Tom Yum Soup Recipe: Siam Spice Symphony

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 stalks lemongrass, wounded and cleaved into 2-inch pieces

3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces

3-4 slices galangal or ginger

3-4 Thai bird's eye chilies, smashed

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium-sized onion, sliced

1 medium-sized tomato, sliced

1 tablespoon tom yum paste (optional)

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt to taste

For the Soup Base:

200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

200g (7 oz) chicken, thinly sliced (optional)

200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup bok choy or spinach, chopped

1/2 cup straw mushrooms (optional)

Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Lime wedges for serving

Process:

Preparing the Broth:

Infusing Flavors:

• In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle simmer.
• Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger, smashed Thai bird's eye chilies, minced garlic, sliced onion, and tomato.
• Allow the ingredients to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to infuse their flavors into the broth.

Enhancing Flavor with Paste:

• Stir in tom yum paste if using. This paste adds an extra layer of flavor and spice. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

Seasoning the Broth:

• Add fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.

Building the Soup:

Adding Protein:

• Add shrimp, chicken (if using), and mushrooms to the simmering broth.
• Let them cook until the shrimp turns pink, and the chicken is cooked through.

Incorporating Vegetables:

• Stir in cherry tomatoes, bok choy or spinach, and straw mushrooms (if using).
• Let the vegetables cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until they are tender but still vibrant.

Final Touches:

Garnishing:

• Remove the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal or ginger slices.
• Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serving:

• Ladle the hot and flavorful Tom Yum Soup into bowls.
• Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup, enhancing the tanginess.

Final Thoughts:

Tom Yum Soup is a culinary journey through the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Thai cuisine. This recipe captures the essence of the traditional Thai soup, offering a harmonious balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes. The combination of fragrant herbs, zesty lime, and succulent seafood or chicken creates a delightful symphony in every spoonful.

Feel free to adjust the spice levels, experiment with additional vegetables, or customize the protein choices to make this Tom Yum Soup uniquely yours. Enjoy the process of creating this Thai culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen, and savor the warmth and complexity of flavors it brings to your table.

FAQs

Could I at any point involve vegetable stock for a vegan rendition?

Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a delightful vegetarian Tom Sam.

What can I substitute for Thai bird chilies?

Red pepper flakes are a good substitute for heat with a milder flavor.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, it reheats well; just add fresh cilantro before serving.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Control spice by adding or reducing Thai bird chilies.

Can I freeze Tom Sam Soup?

While it's best fresh, you can freeze it without the cilantro for up to a month.