Authentic Thai Tom Yum Soup

Ingredients

• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or seafood broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or seafood broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 slices galangal 3 slices galangal
• 4 kaffir lime leaves 4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 Thai chilies, sliced 2 Thai chilies, sliced
• 8 ounces (225g) shrimp or chicken, peeled and deveined 8 ounces (225g) shrimp or chicken, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring the chicken or seafood broth to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies to the pot. Simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. 3.
   Add shrimp or chicken to the pot and cook until they are fully cooked and tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release its flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks by gently pounding them with the back of a knife before adding them to the soup.
• Galangal — If you can't find fresh galangal, you can substitute it with dried galangal powder, but use it sparingly as it has a stronger flavor.
• Kaffir lime leaves — Tear the leaves slightly before adding them to the soup to release their aromatic oils.
• Thai chilies — Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference. Remove the seeds for a milder heat.
• Shrimp or chicken — Ensure that the shrimp is deveined and the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a few slices of fresh ginger to the soup.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai chilies.
• If you prefer a creamier soup, increase the amount of coconut milk.
• To make it heartier, add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or tofu to the soup.
• Serve the soup with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Thai Tom Yum Soup hot in individual bowls. It pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing appetizer.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for an attractive presentation. Serve it in colorful ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal.