Here’s a beautifully authentic yet healthy Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup) — creamy, tangy, and naturally blood-sugar-friendly when made with clean ingredients and minimal added sugar. 🍋🥥🍗
🥣 Tom Kha Gai – Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (13.5 oz) unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)
- 3–4 slices fresh galangal (or substitute with ginger)
- 3–4 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional but traditional)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 2–3 Thai chilis or red chili flakes (adjust to spice level)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter flavor)
- Juice of 1–2 limes
- 1 teaspoon coconut aminos (optional, for gentle sweetness)
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté aromatics:
In a large pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add lemongrass, galangal (or ginger), and onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes to release aroma. - Add broth and chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add sliced chicken and simmer until nearly cooked through (about 10 minutes). - Add coconut milk and veggies:
Stir in coconut milk, mushrooms, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer on low (do not boil hard) for 10 more minutes until flavors meld. - Season:
Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and optional coconut aminos. Taste and adjust—add more lime for tang or fish sauce for saltiness. - Finish:
Remove lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions, and chili slices.
💚 Health Highlights:
- Coconut milk: Healthy fats that promote satiety and steady energy.
- Chicken: Lean protein supports blood sugar balance.
- Ginger, lemongrass, lime: Anti-inflammatory and digestion-friendly.
- Low-carb: Naturally low in sugar and starch, ideal for stable glucose levels.
Optional Add-ins:
- Add zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for extra volume.
- Toss in baby spinach or bok choy for more fiber and minerals.
Would you like me to give you a vegetarian Tom Kha version next (made with tofu and veggie broth)?
