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Tom Yum Soup: A Spicy and Sour Thai Delicacy

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Tom Yum Soup is a vibrant Thai dish known for its perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. Made with shrimp, mushrooms, and a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and bird chilies, this soup is both aromatic and comforting. It can be made creamy with the addition of coconut milk or kept light and clear for a traditional experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
  • 3 slices galangal
  • 2–3 Thai bird chilies, crushed
  • 200 grams (about 7 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 small tomato, quartered
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup coconut milk for a creamy version

Instructions

  • Prepare the Base:
    In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and water to a boil over medium heat.
  • Infuse the Flavors:
    Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and crushed Thai bird chilies to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to extract the aromatics’ flavors.
  • Cook the Main Ingredients:
    Add the shrimp, mushrooms, tomato, and onion to the pot. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and the vegetables are tender.
  • Season the Soup:
    Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning to balance the spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors.
  • Optional Creamy Version:
    If using coconut milk, stir it in now and heat gently until warmed through.
  • Finalize and Serve:
    Remove the pot from heat and discard the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal slices.
    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of bird chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • For a richer taste, add coconut milk, which will also add a creamy texture to the soup.
  • This soup can be enjoyed as a starter or a light meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://deliceflash.com/tom-yum-soup-a-spicy-and-sour-thai-delicacy/