Step 1 of 3
Tom kha gai
Pour the chicken stock and coconut milk into a large saucepan set over a medium heat. Tip in the galangal, lemongrass and lime leaves, and bring to a gentle simmer, around 6-8 mins. Keeping at a gentle simmer, add the chicken. Cook for 8-10 mins until tender and cooked through.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips โ not a chatbot.
How long does Tom kha gai take?
33 min all in โ 10 min prep, 23 min cook. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
A bit of work.
How spicy is it?
Mild.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Milk, Fish. Labels are informational โ check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Gluten-free, Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget โ about $8โ16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Saucepan.
How much salt do I put in?
This recipe does not list salt as its own ingredient. Saltiness comes from Fish sauce โ 5 tbsp. Taste at the end rather than adding a number we did not write.
How much sugar?
1 tbsp of Sugar.
How much fish sauce?
5 tbsp of Fish sauce.
What can I use instead?
chicken โ tofu. Press firm tofu, marinate as you would the chicken, and cook until browned. This is an adaptation, not the original dish. lemon โ lime. Same acidity, different perfume. Taste before you repeat the squeeze. lime โ lemon. Works in most savoury cooking. Desserts may notice. chilli (paprika or chilli flakes) โ paprika or chilli flakes. Paprika is milder and sweeter. Add cayenne if you still want heat. fish-sauce (soy sauce + lime) โ soy sauce + lime. Salty and bright, not funky. A mashed anchovy is closer if fish is acceptable.
Any tips from this recipe?
Times on this listing were inferred from the imported method, not kitchen-tested.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.