Description
Tom Kha, a classic Thai coconut soup, combines creamy coconut milk with fragrant herbs and spices, delivering a rich and tangy flavor profile. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and cooks in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect homemade alternative to popular takeout versions.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil
- ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon heaping ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste
Broth and Flavorings
- 4 cups chicken broth (or substitute 4 cups water with 4 teaspoons chicken bouillon)
- 13.66 ounces lite coconut milk
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- ¼ cup fish sauce
- 3-4 Thai chili peppers, stems removed and smashed lightly
- Handful of Thai basil leaves
Add-ins
- 8 oz. water chestnuts, drained
- ½ cup oyster mushrooms
- 2 cups diced, cooked chicken or tofu, or shrimp (about 2 cups total)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté aromatics: Heat 1 teaspoon of avocado oil over medium heat in a 3-4 quart stockpot. Add ¼ cup thinly sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Incorporate 1 tablespoon garlic paste, 1 tablespoon heaping ginger paste, and 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Add broth and flavor components: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, 13.66 ounces lite coconut milk, and add 8 oz. drained water chestnuts, a handful of Thai basil leaves, smashed 3-4 Thai chili peppers, ¼ cup lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, ¼ cup fish sauce, and ½ cup oyster mushrooms. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to develop its characteristic taste and aroma.
- Add cream and protein: Stir in ⅓ cup heavy cream along with 2 cups diced cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Heat through for a few minutes just until the protein is warmed and the soup is rich and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot as a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute tofu or shrimp as the protein for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.
- Adjust the number of Thai chili peppers to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Using fresh herbs like Thai basil and cilantro enhances the authentic Thai flavor.
- Lemongrass paste is a convenient alternative to fresh lemongrass and can be found in Asian grocery stores.
- The soup can be made dairy-free by omitting heavy cream or substituting with coconut cream.
