Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Thailand! This Creamy Tom Yum Soup is not just a recipe; it's a magical blend of tangy, spicy, and creamy goodness that will revolutionize your home cooking. Imagine a soup so aromatic and delicious that it can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience, all in just 40 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
- 200g shrimp, peeled
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Chili paste to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Chop the lemongrass into 1-inch pieces and bruise them slightly with the back of a knife to release their flavor. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and peel them if not already done. Slice the mushrooms and set them aside.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This will serve as the base for your soup.
- Add the chopped lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to the simmering broth. Allow them to infuse their flavors into the broth for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the authentic Tom Yum flavor.
- After 10 minutes, remove the lemongrass and lime leaves from the pot using a slotted spoon. This will prevent any tough pieces from remaining in the soup.
- Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and let them cook in the broth for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender.
- Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the peeled shrimp to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of coconut milk. This will give the soup its creamy texture. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Season the soup with 2 tablespoons of lime juice and chili paste to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more lime juice for acidity or more chili paste for heat.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Creamy Tom Yum Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro on top. Enjoy this delightful Thai dish with your favorite side or on its own!
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves if possible. Bruising the lemongrass releases more intense flavors.
- Shrimp Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best taste. Look for firm, bright-colored shrimp without any strong fishy smell.
- Spice Control: Adjust the chili paste gradually. Start with a small amount and add more to suit your heat tolerance.
- Coconut Milk Trick: For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat coconut milk and stir it in gently to prevent separation.
- Garnish Game: Fresh cilantro is key! Chop it just before serving to maintain its bright flavor and aroma.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the soup at its peak flavor and temperature.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the broth in advance and add shrimp and coconut milk just before serving to maintain the freshest taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 120mg
