Thai Tom Yum Soup is a spicy and tangy Thai soup known for its vibrant flavors. A step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious soup:
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2-3 slices of galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 2-3 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)
- 200g (7 oz) shrimp, chicken, or tofu (your choice)
- 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
- 2-3 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for extra flavor (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
2. Add Aromatics:
- Add the galangal (or ginger), lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and smashed Thai bird's eye chilies to the boiling broth.
- Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors into the broth.
3. Add Protein:
- If using shrimp, add them to the simmering broth and cook until they turn pink and opaque. If using chicken or tofu, add them at this stage and cook until they are cooked through.
4. Add Vegetables:
- Add the sliced mushrooms, tomato wedges, onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Continue simmering until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season:
- Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Adjust the quantities to achieve a balance of sour, salty, and sweet flavors. You can also add Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for extra depth of flavor if desired.
6. Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. The soup should have a bright and balanced flavor profile.
7. Remove Aromatics:
- Remove the galangal (or ginger), lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and smashed Thai bird's eye chilies from the soup. These are meant to infuse flavor but are not typically eaten.
8. Serve:
- Ladle the hot and fragrant Tom Yum soup into bowls.
9. Garnish:
- Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and color.
10. Enjoy:
- Serve the Thai Tom Yum Soup hot as an appetizer or main course. Enjoy the spicy, tangy, and aromatic flavors!
Note: You can customize this soup by adding your choice of protein and adjusting the level of spiciness with the Thai bird's eye chilies. It's a versatile soup that can be tailored to your taste preferences.