Tom Kha Gai
The gentler sibling of tom yum: coconut milk smooths the sourness into something creamy and fragrant, with chicken, mushrooms and a hit of lime at the end.
Method
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Bring the stock to a simmer with the lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves and chillies and infuse for 10 minutes.
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Add the coconut milk and bring back to a gentle simmer — never a boil, which would split it.
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Add the chicken and poach for 5 minutes until just cooked through.
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Add the mushrooms and simmer 3 minutes more.
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Stir in the chilli jam if using and the palm sugar.
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Take the pot off the heat and season with the fish sauce and lime juice, tasting and adjusting until it is balanced between creamy, sour and salty.
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Scatter with coriander and spring onions and serve immediately with jasmine rice.
Chef’s Tips
- Keep it below a simmer once the coconut milk is in, or the fat separates and the soup looks curdled.
- Slice the chicken thinly so it poaches in minutes and stays tender.
- Adjust the lime last and generously — coconut milk mutes acidity more than you expect.
Pairing Suggestions
- A cold lager or a Gewürztraminer
- Serve with jasmine rice and a green salad
- Finish with sliced mango
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate 3 days. Reheat gently without boiling and refresh with a squeeze of lime.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.