The Best Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Name: The Best Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk; 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or 14 oz firm tofu, cubed); 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste); 4–5 slices fresh galangal (or 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced); 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or zest of 1 lime); 6–8 oz mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, or cremini), sliced; 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, lightly smashed (or 1 small jalapeño, sliced); 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or tamari/soy sauce for vegetarian); 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus extra wedges; 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar; 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (optional); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but tasty); Fresh cilantro and sliced scallions, for garnish; Neutral oil, a drizzle (optional for sautéing); Pinch of salt, to taste

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This creamy Thai coconut soup offers a delightful blend of rich coconut milk, tender chicken or tofu, fresh mushrooms, and aromatic herbs, creating a comforting yet vibrant dish perfect for any season.

45 min

cook 30 min

Thai

Ingredients

Instructions

Prep aromatics: Smash lemongrass and chilies. Slice galangal (or ginger). Tear kaffir lime leaves.
Build broth: In a pot, bring broth to a gentle simmer. Add lemongrass, galangal, chilies, and kaffir leaves. Simmer 8–10 minutes to infuse.
Add coconut milk and veg: Pour in coconut milk. Add mushrooms (and shallot/tomatoes if using). Keep heat at a gentle simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Cook protein: Add thin chicken slices. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until just cooked. (For tofu, simmer 3–4 minutes to warm through.)

Season

Season: Stir in fish sauce (or tamari), sugar, and lime juice. Adjust to taste.

i id="instruction-step-6">Finish

Finish: Remove lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir leaves. Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400 calories
Sugar Content: 6g
Sodium Content: 800mg
Fat Content: 25g
Saturated Fat Content: 20g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 5g
Trans Fat Content: 0g
Carbohydrate Content: 20g
Fiber Content: 3g
Protein Content: 15g
Cholesterol Content: 60mg