way through.
- Add mushrooms and toss. Allow to cook until some of the moisture is cooked out and the mushrooms are soft. Turn down heat to medium-low.
- To prepare the lemongrass, slice and mince the lower portion and reserve the stalk to flavor the soup. You can use a food processor for this, or just mince it by hand. The woody upper portion of the stalk will be removed later, so don't chop it up, simply score it by making a few superficial cuts in it to allow it to flavor the soup.
- Add the whites of the onions, reserving the greens. Add the minced lower portion of the lemongrass, grated galangal, and chilies. Toss until just warmed through.
- Add the lemongrass stalk, lime leaves, chicken stock, coconut milk, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar and remaining onions, reserving just a few for garnish. Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend well.
- Taste test and adjust flavors as follows:.
- Not salty enough - add more fish sauce.
- Too sour - add a little more brown sugar.
- Too spicy - add more coconut milk.
- Not spicy enough - add more chilies.
- Ladle into 4 soup bowls and garnish with remaining onion greens, cilantro, and basil.
- Variations:.
- Add more vegetables such as some sliced red bell peppers with the mushrooms.
- Serve over wide rice noodles for a main dish serving.
- Make vegetarian by increasing mushrooms in place of chicken and substituting vegetable stock.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 478.4, Fat 34, SaturatedFat 21.2, Cholesterol 48.6, Sodium 1453.7, Carbohydrate 20.6, Fiber 0.9, Sugar 8.7, Protein 25.6
TOM KA GAI (COCONUT CHICKEN SOUP)
The quintessential Thai soup.
Provided by MARBALET
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Soup Recipes Chicken Soup Recipes
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cut chicken into thin strips and saute in oil for to 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken turns white.
- In a pot, bring coconut milk and water to a boil. Reduce heat. Add ginger, fish sauce, lime juice, cayenne powder and turmeric. Simmer until the chicken is done, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Sprinkle with scallions and fresh cilantro and serve steaming hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 432.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.5 g, Cholesterol 38 mg, Fat 41.1 g, Fiber 1.7 g, Protein 14.8 g, SaturatedFat 27.4 g, Sodium 786.9 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
Tips:
- Choose the right ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for plump, ripe tomatoes, fragrant lemongrass, and tender galangal.
- Don't overcrowd the pot: When cooking the aromatics, make sure not to overcrowd the pot. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
- Simmer the soup gently: Once the soup is simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and deepen.
- Taste the soup as you go: Season the soup to taste, adding more fish sauce, lime juice, or chili peppers as desired.
- Garnish the soup before serving: Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro, basil, and/or mint leaves. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or a dollop of chili oil.
Conclusion:
This Tom Kha Kai soup is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. The combination of coconut milk, galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves gives the soup a unique and flavorful taste. The soup is also a good source of protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
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