If You Can Only Make ONE Dish, Make Tom Kha Gai

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while evaporated milk offers a creamy texture.

galangal

🥗Healthier: ginger

💰Cheaper: ginger

Ginger is more widely available and offers a similar flavor profile.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce provides umami flavor while being vegetarian-friendly.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a great vegetarian option, while chicken thighs are often less expensive than breasts.

Bring chicken stock to a boil, then add the salt and chicken thigh. Simmer gently for 15 minutes or until chicken is fork tender.

Add the coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, chilies, mushrooms, about half of the fish sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse.

Taste and add more fish sauce as needed. Turn off the heat and add about 2 Tbsp of the lime juice, then taste and add more as needed. Top with green onions and/or cilantro.

Serve with jasmine rice as part of a larger Thai meal, or enjoy on its own. (Note: the herbs are for infusion only and are not meant to be eaten. Either remove them before serving or inform your guests.)

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens