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Thai Chicken & Coconut Milk Soup (Tom Ka Ga)

Thai Chicken & Coconut Milk Soup (Tom Ka Ga recipe image
This authentic Tom Ka Ga is a quintessential Thai dish that balances creamy richness with bright acidity and fiery heat. The coconut milk provides a luxurious base, while galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves infuse the broth with an aromatic complexity that is unmistakably Southeast Asian. Fresh lime juice and bird's eye chilies add a sharp, zesty kick that cuts through the fat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The chicken remains tender and juicy, absorbing the savory spices as it simmers. Perfect for comforting cold evenings or adding a vibrant touch to a family dinner, this soup is quick to prepare yet deeply satisfying. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a fresh, herbaceous finish that elevates every spoonful.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 591.0
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This authentic Tom Ka Ga is a quintessential Thai dish that balances creamy richness with bright acidity and fiery heat. The coconut milk provides a luxurious base, while galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves infuse the broth with an aromatic complexity that is unmistakably Southeast Asian. Fresh lime juice and bird's eye chilies add a sharp, zesty kick that cuts through the fat, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The chicken remains tender and juicy, absorbing the savory spices as it simmers. Perfect for comforting cold evenings or adding a vibrant touch to a family dinner, this soup is quick to prepare yet deeply satisfying. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a fresh, herbaceous finish that elevates every spoonful.
Ingredients
  • 12 ounce Canned coconut milk
  • 0.25 lb Chicken breast, cut into small chunks
  • 1 whole Lime, juiced and peel grated
  • 1 stalk Lemongrass, cut into very thin diagonal slices
  • 3 slices Galangal (or fresh ginger if unavailable)
  • 2 whole Bird's eye chilies (or serranos/Fresno to taste)
  • 1 bunch Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
  1. 1
    Pour the lime juice over the chicken chunks and let them marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. 2
    In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, sliced lemongrass, grated lime peel, galangal (or ginger), and chilies.
  3. 3
    Bring the coconut milk mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. 4
    Add the lime-soaked chicken pieces to the simmering soup and stir to distribute them evenly.
  5. 5
    Reduce the heat to low so the soup stays just below a boil, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
  6. 6
    Remove the soup from the heat and serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 591.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 63.0g97%
Saturated Fat 54.0g270%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 42.0mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 7.5g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
Sugars 9.0g
Protein 6.9g14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Galangal is similar to ginger but has a more citrusy, pine-like flavor. If you cannot find fresh galangal, frozen is a good substitute, or use fresh ginger in a pinch.

Adjust the heat level by adding chilies earlier for a spicier dish or later for a milder flavor. Bird's eye chilies are very hot; serranos or Fresno peppers offer a milder alternative.

Lemongrass adds significant aroma but is tough and not edible in slice form. Eat around the slices or remove them before serving if preferred.

Variation: This soup is also excellent with white fish such as grouper, sea bass, or monkfish, or with shrimp. If using fish, cook for only 3-5 minutes until opaque.

Serving suggestion: Serve over Vietnamese rice noodles for a heartier meal.

Keywords: thai, tom ka ga, chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, hot and sour, spicy, comfort food, asian soup, chili, lime, cilantro, ginger, seafood alternative
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/thai-chicken-coconut-milk-soup-tom-ka-ga-2/