In a saucepan, pour in coconut milk and water.
Stir in Kaffir Lime leaves, Galangal, and Lemongrass to the coconut milk mixture, using low heat and stirring in one direction.
Place chicken in the saucepan and cook over low flame.
Mix in Fish sauce, Palm sugar, and Red Thai Chilies.
Season with salt, add coriander leaves, switch off the flame, and finally squeeze in lemon juice. Give it a final mix.
Your Tom Kha Gai is now ready to be served.
Ingredients
Directions
In a saucepan, pour in coconut milk and water.
Stir in Kaffir Lime leaves, Galangal, and Lemongrass to the coconut milk mixture, using low heat and stirring in one direction.
Place chicken in the saucepan and cook over low flame.
Mix in Fish sauce, Palm sugar, and Red Thai Chilies.
Season with salt, add coriander leaves, switch off the flame, and finally squeeze in lemon juice. Give it a final mix.
Your Tom Kha Gai is now ready to be served.
Notes
One of the key ingredients in Tom Kha Gai is coconut milk which gives the soup its rich and creamy texture. The soup is also typically seasoned with fish sauce, which adds a depth of savory flavor to the dish. Lime juice is also added to give the soup a tangy and refreshing taste.
Tom Kha Gai is considered a classic Thai dish and is a popular menu item at Thai restaurants around the world. It is considered a mild dish and is often recommended for people who are new to Thai cuisine.
It is usually considered a healthy dish as it is low in calories and high in nutrients, and it can be made with chicken, tofu, or seafood. It is also gluten-free.
Tom Kha Gai can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course. It can be served with rice or noodles, and it’s a great dish to enjoy on a cold day.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: To get the best flavor, use fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
- Use quality coconut milk: Use high-quality, unsweetened coconut milk for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spiciness to your taste: Tom Kha Gai can be made as spicy or mild as you like. Use less or more chilies according to your taste.
- Experiment with different proteins: While Tom Kha Gai is traditionally made with chicken, you can also make it with other meats, seafood, or even tofu, depending on your preferences.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Vegetables such as mushrooms and bamboo shoots should be added to the soup at the end of the cooking process so they stay firm and don’t become mushy.
- Use the fish sauce in moderation: Fish sauce is an important ingredient in Tom Kha Gai, but it can be quite salty, so use it in moderation.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice: A squeeze of lime juice added just before serving will add a tangy and refreshing taste to the dish.
- Experiment with different garnishes: Tom Kha Gai is often garnished with cilantro, green onions, and red chilies, but you can also use other herbs such as Thai basil, mint, or even lemongrass for a different flavor
- Serve with rice: Tom Kha Gai is typically served with steamed rice, which helps to balance out the flavors and make for a satisfying meal.
FAQs
Q: What are the main ingredients in Tom Kha Gai?
A: The main ingredients in Tom Kha Gai are chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Q: How spicy is Tom Kha Gai?
A: Tom Kha Gai can be made as spicy or mild as you like. You can adjust the number of chilies according to your taste.
Q: Can Tom Kha Gai be made with other meats or seafood?
A: Tom Kha Gai can be made with other meats, seafood, or even tofu, depending on your preferences.
Q: Is Tom Kha Gai gluten-free?
A: Tom Kha Gai is traditionally gluten-free.
Q: How should I serve Tom Kha Gai?
A: Tom Kha Gai is typically served with steamed rice and can be enjoyed as a starter or main course.
Q: How should I store leftovers of Tom Kha Gai?
A: Tom Kha Gai can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best to reheat it gently over low heat before serving.