ChickenThai

Tom Kha Gai

Name: Tom Kha Gai
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 800ml Chicken Stock; 800g Coconut Milk; 2 tablespoons Galangal Paste; 2 Lemongrass Stalks; 8 Lime Leaves; 500g Chicken Thighs; 300g Oyster Mushrooms; 6 Birds-eye Chillies; 1 tablespoon Caster Sugar; 5 tablespoons Fish Sauce; Juice of 3 Lime; To serve Coriander Leaves; To serve Rice

Tom Kha Gai is a classic Thai dish that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Chicken Stock, Coconut Milk, Galangal Paste, Lemongrass Stalks, Lime Leaves, Chicken Thighs, Oyster Mushrooms, Birds-eye Chillies, Caster Sugar, Fish Sauce, Lime, Coriander Leaves and Rice, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. True to traditional Thai cooking, the dish focuses on celebrated for its harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and aromatic heat.

In authentic Thai tradition, Tom Kha Gai is best presented with fragrant jasmine rice and fresh cooling herbs.

If you enjoy authentic Thai cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Pad See Ew.

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Ingredients

Chicken Stock800ml
Coconut Milk800g
Galangal Paste2 tablespoons
Lemongrass Stalks2
Lime Leaves8
Chicken Thighs500g
Oyster Mushrooms300g
Birds-eye Chillies6
Caster Sugar1 tablespoon
Fish Sauce5 tablespoons
LimeJuice of 3
Coriander LeavesTo serve
RiceTo serve

Step-by-Step Instructions

11 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1

Pour the chicken stock and coconut milk into a large saucepan set over a medium heat.

Step 2🍲 Simmer⏱️ 6-8 mins

Tip in the galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves, and bring to a gentle simmer, around 6-8 mins.

Step 3🍲 Simmer

Keeping at a gentle simmer, add the chicken.

Step 4⏱️ 8-10 mins

Cook for 8-10 mins until tender and cooked through.

Step 5🍲 Simmer⏱️ 3-5 mins

Stir in the mushrooms and chillies, and simmer for a further 3-5 mins until everything is cooked through.

Step 6✨ Serve

Sprinkle in the sugar and 3 tbsp each of the fish sauce and lime juice.

Step 7

Taste and add the remaining if required.

Step 8

Remove the galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves before serving using a slotted spoon.

Step 9✨ Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve with coriander leaves sprinkled over and steamed rice on the side.

Step 10

Will keep chilled for up to three days.

Step 11

Leave to cool first.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Tom Kha Gai reflects the timeless heritage of traditional Thai home cooking, celebrated for its harmonious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and aromatic heat. Prepared for generations for family gatherings and celebrations, it represents the heart of regional culinary identity.

Dietary Substitutions

For a richer sauce, replace a portion of the water with homemade bone broth, vegetable stock, or a splash of dry wine or red wine vinegar to cut through richness.

Chef Technique Tips

Take the time to thoroughly sear and brown chicken stock in batches before adding the braising liquid. The caramelized fond deposited on the bottom of the pot dissolves into the stew, providing depth and body that cannot be rushed.

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