PF
Delicious homemade Thai Tom Yum soup featuring fresh shrimp and tangy lime in a ceramic bowl.
Stovetop~45 minComplexity

Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)

Tom Kha Gai delivers 45g protein and 263 calories per serving, making it a legitimate protein-forward meal despite being broth-based. Quick stovetop prep yields 4 servings, ready in under 30 minutes. This soup works for anyone tracking macros who wants a filling dinner that fits calorie targets.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Lemongrass, Fresh(40g)
  • Galangal, Fresh Root(30g)
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves, Fresh
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth(1440g)
  • Green Onion (Scallion)
  • Mushrooms, White, Sliced(227g)
  • Chicken Breast, Grilled(480g)
  • Coconut Milk, Full-Fat, Canned
  • Fish sauce(30g)
  • Coconut Sugar, Granulated(15g)
  • Thai chili paste (nam prik pao)(30g)
  • Lime Juice, Fresh(30g)
  • Fine Sea Salt, To Taste

Instructions

  1. 1Prep the aromatics: Using the back of a knife, lightly smash the lemongrass on a cutting board, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Slice the galangal into thin rounds. Separate the white and green parts of the green onions.
  2. 2Infuse the broth: Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chicken broth, and white parts of the green onions to a large stockpot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broth is fragrant and infused.
  3. 3Strain the solids: Pour the broth through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, and green onion pieces. Return the clear, aromatic broth to the pot.
  4. 4Build the soup: Add the sliced mushrooms, coconut milk, fish sauce, coconut sugar, and Thai chili paste to the broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Cook for 3–5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and translucent.
  5. 5Finish with protein and acid: Stir in the cooked chicken and cook for 1–2 minutes over medium heat until warmed through. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for tang, coconut sugar for sweetness, or chili paste for heat.
  6. 6Portion for storage: Divide the soup evenly into 4 airtight containers while hot. Allow to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating, or cool slightly before freezing for longer storage.

Nutrition — Per Serving

263

calories

45g

protein

5g

fat

Carbohydrates
12g
Saturated fat
1.4g
Sodium
1355 mg
Dietary fiber
3.4g

4 servings per batch · ~581g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Tom Kha Gai have per serving?

Each serving contains 45g of protein with 263 calories, delivering an exceptional protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.17. The macro breakdown includes 5g fat and 12g carbs, making it one of the leanest high-protein soup options available.

How long does Tom Kha Gai take to prep?

This recipe is quick prep and batch-makes 4 servings on the stovetop, enabling efficient meal prepping for multiple days of lunches or dinners. The stovetop method allows hands-on time to be minimal once ingredients are prepped.

Is Tom Kha Gai good for muscle gain?

At 45g of protein and 263 calories per serving, this soup is highly efficient for muscle gain phases where hitting 180+ grams of daily protein is critical without excess calories. The moderate carbohydrate content supports training performance while keeping the focus on protein delivery.

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