Tom Kha Gai is a classic coconut-based Thai soup. It's sweet, savory, and tangy all at the same time, but most importantly, it's warming comfort in a bowl. Smarts: We tried to pack this soup with lots of veggies - feel free to swap in and out whatever you love best.
Chicken - Chop into bite-sized pieces. Toss with first part of fish sauce and first part of brown sugar. Tenderize with a fork. (Can be done up to 1 day ahead)
Lemongrass / Ginger / Garlic / Mushrooms - Prep as directed. (Can be done up to 3 days ahead)
Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil and then aromatics - lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. Saute for ~1 minute, until very fragrant.
Next add chicken and saute until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.
Fold in mushrooms and saute for another 2 to 3 minutes until mushrooms start to get golden.
Pour in coconut milk, stock, and second parts of fish sauce and brown sugar. Cover and bring to a boil and then simmer uncovered for 4 to 6 minutes.
While soup is cooking, slice jalapenos, pick off cilantro leaves, and slice limes into wedges.
Fold in zucchini and tomatoes. If you sliced zucchini super thin, the residual heat will cook the zucchini and you can just turn off the heat. Otherwise, simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to cook the zucchini.
Season with hot sauce, and more fish sauce if it’s not savory enough.
Divide into bowls and serve with jalapenos, cilantro, and lime wedges.