Teresa's Recipes
Kao Tom Gai
Kao Tom Gai is a beloved traditional Thai rice soup that warms the soul with its comforting blend of tender chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and aromatic herbs. Often enjoyed as a light meal or breakfast, this dish showcases the essence of Thai cooking—balancing flavors of salty, sour, and savory. The addition of fresh lime juice and cilantro provides a refreshing zing, making it a delightful experience with every spoonful. Its roots can be traced back to the streets of Thailand, where it is commonly served in markets and homes alike, embodying the heart of Thai cuisine.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 1 pound, boneless and skinless Chicken breast
- 1 cup Jasmine rice
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon, grated Ginger
- 2, sliced Green onions
- 1/2 cup, chopped (plus extra for garnish) Cilantro
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed) Lime juice
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 5g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breast, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the pot. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- While the chicken cools, rinse the jasmine rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- Add the rinsed jasmine rice to the pot with the chicken broth and bring it back to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir in the chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, fish sauce, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro and green onions, and a wedge of lime on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili paste.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a richer flavor.
- This soup can also be made vegetarian by replacing chicken with tofu and using vegetable broth.