Description
Experience the bold, aromatic flavors of Thailand with this classic Tom Yum Soup. Packed with lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and prawns, this comforting soup is the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory.
Ingredients
For the Broth:
- 300g (10 oz) whole prawns (with heads and shells)
- 3 cups (750 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 stalks lemongrass (outer layers peeled)
- 1.5 cm (3/5 inch) piece galangal, sliced
- 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 2 Thai or bird’s eye chilies
- 3 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
For the Soup:
- 120g (4 oz) oyster mushrooms
- 1 Roma tomato, cut into wedges
- 1/2 medium-sized white onion, cut into wedges
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- Fresh coriander for garnish
For Creamy Tom Yum (Optional):
- 1 1/2 tbsp Thai roasted chili paste (Nam Prik Pa)
- 1/3 cup (75 ml) evaporated milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Prawns
- Peel the prawns, keeping the heads and shells for the broth. Reserve the prawn meat for later.
- Build the Broth
- Lightly crush the garlic, chilies, and lemongrass to release their flavors.
- Combine the prawn heads and shells, aromatics (garlic, chilies, lemongrass), water, and chicken stock in a pot.
- Add galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 10 minutes.
- Strain the broth, discarding the solids, and return the liquid to the pot over low heat.
- Add the Vegetables
- Add the onion and mushrooms to the broth and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato wedges and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Prawns
- Stir in the reserved prawn meat and simmer for 2 minutes, or until the prawns are just cooked.
- Season the Soup
- Add sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the flavors to balance sweet, salty, and sour notes.
- Make It Creamy (Optional)
- For creamy Tom Yum, stir in the Thai roasted chili paste and evaporated milk at this stage.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander and additional chilies if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal for authentic flavor.
- Spice Control: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your heat tolerance.
- Clear vs. Creamy: Choose between light, tangy clear soup or rich, indulgent creamy soup.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze the clear version for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai