Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (2024)

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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (1)

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe!

This is the BEST EVER & the Authentic Tom Kha Gai, Thai coconut soup recipe.

Tom means soup, Kha means “galangal”, a type of aromatic root vegetable. Galangal looks similar with ginger, but the aroma is completely different. Ginger is more spicy, pungent than galangal. Also galangal has a more earthier fragrance and mild flavor.

Gai means chicken, so this soup recipe includes chicken. But actually, the soup name is “Tom Kha” and whatever at the end is the main protein. For example, if your tom kha has shrimp (Koong), it will be tom kha koong.

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (2)

So yes, you can use chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, tofu or extra vegetables to your taste! 😙

This coconut-ty and creamy soup is so perfect to warm your soul, heart and body during this time of year. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!

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https://seonkyounglongest.com/pad-thai/

https://seonkyounglongest.com/pad-prik-king/

https://seonkyounglongest.com/thai-grilled-chicken-salad/

https://seonkyounglongest.com/thai-chicken-rice-soup/

https://seonkyounglongest.com/drunken-noodles/

Check out more Asian at Home Thai Recipes!

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (3)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (4)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (5)
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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (7)

Cut 1 large or 2 small lemongrass into small pieces and clean up 2 oz galangal. Remove stems from 1 to 3 Thai chilis. Pound lemongrass with mortar and pastor then galangal and Thai chilis. This way, the aroma and natural oil will be released from the vegetables.

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (8)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (9)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (10)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (11)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (12)

Dice 2 medium or 4 small shallots, cut 1 large tomato into 8 to 10 wedges.
Remove stamps from 2 to 3 kaffir lime leaves and clean up and separate 5 oz of your favorite mushrooms (I like oyster or beech mushrooms for this recipe)

If you can’t fine fresh kaffir lime leaves at your local Asian grocery stores, use dried one! Dried kaffir lime leases are easy to fine on Amazon!

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (13)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (14)

Slice 2 tsp palm sugar if you are using a harden one. You can use regular sugar too but palm sugar makes the sweet flavor more mild and round.

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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (17)

Chop 2 green onions and handful of cilantro for garnish later.
Lastly, cut 1 chicken breast into bite size. Set aside.

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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (23)

Pour chicken broth into a wok or medium size pot. Add lemongrass, galangal and shallot. Bring it to boil over medium high heat, then add palm sugar, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 can(13.5 oz) of coconut milk, tomatoes, mushrooms, lime leaves, Thai chilies and chicken. Stir gently and bring it to a light simmer, then reduce heat to medium and gently simmer for 6 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

Cooking it low and gentle and stirring into one direction is the key for the coconut milk to not saperate.

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (24)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (25)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (26)

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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (28)

You can add some chili oil to your taste for more kick! I usually like as creamy and smooth as is though. ☺️

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (29)
Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (30)

Add green onion and cilantro. Turn off the heat. Lastly, add lime juice. 1/4 cup if you like more creamier soup and 1/3 cup if you want more tangy flavor in your soup.

Stir gently one last time and serve with warm cooked jasmine rice!

Enjoy!

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (31)

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Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (32)

Authentic Tom Kha Gai

★★★★★4.9 from 11 reviews
  • Author: Seonkyoung
  • Total Time: 20 mins
  • Yield: 4 1x
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 large or 2 small lemongrass, pounded
  • 2 oz galangal, pounded
  • 2 medium or 4 small shallots, diced
  • 2 tsp palm sugar
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • 1 large tomato
  • 5 oz mushrooms (I like oyster or beech mushrooms but you can use your favorite mushrooms)
  • 2 to 3 kaffir lime leaves, removed stems
  • 1 to 3 Thai chilies, pounded
  • 10 oz chicken, sliced into bite size (approximately 1 chicken breast or 2 chicken thighs)
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Handful cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 2 to 3 limes)

Instructions

  1. Pour chicken broth into a wok or medium size pot. Add lemongrass, galangal and shallot. Bring it to boil over medium high heat, then add palm sugar, fish sauce, coconut milk, tomatoes, mushrooms, lime leaves, Thai chilies and chicken. Stir gently and bring it to a light simmer, then reduce heat to medium and gently simmer for 6 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
  2. Add green onion and cilantro. Turn off heat. Lastly, add lime juice. 1/4 cup if you like more creamier soup and 1/3 cup if you want more tangy flavor in your soup. Stir gently one last time and serve with warm cooked jasmine rice! Enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins

Related

Authentic Tom Kha Gai Recipe & Video - Seonkyoung Longest (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha? ›

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

What does Tom mean in Thai soup? ›

It is a soup that normally includes shrimp. The strong hot and sour flavors makes it very popular in Thai Cuisine. The name "tom yam" is composed of two Thai words. Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam means 'mixed'. Tom yum.

What to eat with Tom Kha soup? ›

To make a full meal out of this, I recommend serving the tom kha gai with jasmine rice, green papaya salad, and makheua yao pad tao jiao (stir-fried eggplant).

What is the history of Tom Kha soup? ›

The History of Tom Kha Soup. Tom Kha is said to have originated in Thailand hence its name Thai coconut soup. The earliest recorded variant of Tom Kha soup was around 1890 in a Thai recipe book that features a coconut milk-base curry along with duck and young galangal known as Tom Kha Pet.

Which is healthier tom yum or Tom Kha soup? ›

Best: Tom Yum Soup

Tom yum has fewer than 100 calories per cup. It also has shrimp, veggies, and fragrant spices, such as lemongrass. Tom yum and other broth-based soups, like tofu-vegetable or wonton, are usually lower in fat and calories than soups made with coconut milk, such as tom kha.

What does tom kha mean in Thai? ›

The dish Tom Kha comes from 2 Thai words which mean “boiling galangal” and galangal as the ingredient that gives the distinct flavour of this dish. The ingredients used in this soup are very similar to that of Tom Yum; however, what makes this dish different is the addition of coconut milk in the soup.

What does yum yum mean in Thai? ›

Thai salads are most commonly know as 'yum'. Yum, meaning “mix,” is a hearty dish consisting mostly of meat, fish, or seafood together with many other typically Thai ingredients which may include peanuts, fruit, and herbs.

What is Tom Kha in English? ›

What Does Tom Kha Gai Mean? Tom Kha Gai is a popular Thai soup known for its intense galangal, coconut aromatic flavor. The literal translation is “boiled galangal chicken” but can be broken down as: TOM means SOUP or BOILED/COOKED, KHA means galangal root and GAI means chicken.

What does tom yum mean in Thai? ›

Originated in Thailand, this is sometimes called Tom Yam and is a soup that normally includes shrimp in a hot and sour serving. The words Tom Yam mean “boiling” or “hot” and “spicy and sour” which perfectly describes this soup. As a staple Thai dish, this famous Tom Yum Goong is served in Thai Square.

Is Tom Kha good for you? ›

Tom Kha soup is perfect if you have blood sugar problems or want to lose weight. It is low in carbohydrates and yet very satisfying. Due to its high healthy fats and protein content, you will not be hungry for many hours after eating it. Not snacking between meals is one of the best ways to encourage weight loss.

Does Tom Kha soup permanently increase energy? ›

Is the increase permenant? No, it's temporary. The only way to permanently increase your max energy is to eat stardrops.

Does Tom Kha soup have a lot of calories? ›

A cup of Tom Kha Gai soup contains around 150-200 calories, which can be a satisfying and nourishing meal without exceeding your daily calorie intake.

Why is Thai soup so good? ›

Galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and lemongrass are among the primary ingredients used in Thai soups. Simmering them in broth allows them to release their phytochemicals and nutrients. Their oils have not only a pleasant aroma and taste, but also harbor many health benefits to the digestive system.

What is the oldest broth in Bangkok? ›

"Neua Tune": The soup that has been simmering in Bangkok for almost 50 years. The hearty beef broth has been kept simmering by three generations of one family for nearly half a century. The "Wattana Panich" has even received a visit from the Michelin Guide.

Why is Tom Yum soup so good? ›

The combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors creates a taste explosion that is unlike any other soup. This makes it a perfect dish for those who crave bold and adventurous flavors. Health Benefits: Tom Yum soup is made with a variety of fresh herbs and spices that are known for their health benefits.

Does Tom Kha taste like curry? ›

Tom Khai Gai consists of warm coconut broth infused with lemongrass, red curry, galangal, and basil, with thinly sliced tender chicken, mushrooms and red bell peppers. Its bright and refreshing, both light and rich at the same time, and its layers of tantalizing spices are mesmerizing.

Is Tom Kha good for sick? ›

Ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and lemongrass support your immune system. So the soup is perfect during the cold and flu season, for recovery from an illness, or just for boosting immunity and preventing infections. There are many variations to Tom Kha soup, and this recipe is my take on the classic.

What is the most popular soup in Thailand? ›

Tom Yum soup is the most popular Thai soup. In Thai, “tom” translates into “boiled” and “yum” refers to the traditional sour, salty and spicy flavor found in lots of Thai dishes.

What is the taste of tom yum? ›

Tom yum is Thailand's most popular soup and there's some pretty stiff competition in that category. It's spine-tinglingly sour, spicy and steaming with fragrant aromatics.

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