Ingredients
- 400g coconut milk
- 200g chicken or vegetable broth
- 200g mushrooms (such as straw mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms)
- 150g chicken breast (sliced) or tofu (cubed) for vegetarian/vegan option
- 2 stalks lemongrass (bruised and cut into pieces)
- 4-5 kaffir lime leaves
- 3-4 slices galangal or ginger
- 2-3 red or green Thai chilies (sliced, adjust quantity according to desired spiciness)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce or soy sauce for vegetarian/vegan option
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
- Optional: coriander leaves and sliced spring onions for garnish
Per serving
Calories: 83 kcal
Proteins: 2 g
Fats: 6 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Method
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In a medium-sized pot, combine the coconut milk and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
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Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger, and Thai chilies to the pot. Let them simmer together for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors into the broth.
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Add the sliced chicken breast or tofu to the pot and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked or the tofu is heated through.
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Add the mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
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Stir in the fish sauce or soy sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar or brown sugar. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference by adding more fish sauce or lime juice if needed.
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Remove the pot from the heat and discard the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal or ginger slices.
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Serve the Tom Kha sauce in bowls, garnished with fresh coriander leaves and sliced spring onions if desired.
The Tom Kha sauce is typically served as a soup alongside steamed jasmine rice or as a main dish with various proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. It can also be served with noodles or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.
Tom Kha sauce is a popular Thai soup known for its creamy, sweet, sour, and aromatic flavors. The combination of coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal or ginger, and Thai chilies creates a unique and fragrant taste profile. The sauce is rich and comforting, making it a favorite among Thai cuisine enthusiasts.
Facts about Tom Kha sauce:
- Tom Kha is a variation of the popular Thai soup called Tom Yum, but with the addition of coconut milk.
- The name “Tom Kha” translates to “boiled galangal,” highlighting the importance of this ingredient in the sauce.
- Lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are key ingredients in Thai cuisine, adding a citrusy and refreshing aroma to the sauce.
- Tom Kha sauce can be customized by adjusting the spiciness level with Thai chilies and the sweetness with palm sugar or brown sugar.
- It is a versatile sauce that can be adapted for different dietary preferences by using chicken, shrimp, tofu, or vegetables as the main protein source.
