Fragrant tom kha gai with chicken and mushrooms
Thai Coconut Soup
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4
6 cups
Difficulty
Medium
Cost
Moderate
$$
Thai Coconut Soup
Fragrant tom kha gai with chicken and mushrooms
★4.4(25)
A creamy, aromatic Thai coconut soup (tom kha gai) with tender chicken, mushrooms, and a bright hit of lime and galangal.
10m
Prep Time
20m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
4
Servings
Medium
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tom kha gai is one of the great Thai soups — rich coconut milk simmered with galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves creates an intoxicatingly aromatic broth that is both creamy and refreshing.
Unlike its spicier cousin tom yum, this soup leans into the soothing sweetness of coconut milk balanced by tart lime juice and a gentle chili heat. It is comfort food with a tropical soul.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Combine coconut milk and chicken broth in a pot over medium heat. Add lemongrass, sliced galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- 2
Add sliced chicken and mushrooms. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 8 minutes.
- 3
Stir in fish sauce and a pinch of sugar. Taste and adjust the balance of salty, sweet, and sour.
- 4
Remove from heat. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and add Thai chili slices if desired.
- 5
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
GalangalFresh ginger
Different flavor but a widely available substitute.
Fish sauceSoy sauce
Changes the flavor profile but works for a fish-free version.
Chicken breastShrimp or tofu
Shrimp cooks faster; press tofu for best results.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Do not eat the lemongrass and galangal pieces — they are for flavoring only.
If galangal is unavailable, use fresh ginger as a substitute.
Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, most authentic flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Not recommended for freezing due to the coconut milk.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1.5 cups) · 4 servings
Calories320
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein20g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat2g
Fiber1g
Sugar26g
Sodium880mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is galangal?
- Galangal is a rhizome related to ginger with a sharper, more citrusy flavor. Find it at Asian grocery stores.
- Can I make it with shrimp?
- Yes. Add shrimp in the last 4 minutes of cooking.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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