Tom Kha Soup
User Reviews
4.7
Tom Kha Soup
Description
Tom Kha Soup combines boneless, skinless chicken with canned straw mushrooms simmered in a broth seasoned with traditionally bruised kaffir lime leaves, pounded lemongrass stalk, galangal slices, and bird's eye chilies. Once the chicken is cooked, the soup is enriched with coconut milk for creaminess. The heat is mellowed by the richness of the coconut milk, while the lime juice and fish sauce added off the heat provide a bright, balanced flavor that highlights the herbal and citrus aromas. The method involves gentle boiling to infuse the flavors without overcooking the chicken.
The soup’s combination of creamy texture and the distinctive flavors of galangal and kaffir lime make it a specific variant of Thai chicken soups. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it carries fresh herbal notes alongside the spicy warmth from the chilies. This makes it suitable for serving as a light yet flavorful starter or a comforting main course.
For those unable to find galangal, it is recommended to omit it instead of substituting with ginger, as galangal’s unique flavor is central to the soup. Careful preparation of ingredients and seasoning to taste will ensure the balance between spicy, sour, and savory elements is maintained.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (230g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips or thin pieces, boneless and skinless
- 20 straw mushroom canned
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 talk lemongrass cut into 3-inch (7cm) lengths and pounded
- 6 kaffir lime leaves lightly bruised to release the flavor
- 6 lices galangal
- 8 bird's eye chilies lightly pounded
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons lime juice or to taste
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
Instructions
- Add water, lemongrass, galangal, chilies, and kaffir lime leaves to a pot and bring to a boil. Add the straw mushrooms and chicken, then boil on medium heat for a few minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Add coconut milk and boil for a couple more minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in lime juice and fish sauce to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Do not substitute ginger for galangal as it changes the soup's essential flavor; omit galangal if unavailable.
- Adjust lime juice and fish sauce at the end of cooking for a balanced flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 510 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2people | |
| Calories | 510kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 40g | 62% |
| Saturated Fat | 33g | 165% |
| Cholesterol | 73mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 2493mg | 104% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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