Authentic Thai Chicken Tom Kha Soup Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Craving a taste of Thailand? Then look no further than this authentic Chicken Tom Kha soup recipe! This creamy, coconut-infused broth, bursting with the fragrant aroma of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, is a culinary masterpiece that's surprisingly easy to recreate at home. Forget bland, watery soups; this recipe delivers a rich, complex flavor profile that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling street food stalls of Bangkok. The perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, Tom Kha is a truly satisfying and flavorful meal.

This recipe simplifies the traditional preparation, guiding you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure success, even for beginner cooks. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure and create your own delicious bowl of Chicken Tom Kha? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!

Tools Needed

  • Pot

Ingredients

  • Chicken legs: 4 (approx. 400g), chopped
  • Coconut milk
  • Oyster mushrooms
  • Tomatoes
  • Pears
  • Lemongrass
  • Kaffir lime leaves
  • Coriander
  • Fresh chilies
  • Dried chilies
  • Shallots
  • Spring onions
  • Water: 650ml
  • Seasoning powder: 1 tsp
  • Curry paste: 1 layer
  • Chicken blood
  • Tamarind juice: 2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
  • Fish sauce: 1 spoonful (adjust to taste)
  • Fried dried pork: optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Preparing Ingredients

  • Chop chicken legs into pieces.
  • Crush dried chilies into small pieces.
  • Chop shallots and tomatoes.
  • Prepare spring onions and coriander.
Chop chicken legs into pieces.Crush dried chilies into small pieces.Chop shallots and tomatoes.Prepare spring onions and coriander.
Preparing Ingredients

Step 2. Building the Broth

  • Add water, seasoning powder, and curry paste to the pot.
  • Add chilies.
  • Boil for 3-4 minutes to release herbal aroma.
Add water, seasoning powder, and curry paste to the pot.Add chilies.Boil for 3-4 minutes to release herbal aroma.
Building the Broth

Step 3. Cooking the Chicken & Adding Flavors

  • Add chicken and boil for 10 minutes.
  • Add coconut milk and bring to a boil.
  • Add chicken blood.
  • Add tamarind juice (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste).
Add chicken and boil for 10 minutes.Add coconut milk and bring to a boil.Add chicken blood.Add tamarind juice (2 tablespoons, adjust to taste).
Cooking the Chicken & Adding Flavors
  • Add fish sauce (1 spoonful, adjust to taste).
  • Add fried dried pork (optional).
Add fish sauce (1 spoonful, adjust to taste).Add fried dried pork (optional).
Cooking the Chicken & Adding Flavors

Step 4. Finishing & Serving

  • Once cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with spring onions, coriander, and coriander leaves.
Once cooked, turn off the heat and garnish with spring onions, coriander, and coriander leaves.
Finishing & Serving

Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe

Tips

  • Use your favorite brand of coconut milk.
  • Adjust the amount of tamarind juice and fish sauce to your preferred level of sourness and saltiness.
  • Add more chilies for extra spiciness.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I substitute coconut milk?

While full-fat coconut milk is best for authentic flavor and creaminess, you can use light coconut milk or even a combination of coconut milk and cream. Just be aware the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

2. What can I do if I don't have all the ingredients?

Many ingredients are optional! If you're missing galangal, for example, you can substitute with extra ginger. Adjust the quantities of other ingredients to your taste preference. Don't be afraid to experiment!


This authentic Thai Chicken Tom Kha Soup recipe offers a delicious and relatively simple way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen. With a little practice, you'll be able to master this recipe and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking – your taste buds will thank you!