Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy Thai Coconut Soup. Also known as “Tom Kha,” this comforting dish is a harmonious blend of coconut milk, lime, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive appetizer, it’s a journey for your taste buds!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons red curry paste
- 1 stalk lemongrass, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 (13.5 oz) cans coconut milk
- ½ pound shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Salt, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Assemble all ingredients. Mince the lemongrass, grate the ginger, and slice the mushrooms.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ginger, red curry paste, and lemongrass. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Broth: Stir in the chicken broth, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Coconut Milk and Mushrooms: Pour in the coconut milk and add the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp and cook until they are opaque, about 5 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
- Finish with Lime: Stir in fresh lime juice and season with salt to taste. Adjust the flavor with additional fish sauce or lime juice, if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. For extra spice, drizzle more red curry paste or serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Fresh ingredients like ginger, lemongrass, and lime juice elevate the flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red curry paste.
- Swap shrimp with chicken, tofu, or additional mushrooms for variety.
- For a heartier meal, stir in cooked noodles or serve with jasmine rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai