Have you ever tasted something so delightfully zesty that it practically dances on your taste buds? That’s Tom Kha Gai for you—a Thai soup that’s both a comforting hug and a thrilling adventure in a bowl. I remember trying it for the first time at a cozy little spot in Bangkok, and let me tell you, the combination of creamy coconut milk with the sharpness of lemongrass and lime was nothing short of magical.
Steps
- Boil the chicken stock with salt, then add the chicken thighs and simmer for about 15 minutes until they become tender.
- Introduce the coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, chilies, mushrooms, half the fish sauce, and sugar. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Taste the soup and adjust with additional fish sauce if necessary. Turn off the heat and incorporate the lime juice, adjusting to taste.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro and serve the soup on its own or alongside jasmine rice. Remove or inform guests about the inedible herbs used for infusion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted chicken stock, preferably homemade
- 1 ½ cups coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bottom half only, smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 12 thin slices of galangal
- 5 makrut lime leaves, bruised and torn into large chunks
- 1-3 Thai chilies, adjusted to taste, smashed or cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped palm sugar or granulated sugar
- 5.5 ounces oyster mushrooms, torn into bite-size pieces
- 2 ½ tablespoons lime juice
- Chopped green onion and/or cilantro for garnish
- Jasmine rice for serving, optional
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1328 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 100g | Fat: 92g | Saturated Fat: 68g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 432mg | Sodium: 5704mg | Potassium: 2780mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 208 IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 20mg
FAQ
- What is Tom Kha Gai?
- Tom Kha Gai is a popular Thai soup known for its creamy texture and aromatic flavors. The name translates to “boiled galangal chicken,” highlighting galangal as a key ingredient, with coconut milk adding richness.
- Can I replace galangal with ginger?
- No, galangal is essential for authentic Tom Kha Gai. While you might find ginger as a substitute, it will significantly alter the flavor. If fresh galangal is unavailable, try using frozen or dried galangal instead.
- How can I make Tom Kha Gai suitable for vegans?
- To make a vegan version, use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock and substitute chicken with a variety of Asian mushrooms or tofu. Replace fish sauce with soy sauce and consider adding tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Is it possible to prepare Tom Kha Gai ahead of time?
- Yes, Tom Kha Gai can be made in advance. It stores well in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen. For optimal flavor, add lime juice and fresh herbs just before serving.
- What should I do if I don’t have chicken stock?
- You can use water instead of chicken stock, though it may reduce the soup’s flavor. To compensate, use chicken drumettes, which will naturally enrich the broth as they cook, effectively creating stock during the cooking process.
Tips
- If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, use chicken drumettes instead of boneless thighs. The bones will naturally create a rich broth as it simmers, ensuring no compromise on flavor.
- When using chicken breast instead of thighs, cut it into ½-inch slices and marinate in fish sauce while preparing. Add the chicken towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.
- The lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves are for flavor infusion only and not meant to be consumed. Inform guests or remove them before serving to enhance the dining experience.
- For a vegan version, replace chicken with a variety of Asian mushrooms and use vegetable broth and soy sauce instead of chicken stock and fish sauce. Add halved cherry tomatoes for extra umami and texture.
Equipment
- Lemongrass Stalks – If not available locally, you might consider purchasing fresh or dried lemongrass online.
- Galangal – Fresh, frozen, or dried galangal might need to be purchased online if not available in local stores.
- Makrut Lime Leaves – These can often be hard to find in regular grocery stores, so purchasing them online is a good option.
- Fish Sauce – While more common, some people might not have this at home and may need to buy it.
- Palm Sugar – This specific type of sugar might not be available in all grocery stores, so it could be purchased online.
