Tom Kha Gai
ต้มข่าไก่
Tom Kha Gai
A fragrant coconut chicken soup with galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves and a bright lime finish.
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About this dish
A fragrant coconut chicken soup with galangal, lemongrass, lime leaves and a bright lime finish.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition values are estimates per serving and may vary with brands, portions and substitutions.
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Smart substitutions
Substitutions can make the recipe easier, safer or suitable for a dietary need, but they may change the authentic flavour.
Flavour: ginger plus lime zest
Allergy: ginger
Dietary: ginger
Flavour: fresh lime zest
Allergy: lime zest
Dietary: lime zest
Flavour: light soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed
Allergy: coconut aminos
Dietary: vegan fish sauce
Ingredients
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500 g Chicken Thighsthinly sliced
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400 ml coconut milk
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500 ml chicken stock
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8 slices galangalfresh
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2 stalks lemongrassbruised and cut
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5 makrut lime leavestorn
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200 g straw mushroomshalved
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2 tbsp fish sauce
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2 tbsp lime juiceor to taste
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2 bird’s eye chillieslightly crushed
Prepare and measure all ingredients before cooking. Thai dishes often come together quickly once the heat is on.
Method
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1
Infuse the broth
Bring stock, galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves to a gentle simmer for 8 minutes.
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2
Cook the chicken
Add chicken and mushrooms; simmer gently until the chicken is cooked through.
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3
Add coconut milk
Stir in coconut milk and fish sauce without boiling aggressively.
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4
Finish
Remove from heat, add lime juice and chilli, then taste for salty, sour and creamy balance.
What it tastes like
Creamy, citrusy and aromatic with gentle heat and a clean sour finish.
Make it milder
Reduce fresh chillies and chilli paste, remove chilli seeds, and serve extra chilli separately at the table.
Ingredient substitutions
Use locally available equivalents while preserving the balance of salty, sweet, sour, spicy and aromatic flavours.
Vegetarian alternative
Replace meat or seafood with firm tofu, mushrooms or mixed vegetables and use vegetarian sauces and stock.
Common mistakes
Avoid overcrowding the pan, under-seasoning the final dish, or cooking delicate herbs for too long. Taste and adjust before serving.
Serving the dish
Serve at the temperature suggested, with steamed jasmine rice, noodles or the traditional accompaniment where appropriate.
Use the fresh herbs, lime, chilli or crisp aromatics listed in the recipe just before serving.
Community cooking notes
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Log in or registerCooking times and ingredient quantities are approximate. Ensure meat, seafood and eggs are thoroughly cooked, follow safe food-handling guidance, and adjust ingredients for allergies or dietary requirements.
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Tom Kha Gai
Tom Kha Gai
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