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Tom Kha Gai

A supremely elegant and therapeutic Thai coconut milk chicken soup. Creamy and aromatic, it achieves a profound balance between the rich sweetness of coconut milk, the medicinal bite of galangal, the citrus brightness of lemongrass and makrut lime leaf, and a gentle warmth from chilies. It is the gentler, more comforting counterpart to Tom Yum.

ThaiPrep: 30 minCook: 30 minTotal: 1h
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  1. 1

    The Broth Base. In a medium pot, combine the chicken stock, coconut milk, galangal slices, lemongrass pieces, torn makrut lime leaves, and crushed chilies. Bring to a gentle over medium heat. Do not vigorously as it can break the coconut milk.

  2. 2

    The Aromatic Infusion. the aromatic broth gently for 5-7 minutes , allowing the galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves to fully release their essential oils into the liquid.

  3. 3

    The Mushrooms. Add the torn oyster mushrooms and for 3 minutes .

  4. 4

    The Chicken. Add the sliced chicken thighs to the gently broth. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is just cooked through and tender. The gentle heat prevents toughening.

  5. 5

    The Palm Sugar Balance. Stir in the palm sugar to dissolve, rounding the sharp edges of the broth.

  6. 6

    The Acid Finish. Remove from heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and fish sauce. These must be added off the heat to preserve their brightness. Taste and adjust: the soup should be creamy, citrus-forward, mildly spicy, and gently savory.

  7. 7

    Serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Remind guests that the galangal, lemongrass, and lime leaves are for flavoring only and should not be eaten.

📋Details

CuisineThai
Meal Typemain

⚗Elemental Properties

🔥Fire
21%
💧Water
33%
🌍Earth
23%
💨Air
23%

⚗️Alchemical Scores

MonicaConstant
—/100
Heat2%
Entropy7%
Reactivity91%
0.070
Heat
0.317
Entropy
3.883
Reactivity

📊Nutrition Per Serving

107.19cal
Per serving
% Daily Value
5%
of 2000 cal
protein5g19%
carbs19.63g73%
fat1.77g15%
% Daily Value
Protein
5g10%
Carbs
19.63g7%
Fat
1.77g2%
Fiber
0.95g3%
Sugar
3.29g7%
Sodium
764.57mg33%