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ThaiNon-veg

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai — a classic thai dish made simple at home.

25 min4 serveseasy

Tom Kha Gai is a classic protein-forward Thai recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 4 and comes together in roughly 25 minutes from prep to plate. It is an approachable, beginner-friendly dish — the kind of recipe you can put on the table in about 25 minutes without much fuss. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.

The headline ingredients here are basil, sticky rice and garlic. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them. A few sensible swaps: basmati and long-grain rice are usually interchangeable here.

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Nutrition · per serving

506

kcal

9g

Protein

59g

Carbs

18g

Fat

chicken

Ingredients

  • basil150 g
  • sticky rice100 ml
  • garlic2 cloves
  • tamarind100 ml
  • chili100 ml
  • peanut2 cloves
  • tofu1 cup
  • saltstaple
  • pepperstaple

Method

  1. 1
    Step 1 ~5 min

    Prep all ingredients for tom kha gai and measure them out.

  2. 2
    Step 2 ~5 min

    Heat oil in a pan and sauté aromatics until fragrant.

  3. 3
    Step 3 ~5 min

    Add main ingredients and cook until just done.

  4. 4
    Step 4 ~5 min

    Season with salt, pepper and finish with fresh herbs.

  5. 5
    Step 5 ~5 min

    Plate and serve hot.

Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 25 minutes.

Pro tips & common mistakes

  • Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tom Kha Gai take to cook?
From prep to plate, Tom Kha Gai takes about 25 minutes and yields 4 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
Is Tom Kha Gai vegetarian?
No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (basil, sticky rice, garlic). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
What are the key ingredients in Tom Kha Gai?
The headline ingredients are basil, sticky rice, garlic. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 8. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
Can I freeze Tom Kha Gai?
Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
What should I serve with Tom Kha Gai?
Tom Kha Gai pairs naturally with classic thai sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.