Tom Yum Soup Recipe - Thailand’s Iconic Sour and Spicy Delight
Tom Yum Soup, also known as Thai Hot and Sour Soup, is a world-famous traditional dish from Thailand. Its unique blend of sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors offers an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s dive into the secrets behind this classic Thai soup!
Ingredients
Shrimp: 300 grams (cleaned and deveined)
Straw mushrooms: 200 grams (scrubbed clean, can use fresh or canned)
Lemongrass: 2 stalks (cut into 5 cm sections and lightly crushed)
Galangal (or ginger as an alternative): 3 slices
Kaffir lime leaves: 6-8 leaves (torn into pieces)
Thai bird’s eye chili: 3-5 peppers (sliced, adjust to taste)
Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
Lime juice: 3 tablespoons (about 2-3 limes)
Chicken stock or coconut milk: 500ml (traditional recipes often use clear chicken broth, but creamy versions use coconut milk)
Brown sugar or palm sugar: 1 tablespoon
Cilantro: A handful, chopped
Mint leaves: A handful, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by cleaning the shrimp and setting aside. If you are using whole straw mushrooms, you can either slice them in half lengthwise or leave them whole. Crushing the lemongrass and tearing the kaffir lime leaves are essential to release their fragrant oils.
Cook the Soup Base: In a large pot, add the chicken stock or coconut milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, add the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. These aromatics will infuse the broth with their distinct flavors.
Add the Chili Peppers: Add the sliced bird’s eye chili to achieve the desired level of spiciness. Note that these peppers are very hot, so adjust the quantity according to your spice tolerance.
Add the Main Ingredients: Once the broth is fragrant and has a light golden color from the aromatics, add the shrimp and straw mushrooms. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Season the Soup: Add the fish sauce, brown or palm sugar, and lime juice. The fish sauce provides a salty, umami depth while the sugar balances the acidity of the lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove. Stir in the chopped cilantro and mint leaves just before serving to preserve their fresh, vibrant flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Tom Yum Soup
Broth Choices: Traditionally, Tom Yum Soup uses a clear chicken broth, but adding coconut milk creates a creamy variation known as Tom Yum Gai. Both versions are delicious, so feel free to experiment according to your preference.
Balance Flavors: The beauty of Tom Yum Soup lies in its harmonious balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors. Don’t be shy with tasting and adjusting the seasonings as you cook.
Garnish Generously: Fresh herbs like cilantro and mint add more than just garnish; they contribute to the overall flavor and aroma of the soup. Make sure to include them for that authentic touch.
Serving Suggestion: Serve the Tom Yum Soup hot, accompanied by steamed jasmine rice to complete the meal. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok.
This quintessential Thai soup is not only a feast for the senses but also packs a nutritional punch, thanks to its fresh ingredients and aromatic spices. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Tom Yum Soup is a rewarding dish that showcases the vibrant, bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Give it a try and bring a piece of Thailand to your home!
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