Tom Yum Soup is a liked Thai dish renowned for its formidable, tangy flavors, offering a aromatic broth infused with lemongrass, lime juice, and often shrimp. It’s a pleasing mixture of highly spiced and bitter, making it a staple in Thai cuisine.

What is Tom Yum Soup?

Tom Yum Soup is a well-known Thai dish known for its ambitious and tangy flavors. It’s a hot and bitter soup typically made with a fragrant broth that includes substances like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal (a form of ginger), fish sauce, and lime juice.

The soup frequently features shrimp (Tom Yum Goong) or hen, along side mushrooms and chili peppers, giving it a spicy kick. It’s usually garnished with fresh cilantro and served warm, making it a popular choice for those who experience a combination of highly spiced and sour tastes. Tom Yum isn’t always only a dish however a staple in Thai delicacies, celebrated for its vibrant flavors and aromatic characteristics.

Ingredients

For the Broth:

• 4 cups water or chicken broth: Chicken broth adds richness, but water works well too.
• 2 stalks lemongrass: Cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed to release flavor.
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves: Tear into pieces for better flavor extraction.
• 1-2 slices galangal: This provides a distinct, spicy flavor. If unavailable.
• 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies: Adjust based on your spice preference. Smash them slightly to release their heat.
• 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce: Adds saltiness and umami; adjust to taste.
• Juice of 1 lime: Freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy flavor.

Main Ingredients:

• 200-300g shrimp: Peeled and deveined. You can also use chicken, sliced thinly.
• 1 cup mushrooms: Sliced; straw mushrooms are traditional, but button or shiitake mushrooms work too.
• Fresh cilantro: For garnish; adds freshness and color.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon chili paste (Nam Prik Pao): For added depth and sweetness.

Preparation & Cooking Time:

Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-30 minutes
Servings: 2-4 (depending on portion size)

Cooking Method and Steps:

Simmer water or broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies to infuse flavors, then add shrimp and mushrooms until cooked. Season with fish sauce and lime juice, then serve hot, garnished with cilantro.

Step 1. Prepare the Broth

In a large pot, carry the water or chicken broth to a mild boil over medium heat.
Add the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, and smashed bird’s eye chilies. These substances will infuse the broth with fragrant flavors.
Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes. This lets in the herbs to launch their important oils and flavors.

Step 2. Add the Main Ingredients

After simmering, strain the broth to do away with the solid herbs if favored (this step is optional, as some prefer to leave them in for presentation).
Return the strained broth to the pot and bring it again to a simmer.
Add the shrimp and mushrooms. If the use of shrimp, cook dinner till they turn pink and opaque (about 3-5 mins).
If you’re the usage of chili paste, add it at this level for extra taste.

Step 3. Season the Soup

Stir in the fish sauce and the lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed; you could need to extra fish sauce or lime juice for saltiness and acidity.
If you want it spicier, you can add more chilies or regulate the chilies paste.

Serve:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish every bowl with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Optionally, serve with lime wedges at the side for an additional zing.

Tips

• Customize Your Soup: You can add different elements like tofu, bean sprouts, or even specific styles of seafood based totally for your choice.
• Spice Level: Adjust the range of chilies based in your spice tolerance. You can also serve more chili flakes on the side for individuals who like it warmer.
• Storage: Leftover soup may be saved inside the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, as shrimp can come to be difficult if overcooked.

Enjoy your flavorful homemade Tom Yum Soup.