Creamy Dreamy Thai Coconut Soup Tom Kha Gai

Creamy Dreamy The Best Thai Coconut Soup Tom Kha So Easy

By SandraSeptember 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Craving Comfort? Let's Make The Best Thai Coconut Soup!

Ever get that nagging craving for something warm, fragrant, and utterly delicious? Yeah, me too. That's why I'm sharing my recipe for The Best Thai Coconut Soup , also known as Tom Kha Gai .

Honestly? It's like a hug in a bowl, and it's way easier to make than you think.

A Taste of Thailand: What's the Deal with Tom Kha Gai?

Tom Kha Gai hails from Thailand and boasts a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavours. This Authentic Thai coconut soup is more than just a soup, it is a symphony of flavour.

It's traditionally made with chicken, but we can totally adapt it, should you want. This version's for the home cook Easy Thai Coconut Soup , ready in under an hour.

This recipe is super beginner friendly. We're talking about 45 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Perfect for a cosy night in or a simple dinner party.

Why This Thai Soup Rocks

One word: flavour . The Coconut milk soup with chicken is incredibly rich in vitamin C, thanks to the lime and other fresh ingredients.

The Best Thai Coconut Soup is perfect for warding off those pesky colds while enjoying a delightful meal. If you are sick and need a Spicy Soup , this recipe is perfect for you.

What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of creamy coconut milk, tangy lime, and fragrant aromatics.

Ready to ditch the takeout and make some magic in your kitchen? Let's get to the good stuff: the ingredients!

Ingredients & Equipment for The Best Thai Coconut Soup

Right, let's talk ingredients! Making The Best Thai Coconut Soup , aka Tom Kha Gai recipe , doesn't need to be intimidating.

Trust me, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen, you can nail this.

Main Ingredients: Get Ready to Flavour Town!

Vegetable Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) - This is for sautéing the aromatics, so any neutral oil works.
Lemongrass: 2 stalks , bruised (about 6 inches each) - Bruising releases all those lovely oils.
Galangal (or Ginger): 1 inch piece, thinly sliced (2.5 cm) - If you can't find galangal, ginger is a decent Galangal substitute Tom Kha .
Kaffir Lime Leaves: 4 , torn (or zest of 1 lime) - These smell divine. If you only have lime zest, it'll do!
Chicken Broth: 4 cups (960ml) - Good quality broth makes a difference.
Red Chili: 1 , finely sliced (optional) - For that spicy kick, baby!
Chicken Thighs: 1 lb , cut into 1 inch pieces (450g) - Thighs stay nice and tender.
Coconut Milk: 1 (13.5 oz) can, full fat (400ml) - Full fat is key for that creamy texture.
Fish Sauce: 2 tbsp (30ml) - Don't be scared! This adds that authentic savory flavor.
Lime Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) - Freshly squeezed is the way to go.
Sugar: 1 tsp (5ml) - Just a touch to balance the flavors.
Mushrooms: 8 oz , sliced (225g) - Any kind you fancy!

Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the lemongrass, galangal (or ginger!), and kaffir lime leaves are the holy trinity here. The fish sauce adds that salty, umami punch.

If you're after a Spicy Soup , add more chili! For Thai coconut soup variations , consider adding a splash of chili oil.

Gear Up: Equipment Needed

You really don't need fancy stuff. A large pot or Dutch oven will do the trick. A cutting board and knife are also essential. Seriously, that's it.

Now you have all that you need to prepare The Best Thai Coconut Soup . Enjoy preparing this Easy Thai Coconut Soup , which is not just a Thai Soup , but a journey to the heart of Thai cuisine! It is possible to transform the recipe into Authentic Thai coconut soup , or a version of Coconut milk soup with chicken .

Alright, let's whip up some "The Best Thai Coconut Soup"! Seriously, it's easier than you think, and tastes like a trip to Thailand.

Think creamy, spicy, and oh-so-comforting. I'm sharing my version, so get ready!

Getting Ready for the Soup Adventure

Prep Steps for Thai Coconut Soup

Okay, first things first: the mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means get everything chopped, measured, and ready to go! Bruise those 2 stalks of lemongrass.

Slice up 1 inch of galangal (or ginger if you're in a pinch, more on that later!) Tear 4 kaffir lime leaves (or grab that lime).

Having everything prepped saves SO much time. Trust me on this. Also, don't cut yourself! Use a sharp knife and pay attention.

This Spicy Soup is worth it!.

Let's Cook This Easy Thai Coconut Soup

step-by-step Process

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the lemongrass, galangal/ginger, kaffir lime leaves (or zest), and 1 finely sliced red chili (if you like it hot!). Sauté for 3 minutes , till it smells amazing.
Pour in 4 cups chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Toss in 1 lb chicken thighs. Cook until cooked through.
Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms. Simmer till just tender.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk. Add 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp sugar. DO NOT BOIL! Simmer a further 2 minutes .
Taste, and adjust the flavours. I always add a little extra lime juice.

