Tom Yum (Thailand)
Tom Yum is a world-renowned Thai soup known for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients. It embodies the quintessential taste profile of Thai cuisine, combining spicy, sour, salty, and sweet elements.
Traditionally made with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), this soup is a delightful blend of fresh herbs, spices, and citrus, resulting in a dish that is as comforting as it is invigorating.
Originating from Thailand, Tom Yum is often enjoyed as a starter or a main course and is a staple in Thai households and restaurants alike. This recipe will guide you through making a classic Tom Yum soup that captures its authentic flavors and essence.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass (cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed)
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)
- 3-4 slices of galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies (smashed, adjust to taste)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 200-250 grams (7-9 oz) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 200 grams (7 oz) mushrooms (shiitake or oyster, sliced)
- 1 medium tomato (cut into wedges)
- 1 small carrot (sliced, optional)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed, or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Sliced green onions (scallions)
- Chili oil (for drizzling, optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How to Make
Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, bird’s eye chilies, and smashed garlic. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add the Aromatics:
After simmering, add the sliced onion to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes. This will enhance the broth’s flavor, making it fragrant and aromatic.
Incorporate the Vegetables:
Next, add the mushrooms, tomato wedges, and sliced carrot (if using) to the pot. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Cook the Shrimp:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become tough.
Season the Soup:
Once the shrimp is cooked, stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar (if using). Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier soup, you can add more bird’s eye chilies or chili paste.
Serve:
Ladle the Tom Yum soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. Drizzle a bit of chili oil on top for added flavor if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.
Chef’s Note
Customization: Tom Yum can be easily customized according to personal preference. You can substitute shrimp with other proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu. Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or baby corn for a heartier soup.
Herbs: The key to a great Tom Yum is the fresh herbs. Make sure to use fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal for the best flavor. If you can’t find these ingredients, they can sometimes be found in Asian grocery stores or online.
Balance of Flavors: The balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet is crucial in Tom Yum. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amounts of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to suit your taste. Each ingredient enhances the overall flavor, so experiment until you find the perfect balance for you.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg (varies based on fish sauce used)
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 1mg
Tom Yum is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The shrimp provides a good source of lean protein, while the vegetables and herbs are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. The soup is also low in calories, making it a great option for a light meal.
Conclusion
Tom Yum is a vibrant and aromatic soup that brings the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen. Its unique combination of spicy, sour, and savory notes creates a comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this recipe will help you create a bowl of Tom Yum that is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this delightful Thai culinary experience!