Best Keto Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

#1 Low Carb & Keto Diet App Since 2010

Track macros, calories, and access top Keto recipes.

Download on the App Store
Get in on Google Play
  • prep time

    prep time

    10 min

  • cook time

    cook time

    25 min

  • ready time

    ready time

    35 min

Best Keto Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

This Keto Tom Kha Gai is a deliciously fragrant and comforting Thai coconut chicken soup infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. It’s a very popular dish among Thai food lovers as it is mildly spicy and easy to make. Chicken and mushrooms are added to this Keto Thai recipe, but you can substitute them with other proteins or vegetables of your choice. This is an excellent dish for a simple midweek meal or prepared in advance for a group gathering.

What can I substitute for galangal? Galangal is a root similar to ginger. ‘Kha’ itself means galangal, and it is really key for this dish. You can use fresh or frozen galangal here, while fresh ginger is the next best substitute, but please note the flavor of the soup will be a little different from the traditional version.

Can I substitute any ingredients? Oyster mushrooms are recommended for this recipe; however, you can use common white button mushrooms too.

What kind of chicken should I use? This recipe calls for skinless and boneless chicken thighs as they are more juicy and flavorsome; however, you can also use skinless and boneless chicken breast or any main protein of choice. Pork, prawn, tofu, or veggies like broccoli and cauliflower florets are also great options.

Can I adapt this recipe to other diets? This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken broth for a vegetable broth, and swap out the chicken for tofu or other vegetables of choice, like broccoli or cauliflower. Omit the fish sauce entirely and add more lime juice to taste.

**How to store Tom Kha Gai? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, return to the stove and heat through until piping hot.

  • Net Carbs

    5.3 g

  • Fiber

    1.2 g

  • Total Carbs

    6.8 g

  • Protein

    30.1 g

  • Fats

    16.2 g

278 cals

Best Keto Thai Coconut Chicken Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

#1 Low Carb & Keto Diet App Since 2010

Track macros, calories, and access top Keto recipes.

Download on the App Store
Get in on Google Play

Ingredients

  • Chicken broth, bouillon or consomme, homemade

    Chicken broth, bouillon or consomme, homemade

    2 cup

  • Coconut milk, plain or original, fortified

    Coconut milk, plain or original, fortified

    1 cup

  • Chicken Thighs (Skinless & Boneless)

    Chicken Thighs (Skinless & Boneless)

    600 g

  • Kaffir Lime Leaves (for flavoring only)

    Kaffir Lime Leaves (for flavoring only)

    5 piece

  • Lemongrass, raw (for flavoring only)

    Lemongrass, raw (for flavoring only)

    2 piece

  • Galangal Root (for flavoring only)

    Galangal Root (for flavoring only)

    10 tbsp

  • Thai Jinda Chili Peppers (Red & Green)

    Thai Jinda Chili Peppers (Red & Green)

    3 piece

  • Fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)

    Fish sauce (nam pla or nuoc mam)

    2 tbsp

  • Oyster mushrooms, raw

    Oyster mushrooms, raw

    5 oz

  • Lime juice, fresh

    Lime juice, fresh

    2.5 tbsp

  • Scallions or spring onions, tops and bulb, raw

    Scallions or spring onions, tops and bulb, raw

    2 medium - 4 1/8" long

  • Cilantro Or Coriander Leaves Fresh Or Raw Herb

    Cilantro Or Coriander Leaves Fresh Or Raw Herb

    0.25 cup

Recipe Steps

steps 4

35 min

  • Step 1

    Dice the chicken into 1-inch pieces, and set aside. Pour the chicken stock into a large saucepan set over medium heat. Bring the stock to a boil. Add the chicken pieces to the stock and let simmer for 15 minutes. If your stock does not contain salt, add ½ teaspoon.
    Step 1
  • Step 2

    Cut the lemongrass into 2-inch pieces. Dice the chilies and galangal into thin slices - about 10 pieces. Add the coconut milk to the chicken, along with the lemongrass, galangal, chilies, fish sauce, and Kaffir lime leaves. Be sure to remove the stem from the Kaffir lime leaves and tear the leaves into large pieces. This ensures more flavor is released. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the broth to infuse.
    Step 2
  • Step 3

    Dice the mushrooms if they are large; otherwise, use small whole-button mushrooms. Add them to the chicken soup. Simmer for a couple of minutes until cooked.
    Step 3
  • Step 4

    Dice the scallions and roughly chop the cilantro. Remove from the heat. Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Remove the lemongrass and galangal before serving (optional). Add scallions and cilantro to garnish (optional but recommended).
    Step 4

Comments 4

  • UpbeatKale194819

    UpbeatKale194819 a year ago

    A keeper. So delicious.

    • MarvellousCauliflower741204

      MarvellousCauliflower741204 a year ago

      The recipe looks great, but the lemon grass and galangal are not listed in the ingredients.

      • recipewriter

        recipewriter a year ago

        Hello - thank you for highlighting this! The recipe has now been amended. I hope you enjoy!

    • Sans Sucre

      Sans Sucre 2 years ago

      Utterly delicious!