Pro Tips for Authentic Thai Coconut Soup

Don't boil the coconut milk! Seriously, it can get grainy. The aroma from the galangal substitute Tom Kha (ginger) is amazing! And remember to always taste and adjust the seasoning.

Salt, sour, sweet, spicy get it all balanced. Want to make-ahead? You can make the soup base (everything before the coconut milk) 1-2 days in advance .

This makes it easy to make "The Best Thai Coconut Soup". I always add the coconut milk and garnish right before serving for the best texture.

"I love Thai coconut soup variations so much!.

Recipe Notes: Elevating Your The Best Thai Coconut Soup Experience

So, you're about to make The Best Thai Coconut Soup , huh? Awesome! It's like a warm hug in a bowl, honestly.

Here are some tips to make sure yours is absolutely chef's kiss . I've learned these the hard way, trust me! This Easy Thai Coconut Soup , or Tom Kha Gai recipe , has some simple nuances, so, let's get to it.

Serving Suggestions: Make It Pretty, Make It Pop!

Presentation matters. A little bit of effort goes a long way, you know? Ladle your Spicy Soup into a beautiful bowl.

Garnish generously with fresh cilantro. A wedge of lime on the side is essential. Why not add a few extra chili slices if you are up for more heat?.

As for sides, fluffy jasmine rice is a must. It soaks up all that delicious broth. A refreshing glass of iced green tea is the perfect drink.

Or, for something a bit special, try a crisp white wine. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works a treat.

Storage Tips: Making It Last

Got leftovers of your Authentic Thai coconut soup ? Lucky you! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days . Easy peasy!

I don't usually freeze this soup. The texture of the coconut milk can change a bit. But, if you must, make sure to let it cool completely first.

Then freeze in portion sized containers.

Reheating is simple. Just gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. Avoid boiling, especially after adding coconut milk. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally.

Variations: Spicing Things Up!

Want to make it veggie? No problem! Swap out the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth. Boom! Thai coconut soup variations abound, it is easy to adapt, don't be scared to experiment.

Need a Galangal substitute Tom Kha ? Ginger works in a pinch, although galangal has a more citrusy flavour. Want extra heat? Add more chili or a splash of chili oil.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Good for the Soul

Each serving packs around 350-450 calories . You will also find 30-40g of protein , and 20-30g of fat . You will also find 10-15g of carbohydrates .

This Coconut milk soup with chicken has lemongrass and ginger, which are both great for digestion. Plus, coconut milk contains healthy fats.

Honestly, making The Best Thai Coconut Soup is easier than you think. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make The Best Thai Coconut Soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make this Tom Kha vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a fully vegan version, ensure your fish sauce substitute (like soy sauce or tamari) is also vegan. You won't miss the meat at all!

I can't find galangal or kaffir lime leaves are there any good substitutes for The Best Thai Coconut Soup?

No worries, mate! If you can't find galangal, ginger is a decent substitute, although it's a bit spicier. And if kaffir lime leaves are unavailable, use the zest of one lime to get that essential citrusy aroma. It won't be exactly the same, but it will get you close enough for a delicious bowl of Tom Kha Gai.

How long does The Best Thai Coconut Soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

This soup will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For freezing, it's best to do so before adding the coconut milk, as it can sometimes separate upon thawing. Add the coconut milk when reheating for the best texture. I think freezing before is a great tip as well.

How can I adjust the spice level of The Best Thai Coconut Soup to suit my taste?

Spice is a personal thing, isn't it? If you like it hot, add more sliced chili to the aromatics at the beginning, or stir in a little chili oil at the end. For a milder flavour, remove the seeds from the chili before slicing, or omit it altogether. You can always add a dash of sriracha to your own bowl at serving!

My coconut milk separated what did I do wrong?

That's a classic Tom Kha problem! The key is to avoid boiling the soup after adding the coconut milk. High heat can cause it to separate. Keep the heat on low and gently stir it in. If it does happen, don't panic! The soup will still taste great, even if the texture isn't perfect.

Is The Best Thai Coconut Soup healthy? What's the nutritional info?

Tom Kha Gai can be a relatively healthy and balanced meal. It contains protein from the chicken, vegetables (mushrooms), and healthy fats from the coconut milk. However, it can be high in sodium, so be mindful of the amount of fish sauce you use, and choose a low-sodium broth.

A serving is roughly 350-450 calories, 30-40g of protein, 20-30g of fat and 10-15g of carbs.