Thai · Healthy

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.

4.7(1,755)Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 1755 reviews 35 min total Serves 4 servings Easy
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Tom Kha Gai — thai healthy recipe, served and ready to eat

Method

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  1. Bring the stock to a simmer with the lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves and chillies and infuse for 10 minutes.

  2. Add the coconut milk and bring back to a gentle simmer — never a boil, which would split it.

  3. Add the chicken and poach for 5 minutes until just cooked through.

  4. Add the mushrooms and simmer 3 minutes more.

  5. Stir in the chilli jam if using and the palm sugar.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

412Calories
28gProtein
14gCarbs
28gFat
2gFibre
8gSugar
1420mgSodium

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