Tom Yum Soup an Authentic Taste of Thailand Without the Plane Ticket
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip to Thailand without the airfare? This Tom Yum soup recipe is your ticket. It is bursting with spicy, sour, and savory flavors. Honestly, this soup is amazing !
Brief Overview
Tom Yum Soup , a cornerstone of Thai food , originated in Thailand. This Authentic Thai Soup is medium difficulty and takes about 45 minutes. It will provide you with 4 servings.
Main Benefits
This Hot and Sour Soup Thai boasts immune boosting properties from its fresh ingredients. It is a perfect meal for a chilly evening or when you need a flavor pick-me-up.
This Lemongrass Soup Recipe is special because it brings the exotic taste of Thailand to your kitchen.
Ready to get started?
What exactly is Tom Yum?
Tom Yum , sometimes also referred to as Tom Yam , is a fragrant soup, and the name refers to a group of soups that share similar flavour profiles.
But what makes it special? It's that perfect balance of hot and sour with aromatic herbs. It offers that special Tom Yum Shrimp taste.
I always crave it when I want something comforting but exciting.
Ingredients for a Killer Tom Yum
You know, getting the ingredients right is half the battle! Here's what you'll need for this Galangal Soup :
- Chicken broth
- Water
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Kaffir Lime Leaves
- Thai Bird's Eye Chilies
- Shrimp
- Mushrooms
- Fish Sauce
- Lime Juice
- Sugar
- Coconut Milk (optional)
- Cilantro
- Lime Wedges
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this amazing Tom Yum Soup. Don't worry, it's not as intimidating as it sounds, I promise.
Think of it like building flavour, brick by delicious brick.
Ingredients & Equipment: Essential Goodies
So, what do you need to create this taste of Thailand? Honestly, sourcing some of the key ingredients might be the trickiest part.
But trust me, the hunt is worth it! You are going to need a base of Chicken broth and some additional bits.
Main Ingredients for Your Spicy Thai Food
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (950 ml) Low sodium is best!
- Water: 2 cups (470 ml)
- Lemongrass: 3 stalks . Bruised well for maximum flavour release.
- Galangal: 1 inch (2.5 cm). Sliced. Ginger works in a pinch, but galangal is where it's at for that authentic Galangal Soup taste.
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 4 . Bruised, same as the lemongrass.
- Thai Bird's Eye Chilies: 2-3 . Bruised. I like it hot, hot, hot! But start small, you can always add more. This is your hot and sour soup thai , so control the fire!.
- Shrimp: 1 lb (450 g). Peeled and deveined, obviously. If you want a Tom Yum Shrimp , this is essential.
- Mushrooms: 8 oz (225 g). Oyster or Shiitake are my faves, sliced up.
- Fish Sauce: 2 tablespoons . Don't be scared, it's the soul of Thai food Tom Yum .
- Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons . Freshly squeezed. Seriously, don't even think about using bottled stuff.
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon . Granulated or palm sugar, whatever you have handy.
- Coconut Milk: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Optional, but makes it extra creamy if you are aiming for a Tom Yam Seafood Soup .
Seasoning Notes: Level Up Your Tom Yum
Here's where the magic happens! Those essential spice combinations are what make Tom Yum sing. The balance of salty, sour, spicy, and sweet is pure genius.
My mum makes it really special adding chilli bean paste, but it is optional of course.
Essential spice combinations? Galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves are the holy trinity. Fish sauce adds that salty umami kick.
Flavour enhancers and aromatics? Bruising those ingredients releases all the good stuff!.
Quick substitution options? Ginger for galangal, lime zest in a pinch for kaffir lime leaves.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Honestly, you don't need fancy gadgets. A big pot and a good knife are your best mates!
Essential tools only? A large pot or Dutch oven. A cutting board and a sharp knife are a must.
Common household alternatives? If you don't have a fancy pot, any deep pot will do!.
Cooking Method: Your Ticket to Authentic Thai Soup , No Passport Needed!
Honestly, who needs a holiday when you can whip up a bowl of Tom Yum that tastes like you’re sitting right on a Bangkok street corner? This recipe is your express lane to Spicy Thai Food heaven.
Forget complicated techniques, we're keeping it real and delicious. Let's get started, yeah?
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!
Okay, first things first: the "mise en place" bit. Basically, get everything prepped before you even think about turning on the hob.
Chop your Lemongrass , slice your Galangal , and bruise those chilies. Trust me, this step saves a ton of time.
A little safety reminder: watch your fingers when chopping those chilies! I once rubbed my eye after handling them and, Oh my gosh, I regretted that for hours!
step-by-step: From Zero to Tom Yum Shrimp in Minutes!
- Aromatic broth is the key, combine 4 cups (950 ml) Chicken broth , 2 cups (470 ml) Water , Lemongrass , Galangal and Lime Leaves in a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes .
