Authentic Thai Tom Kha Paste
Tom Kha paste is lesser-known than all the other Thai curry pastes. It is crucial to create a tasty base for the world-famous Thai chicken coconut soup, Tom Kha Gai. Make this authentic recipe using two easy methods!
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 5 min
- Yield
- 3 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
- 2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 tsp galangal, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup shallot
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp whole white peppercorns
- 1 tbsp kaffir lime zest. Or 5 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro stems chopped small. Or 3 cilantro roots, finely chopped.
- 3 tbsp lime juice. About 1 large lime
Instructions
- 1
Collect the essential ingredients, fresh galangal, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, cilantro stems or roots, shallot and fresh lime juice. These can be found at your local Asian stores.
- 2
Finely chop the galangal root to enhance its flavors. Slice the kaffir lime leaves into thin strips for even distribution. Crush the lemongrass to release its fragrant oils.
- 3
Put everything in a spice grinder or a small food processor and grind until you have a smooth paste. That's it! Super easy!
- 4
nding the spices. In a mortar, grind the ground coriander seeds and white peppercorns with a pestle until the seeds are finely crushed.
- 5
galangal, lemongrass, and cilantro roots. Add one tablespoon of lime juice to help turn the blades of the spice grinder. Pound until you have a paste.
- 6
and pound until a smooth and consistent paste forms. The key to making a smooth paste is not to add more than 3 ingredients to pound at one in the mortar.
- 7
Add the salt and the rest of the lime juice to the paste, balancing the flavors according to your preference. Now is a good time to add more heat, too, if you prefer some. Use ground white pepper or crushed red peppers as much as your taste bud prefers! That's it! Enjoy.
- 8
Transfer your freshly made Tom Kha Paste into an airtight container and refrigerate it for future use. It will be your culinary secret to unlock the authentic taste of Thai food in your kitchen.