Imagine a steaming bowl of creamy, aromatic soup that captures the essence of Thai cuisine in just 30 minutes. Tom Kha Gai is not just a soup; it's a flavor explosion that will whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Thailand without leaving your kitchen. With its perfect balance of rich coconut milk, tender chicken, and zesty lime, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to make.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients to ensure you have everything at hand for a smooth cooking process.
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced ginger to the pot. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced chicken breast to the pot. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and is cooked through.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the can of coconut milk, mixing well to incorporate it into the broth. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of lime juice to the soup. Stir to combine, adjusting the seasoning to taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add more fish sauce or lime juice according to your preference.
- Once the soup is heated through, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve the Thai Chicken Soup hot, and enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting dish!
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an authentic Tom Kha Gai is using fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro. Pre-ground or dried herbs won't deliver the same depth of flavor.
- Control your heat: Simmer the soup gently to prevent the coconut milk from separating or curdling. Low and slow is the secret to a smooth, creamy texture.
- Customize your spice level: While this recipe is mild, you can add Thai chili peppers or red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Slice the chicken thinly and cook just until it's no longer pink to keep it tender and juicy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: The beauty of Tom Kha Gai is in its balance. Taste and adjust the fish sauce and lime juice to suit your palate.
- Fresh garnish matters: The cilantro isn't just decoration - it adds a fresh, bright note that completes the soup's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
