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Thai Chicken Coconut Soup in 30 Minutes

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Thai Chicken Coconut Soup, or Tom Kha Gai, is a rich, aromatic soup made with coconut milk, tender chicken, mushrooms, and herbs like lemongrass and ginger. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and packed with comforting, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or coconut)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger or galangal, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 tbsp red Thai curry paste (to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup mushrooms (button or shiitake), sliced
  • 1 red chili or 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • Optional: cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic, ginger, and lemongrass for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add red curry paste and stir for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add sliced chicken and mushrooms. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Let it warm through without boiling.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime, fish sauce, or sugar if needed.
  7. Remove lemongrass and ginger slices before serving.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro, green onions, and chili if desired. Serve with rice or noodles if using.

Notes

  • Use tofu and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • Add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
  • A spoonful of peanut butter adds richness.
  • Store rice or noodles separately to prevent sogginess.
  • Use soy sauce or coconut aminos as fish sauce substitutes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/thai-chicken-coconut-soup-in-30-minutes/