Aromatic Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha) Recipe for Cozy Nights

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this creamy thai coconut soup that dances between spicy and soothing flavors.

Tom kha transports you directly to the vibrant streets of Bangkok with its rich, aromatic broth.

Tender chicken nestles among silky coconut milk, creating a symphony of taste that warms from the inside out.

Fragrant lemongrass and galangal infuse each spoonful with authentic Thai essence.

Chili peppers add a gentle kick that tingles the palate without overwhelming the delicate balance of ingredients.

Fresh herbs scattered on top provide a bright, crisp contrast to the velvety soup.

This soul-satisfying dish promises to become your new go-to comfort meal that brings exotic Southeast Asian cuisine right to your kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha)

• Vegetable Oil: Helps sauté and release deep, rich flavors from garlic and ginger.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, warming base that adds complexity to the soup.
• Ginger: Brings a zesty, bright note with a subtle spicy undertone that complements Thai cuisine.

• Red Curry Paste: Delivers authentic Thai spiciness and depth with a vibrant blend of chili, lemongrass, and traditional spices.

• Coconut Milk: Creates a silky, luxurious texture with a subtle tropical sweetness that balances the spicy elements.
• Chicken Broth: Builds a robust, savory foundation that enhances the overall soup profile.

• Chicken: Adds lean protein and absorbs the aromatic spices for a satisfying main ingredient.
• Mushrooms: Provide an earthy, meaty texture that complements the soup's rich flavors.

• Lime Juice: Introduces a tangy, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness and adds vibrancy.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish.

• Fish Sauce: Contributes a complex, umami depth that is quintessential in Thai cooking.
• Salt: Balances and enhances all the bold flavors in the soup.

Tools To Make Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha)

• Large pot: Essential for simmering and building soup base.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps ensure accurate curry paste and seasoning amounts.

Steps To Prepare Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha)

• Aromatic Base

In a roomy pot, warm some vegetable oil and introduce minced garlic and ginger. Let them dance and release their fragrant essence for a couple of minutes until the kitchen fills with an inviting aroma.

• Flavor Awakening

Introduce red curry paste to the pot, stirring quickly to unleash its deep, complex character. This brief moment allows the spices to bloom and intensify, creating a rich foundation for the soup.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour in coconut milk and broth, transforming the base into a creamy, silky landscape. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors intermingle and develop depth.

• Protein and Veggie Harmony

Add tender chicken or tofu, sliced mushrooms, and other vegetables. Allow them to nestle into the liquid, absorbing the surrounding warmth and spices.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle in fresh lime juice and torn cilantro leaves. Remove from heat and let the soup rest briefly, allowing the final ingredients to whisper their brightness into the creamy broth.

• Serving Elegance

Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving captures the soup’s vibrant layers. Garnish with extra herbs and a wedge of lime for a personal touch.

Tips For Perfect Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha)

• Flavor Boost Technique: Crush lemongrass stalks before adding to release maximum aromatic oils and enhance the soup's authentic Thai profile.
• Creamy Consistency Hack: Whisk coconut milk gently to prevent separation and create a smooth, silky texture throughout the soup.
• Dietary Flexibility: Easily transform this recipe into a vegetarian or vegan version by substituting chicken with tofu or adding extra mushrooms for protein-rich alternatives.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red curry paste quantity to manage heat intensity – start with less and gradually increase according to personal taste preferences, allowing each diner to customize their spice experience.
• Garnish Game Changer: Top the soup with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to elevate both visual appeal and bright, zesty flavor profile.

Serving Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha) With Style

• Thai Coastal Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into wide, deep ceramic bowls to capture the rich, aromatic broth and showcase its vibrant ingredients.
• Herbal Garnish Extravaganza: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, Thai basil leaves, and thinly sliced green onions on top to add bright color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the creamy coconut base.
• Rice Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside fluffy jasmine rice or sticky white rice to soak up the delicious broth and create a more substantial meal that balances the soup's intense flavors.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer lime wedges and extra chili sauce on the side, allowing guests to adjust the heat and tanginess according to their personal taste preferences.

Storing Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha) The Smart Way

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezing Friendly Technique: Carefully transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months without adding coconut milk.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation and maintain creamy texture. Add fresh herbs just before serving for vibrant flavor boost.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep fresh herbs, garnishes, and coconut milk separate from main soup when storing to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain optimal taste and texture quality.

Silky Thai Coconut Soup Recipe (Tom Kha) Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Delightful tom kha soup combines creamy coconut milk with zesty Thai flavors for a comforting meal. Aromatic herbs and tender chicken create a balanced, soul-warming experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 can (14 oz/400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 8 oz (225 g) cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu (optional)
• 4 tbsps red curry paste (adjust for spice level)
• 2 tbsps fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegan/vegetarian)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 3-inch pieces
• 3 kaffir lime leaves (or zest of 1 lime)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (or galangal if available)
• 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, Thai basil, or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced red chili or chili oil (optional, for heat)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat oil in a large pot, sautéing minced garlic and ginger until fragrant and translucent, releasing their essential oils and creating a flavor base.
2. Spice Awakening: Integrate red curry paste, vigorously stirring to unlock its complex spice profile and activate its deep, rich characteristics.
3. Liquid Harmony: Stream coconut milk into the pot, creating a creamy, luxurious foundation that will embrace all subsequent ingredients with its velvety texture.
4. Protein and Fungi Infusion: Gently add sliced mushrooms and chicken, allowing them to simmer and absorb the intricate spice-laden liquid, developing depth and tenderness.
5. Herbal Essence: Incorporate lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, which will impart their distinctive citrusy and aromatic notes throughout the soup.
6. Flavor Development: Allow the mixture to simmer slowly, enabling ingredients to meld and create a complex, layered taste profile for 15-20 minutes.
7. Final Seasoning: Enhance with fish sauce and lime juice, balancing the soup’s flavor with a perfect interplay of salty, tangy, and bright elements.
8. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh cilantro and chili peppers, adding a vibrant visual and spicy accent, then present steaming hot, embodying the essence of Thai culinary tradition.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh aromatics like ginger and lemongrass to elevate the soup’s authentic flavor profile and ensure maximum taste intensity.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust red curry paste quantity based on personal heat tolerance, starting with less and gradually increasing for a customized spice experience.
• Manage Protein Alternatives: Easily swap chicken with tofu, shrimp, or mushrooms for vegetarian and diverse dietary preferences without compromising the soup’s fundamental character.
• Optimize Cooking Technique: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent coconut milk from separating and to allow ingredients to develop a rich, harmonious flavor without aggressive boiling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg