Craving a delightful culinary journey to the heart of Thailand? Look no further! Embark on an aromatic adventure with Tom Kha Kai, a symphony of flavors that tantalizes your taste buds. This classic Thai chicken soup is a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and coconut creaminess. Infused with the fragrant essence of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, Tom Kha Kai promises a flavor explosion in every spoonful. Accompanying this main recipe are equally enticing variations to satisfy diverse palates. From the fiery Tom Yum soup, known for its bold and zesty profile, to the rich and creamy Khao Soi noodle soup with its unique coconut and curry flavors, this article offers a culinary exploration of Thai soups that will leave you craving more.
Let's cook with our recipes!
TOM KHA KAI - THAI COCONUT/CHICKEN SOUP
When my family visited Thailand a few years ago I fell in love with this soup. This is an adaptation from a recipe in the Amazing Tastes of Thailand booklet put out by the Thailand Tourism Authority.
Provided by Carolyn Haas
Categories Chicken Soups
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. Cut lower portion of lemon grass into 1 inch lengths and crush. Tear kaffir lime leaves in half. Combine half the coconut milk with the broth, galangal, lemon grass and lime leaves in a large saucepan and heat to boiling.
- 2. Add the chicken, fish sauce and sugar. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked, then add remaining coconut milk.
- 3. Heat just to boiling, add chili paste and lime juice, stir until blended. Garnish with cilantro leaves and crushed chili peppers.
- 4. NOTE: The galangal and lemon grass are for flavoring, not to eat! When I can't get fresh kaffir lime leaves at my local Asian market, I substitute kaffir lime powder. Fresh leaves, lemon grass and galangal can all be successfully frozen. I've also used minced lemon grass in a tube from the produce section. Powdered galangal is available, too. Fresh is better, of course!
THAI CHICKEN SOUP WITH COCONUT (TOM KHA KAI)
Silky texture & makes your kitchen "smell like Heaven" according to a friend of mine. Original recipe from "True Thai" Victor Sodsook
Provided by msmia
Categories Asian
Time 50m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Bring stock, ginger, lemongrass & lime zest to a boil. Cook one minute then add coconut milk & chicken breast. Simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Combine chili paste, lemon juice, fish sauce and brown sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add to soup w/ mushroom slices & diced chilis. Simmer until mushrooms are soft.
- Serve after removing ginger chunks & lemongrass pieces.
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
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This will give your soup the best flavor.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your taste. If you like your soup spicier, add more chili peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Conclusion:
Thai chicken soup with coconut milk, also known as Tom Kha Kai, is a delicious and easy-to-make soup that is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. With its combination of savory, spicy, and sour flavors, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new soup recipe, give Tom Kha Kai a try. You won't be disappointed!
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