- Add the bruised chilies and bring back to a simmer
- Add the Shrimp . Cook for only 2- 3 minutes . Don't overcook it!
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook for 3- 5 minutes
- Season with Fish Sauce , Lime Juice , and Sugar . Taste test!
- Stir in Coconut Milk (optional, for a creamier Tomyum Soup ).
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with cilantro and lime.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Hot and Sour Soup Thai Game!
Want that authentic edge? Bruise, bruise, bruise! It releases the oils and gives that real Thai Food Tom Yum flavour.
Also, don’t skimp on the lime juice. It's what gives it that zing!
Common mistake? Overcooking the shrimp. Set a timer and stick to it.
You can prep the aromatic base ahead of time. Just strain it and store it in the fridge. Then, when you're ready, add the Tom Yam Seafood Soup , shrimp, and mushrooms.
Easy peasy!
Alright, let's talk about making this Tom Yum your own! I love how flexible this recipe is. It's all about adjusting things to your taste and what you have on hand.
Recipe Notes: Making Your Tom Yum Dreams Come True
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Tomyum Soup
Honestly, presentation is key. I like to ladle my Spicy Thai Food into a bowl and garnish it like crazy with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime.
It just looks so inviting! A little goes a long way. Serve it with fluffy Jasmine rice. It soaks up all that delicious broth.
Thai Food Tom Yum is even better with some crispy spring rolls on the side. Adds a bit of crunch! I enjoy Hot and Sour Soup Thai with a cold beer.
Singha, if you can find it. So refreshing!.
Storage Tips: Tom Yam Seafood Soup for Later
Refrigeration guidelines : If you have any leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Put it in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Trust me , it's still delicious the next day!. Freezing options : You can freeze Lemongrass Soup Recipe , but the texture of the shrimp might change a bit.
Best to freeze without the shrimp and add fresh shrimp when reheating. Reheating instructions : Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Don't boil it , you don't want to overcook the shrimp. You can also microwave it if you're in a hurry, but stovetop is always better.
Variations: Your Authentic Thai Soup , Your Way
One time I made this and I only had button mushrooms. Not the same as shiitake, but it worked! Dietary Adaptations : To make a vegetarian Galangal Soup , use vegetable broth and add tofu.
Easy peasy! Seasonal Ingredient Swaps : In the summer, try adding some fresh tomatoes or even a few slices of pineapple for a sweet and sour twist.
Yum!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl of Thai Sour Soup
This Tom Yum Shrimp soup is pretty healthy. It's packed with protein from the shrimp. It has lots of vitamins from the veggies.
I'd say one serving has around 250 calories. But that depends on how much shrimp you add!.
So, there you have it! A few notes to help you make the perfect bowl of Tom Yum . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Tom Yum, anyway? I keep hearing about it!
Tom Yum is a hot and sour soup originating from Thailand. It's characterized by its fragrant broth, infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. It’s a bit like the Thai version of chicken noodle soup… but with a serious kick!
Help! I can't find galangal. Is there a substitute I can use for my Tom Yum?
Don't panic! If you can't find galangal, ginger is your next best bet. It won't have exactly the same flavor profile (galangal is a bit more citrusy and piney), but it will still add a lovely warmth and spice to your Tom Yum. Just use roughly the same amount, and your soup will still be delicious.
Think of it as a "close enough for jazz" situation.
My Tom Yum is too spicy! What can I do to tone it down?
Oops! We’ve all been there. The easiest fix is to add a bit of coconut milk; its creamy sweetness will help mellow the heat. You can also add a touch more lime juice and sugar to balance the flavors. Next time, remember you can always add more chili, but you can't take it away, so start small!
Can I make Tom Yum ahead of time? And how long does it last?
Absolutely! Tom Yum actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together a bit like a good curry. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should be good for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop; don't microwave the shrimp, as it can become rubbery.
You can also freeze the soup base without the shrimp, adding fresh shrimp when you reheat it.
I'm vegetarian. Can I still enjoy Tom Yum? How do I make vegetarian Tom Yum?
You bet! Making a vegetarian Tom Yum is simple. Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the fish sauce. Instead of fish sauce, you can add a splash of soy sauce or tamari for umami. Tofu, mushrooms, and other veggies like bok choy or broccoli work great as the main ingredients.
It's a cracking vegetarian option!
How do I make sure my shrimp isn't rubbery in my Tom Yum soup?
Nobody wants rubbery shrimp! The trick is to add the shrimp right at the end and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually only takes 2-3 minutes. Overcooking is the enemy! Think of it like cooking eggs - a little under is better than a lot over.
If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed before adding them to the soup.
Tom Yum Soup An Authentic Taste Of Thailand With
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 0g |
