The Best Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

This creamy, bright Thai coconut soup is cozy, fragrant, and full of gentle heat. It blends rich coconut milk with citrus notes from lemongrass and lime, plus tender chicken or tofu and soft mushrooms. Each spoonful is soothing yet lively. You can make it fast on a busy night and still feel like you cooked something special.

Why Make The Best Thai Coconut Soup

This soup offers a great mix of comfort and freshness. The broth is silky and rich from coconut milk, but it stays light thanks to lemongrass, lime, and herbs. It warms you on cold days and tastes fresh on hot days. It is a year-round winner.

You can find most ingredients at a regular store, and there are easy swaps if you cannot find galangal or kaffir lime leaves. It is also flexible. Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Make it mild for family dinners or turn up the heat for spice lovers. It comes together in about 30 minutes, so it is perfect for weeknights. It also works well for guests because it looks and smells amazing in the bowl.

This soup gives you great value. A few cans of coconut milk, some broth, and a handful of aromatics make a big pot. Leftovers taste even better the next day. It is a simple, feel-good meal that delivers big flavor with little fuss.

Why You’ll Love This The Best Thai Coconut Soup

Cozy Flavor with Everyday Ingredients

You get a deep, creamy broth with bright citrus notes. Most items are easy to find. If you cannot get galangal or kaffir leaves, simple swaps still give you great taste.

Quick to Make, Easy to Love

It cooks in one pot in about 30 minutes. The method is simple. The result is restaurant-level flavor at home.

Ingredients and Substitutions

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

• 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or 14 oz firm tofu, cubed)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)
• 4–5 slices fresh galangal (or 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced)
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or zest of 1 lime)
• 6–8 oz mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, or cremini), sliced
• 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, lightly smashed (or 1 small jalapeño, sliced)
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce (or tamari/soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus extra wedges
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 small shallot, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but tasty)
• Fresh cilantro and sliced scallions, for garnish
• Neutral oil, a drizzle (optional for sautéing)
• Pinch of salt, to taste

Smart Swaps for Dietary Needs

• Dairy-free: Already dairy-free.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari or fish sauce labeled gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and tamari instead of fish sauce; use tofu or mushrooms.
• Vegan: Same as vegetarian and skip fish sauce entirely; add a bit more salt or miso for depth.
• Less spicy: Use mild chilies or remove seeds; add heat at the table with chili oil.
• Low-sodium: Choose low-sodium broth and season to taste at the end.

Smart Variation (Optional)

• Shrimp version: Swap chicken for 12 oz shrimp; simmer 2–3 minutes until pink.
• Extra mushroom: Use a mix of shiitake and oyster for a deeper umami taste.
• Noodle bowl: Add cooked rice noodles to bowls and ladle soup on top.
• Herb boost: Add Thai basil leaves at the end for a fresh twist.

How to Make The Best Thai Coconut Soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep aromatics: Smash lemongrass and chilies. Slice galangal (or ginger). Tear kaffir lime leaves.
2. Build broth: In a pot, bring broth to a gentle simmer. Add lemongrass, galangal, chilies, and kaffir leaves. Simmer 8–10 minutes to infuse.
3. Add coconut milk and veg: Pour in coconut milk. Add mushrooms (and shallot/tomatoes if using). Keep heat at a gentle simmer, not a hard boil, for 3–5 minutes.
4. Cook protein: Add thin chicken slices. Simmer gently 5–7 minutes until just cooked. (For tofu, simmer 3–4 minutes to warm through.)
5. Season: Stir in fish sauce (or tamari), sugar, and lime juice. Taste. Adjust salt, lime, and fish sauce until it is bright and balanced.
6. Finish: Remove lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir leaves if you like. Ladle into bowls. Top with cilantro, scallions, and lime wedges.

Tips for Texture, Timing & Tools

• Do not boil hard after adding coconut milk; keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid splitting.
• Slice chicken thin so it cooks fast and stays tender.
• Add lime juice at the end to keep flavors fresh.
• If using lemongrass paste, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust.
• A fine-mesh strainer helps remove large aromatics before serving.
• For extra richness, use full-fat coconut milk and shake the cans well.

Storage & Reheating

How to Store It Right

• Cool soup fully. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months. Note: mushrooms may soften more after thawing.
• Keep herbs and extra lime separate and add fresh after reheating.

Reheating Without Losing Flavor

• Reheat gently on the stove over low heat until hot. Do not boil hard.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime and a splash of fish sauce or tamari to wake up the flavors.
• If the soup looks too thick after chilling, stir in a splash of broth or water.

A Dish Worth Making Again and Again

This soup tastes even better the next day. The aromatics blend and deepen. It is easy to scale up for meal prep or guests.

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FAQs

Can I use ginger if I can’t find galangal?

Yes. Use fresh ginger as a 1:1 swap. The flavor is a bit different, but still bright and warm.

What coconut milk works best for Thai coconut soup?

Full-fat coconut milk gives the best body and taste. Light coconut milk works but will be thinner.

How do I make it vegetarian or vegan?

Use vegetable broth and tamari instead of fish sauce. Add tofu or more mushrooms for protein and body.

Can I freeze Thai coconut soup?

Yes, up to 2 months. Reheat gently and finish with fresh lime and herbs to refresh the flavor.

Final Thoughts

The Best Thai Coconut Soup is simple, fast, and full of comfort. With a few key aromatics and a can of coconut milk, you can make a bright, creamy bowl any night. Adjust the heat, swap the protein, and make it yours. Enjoy every warm, fragrant spoonful.

Need another way to enjoy high-protein meals without relying on meat? Our Recipes is a flavorful, filling dinner that fits the bill beautifully.

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