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Best Ever Tom Kha Gai Recipe – Authentic Thai Coconut Soup

Best Ever Tom Kha Gai Recipe – Authentic Thai Coconut Soup

Description

Welcome to the ultimate guide to making the Best Ever Tom Kha Gai – Thai Coconut Soup, a traditional Thai dish bursting with tangy, creamy, and savory flavors. This delicious Thai coconut soup is perfect for those who love rich, comforting soups with a tropical twist. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking authentic and flavorful dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

 

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Half of one onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • Half of one red jalapeno pepper, sliced (or 1–3 Thai chiles, halved)
  • 3 ¼-inch slices galangal or ginger
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, pounded with the side of a knife and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 teaspoons red curry paste
  • 4 cups chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegan/Whole30 options)
  • 4 cups canned full-fat coconut cream (unsweetened, or full-fat unsweetened coconut milk for a lighter option)
  • 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 pound; use tofu or shrimp for vegan/vegetarian)
  • 8 ounces white mushrooms, sliced
  • 1–2 tablespoons coconut sugar (optional for Whole30)
  • 1 ½ – 2 tablespoons fish sauce (use coconut aminos for vegan/Whole30)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced thin
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, garlic, jalapeno or Thai chiles, galangal or ginger, lemongrass, and red curry paste. Stir frequently and cook for 5 minutes until the onions are softened.

Step 2:
Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. This step infuses the broth with aromatic flavors.

Step 3:
Strain the broth to remove the aromatics (onions, garlic, lemongrass, and ginger) and discard them.

Step 4:
Add the coconut cream (or milk), chicken breast (or tofu/shrimp), and mushrooms to the strained broth. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through (about 10 minutes).

Step 5:
Season the soup with fish sauce (or coconut aminos), coconut sugar (if using), and fresh lime juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 6:
Cook for another 2 minutes, then ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro.

For more soup inspiration, explore this Ultimate Cowboy Casserole on Optimal Recipes for another hearty dish option.

Equipment

Notes

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and lime juice are key to the authentic flavor of this dish.
  2. Adjust Spiciness: Control the heat by adjusting the number of Thai chiles or jalapenos you add. Fewer chiles will give you a milder soup.
  3. Aromatics: Don’t skip the step of simmering the broth with aromatics. This step is crucial to infuse the soup with its signature fragrance.
  4. Customization: For a vegan version, simply swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp and use vegetable broth. Use coconut aminos in place of fish sauce.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/best-ever-tom-kha-gai-recipe-authentic-thai-coconut-soup/