Tom Kha Soup
Tom Kha Soup
This is one of my favorites at Thai restaurants, but I have never actually made this dish. Not one to let that stop me, when this crossed my feed, I decided you needed to know about it too. It sounds so yummy. On the list for this weekend, for sure. My friend Heidi Davis, whom I originally stole this from, says it is quick, easy, and delicious. Her update to the recipe, "add a can of coconut cream. It’s glorious!" Enjoy!
Ingredients (4 servings)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or neutral oil)
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2–3 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed (or zest of 1 lime)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (unsweetened, full-fat preferred)
• 8 oz mushrooms (white button or cremini), sliced
• 2–3 tablespoons fish sauce (sub: soy sauce if needed)
• 1–2 tablespoons lime juice (fresh squeezed)
• 1–2 teaspoons raw honey (to taste)
• 1–2 Thai chilies or ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the aromatics
• Heat olive oil in a large pot.
• Add ginger and lemongrass; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Build the broth
• Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
• Lower to a simmer, cover, and let it infuse for 10 minutes.
• Remove lemongrass pieces if using whole stalks.
3. Add coconut + mushrooms
• Stir in the coconut milk and mushrooms.
• Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Cook shrimp
• Add shrimp and cook just until pink, about 3 minutes.
• Do not overcook.
5. Season
• Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, raw honey, and Thai chilies or red pepper flakes (if using).
• Taste and adjust for a balance of salty, sour, sweet, and creamy.
6. Finish + serve
• Ladle into bowls, top with fresh cilantro, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
• Add baby spinach or bok choy for extra greens.
• Swap shrimp for thinly sliced chicken breast if preferred.
• Serve with steamed jasmine rice or enjoy as a light soup.
