Soup
Tom Yum Gai (Chicken)
About this dish
Tom Yum Gai is a classic Thai soup that balances spicy, sour, and savory flavors with tender chicken and aromatic herbs. This version uses shrimp paste and fresh galangal for authentic depth, making it a comforting yet zesty bowl that warms the soul.
Ingredients
UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.
chicken breast
protein300 g
Imperial measurement: 10.5 oz
water
liquid750 ml
Imperial measurement: 3 cups
lemongrass
herb3 stalks
galangal
herb5 slices
kaffir lime leaves
herb4 leaves
straw mushrooms
vegetable100 g
Imperial measurement: 3.5 oz
fish sauce
seasoning3 tbsp
lime juice
fruit3 tbsp
Thai bird eye chilies
vegetable3-5 (to taste)
shrimp paste
seasoning1/2 tsp
fresh cilantro
herba handful
Method
Simmer the Broth Base
5 minutesBring water to a boil in a pot. Add lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
Cook the Chicken and Mushrooms
7 minutesAdd sliced chicken and straw mushrooms. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Season the Soup
2 minutesStir in fish sauce, lime juice, smashed chilies, and shrimp paste (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste—more fish sauce for saltiness, more lime for sourness.
Garnish and Serve
2 minutesLadle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Equipment
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Nutrition facts
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breast—they stay juicier in the soup.
- Don't skip smashing the lemongrass and galangal, it releases their essential oils for a more aromatic broth.
- If you can't find fresh galangal, frozen slices work well too—just add them straight from the freezer.
- Tom Yum Gai is traditionally served with steamed jasmine rice to balance the heat.
Serving suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a side of cucumber salad.
- For.
- For extra heat, pass around chili flakes or extra Bird's eye chilies.
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Recipe by
Mali Srisuk
Specialises in Thai cuisineMali Boonmee makes mango sticky rice with coconut cream and a pinch of salt. She is a sweet summer child.
Describe yourself in three words: Sweet, sticky, mango-y.