Tom Kha Soup

Posted in Asian Recipes, Soups and Stews
Tom Kha Soup
Tom Kha Soup is creamy, aromatic, and bright. Coconut milk gives the broth body, while lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, fish sauce, lime, and herbs build the classic sweet-sour-savory balance.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and cut into pieces
  • 6 slices galangal or ginger
  • 4 makrut lime leaves, torn, optional
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 can coconut milk, 13.5 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus more to taste
  • 1-2 Thai chilies, sliced, optional
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sliced scallions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Infuse the Broth: Bring the chicken stock to a simmer with lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves if using. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.

  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken and mushrooms and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

  3. Add Coconut Milk: Stir in the coconut milk, fish sauce, sugar, and chilies if using. Heat gently without boiling hard.

  4. Finish with Lime: Remove from the heat and stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust with more fish sauce, lime, or sugar.

  5. Serve: Garnish with cilantro and scallions. The lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves are for flavoring and are usually not eaten.

Creamy, Bright, and Aromatic

Tom Kha works because it is rich and bright at the same time. Coconut milk gives the soup body, while lime, fish sauce, lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves keep it sharp and fragrant.

Tips and Variations

  • Simmer the aromatics long enough to perfume the broth, then strain if you want a smoother soup.
  • Add chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, tofu, tomatoes, or extra vegetables.
  • Finish with lime juice off the heat so it stays fresh.
  • Serve with jasmine rice or Thai fresh rolls.
  • Reheat gently so the coconut milk does not separate.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Servings Per Recipe: 4
  • Calories: 430

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 32g (41% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 24g (120% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 85mg (28% DV)
  • Sodium: 1050mg (46% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g (5% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Vitamin A: 140mcg (16% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 30mg (33% DV)
  • Calcium: 70mg (5% DV)
  • iron: 3mg (17% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredients and preparation.