Aromatic Thai-style chicken soup with citrusy lemongrass, galangal, and chilies in a balanced spicy-sour broth.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 14 oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
→ Broth
02 - 5 cups chicken stock
03 - 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
04 - 4 slices fresh galangal, about 0.4 oz, or 2 teaspoons dried galangal
05 - 5 makrut lime leaves, torn into pieces
06 - 4 birds eye chilies, lightly crushed, adjust to taste
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
07 - 5.3 oz mushrooms such as oyster or button, sliced
08 - 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
09 - 1 small onion, sliced
10 - 3 cloves garlic, smashed
→ Seasonings
11 - 3 tablespoons fish sauce
12 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, plus more to taste
13 - 1 teaspoon sugar
14 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, or to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 to 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
17 - Extra lime wedges
# How to Make:
01 - Bruise the lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves with the back of a knife to release their essential oils and aromas.
02 - In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, birds eye chilies, and garlic. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor.
03 - Add the sliced chicken and onion. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
04 - Add mushrooms and tomato wedges. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through.
05 - Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Taste and adjust lime, salt, or fish sauce as desired to achieve a perfect balance of sour, salty, and spicy notes.
06 - Remove from heat. Discard lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves if preferred for a cleaner presentation.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with cilantro, spring onions, and extra lime wedges.
