Tom Yum Kung (River Prawn Spicy Soup)

A Classic Thai Delight with Bold Flavors

Recipe Details:

Recipe Details

• Cuisine: Thai
• Meal Type: Soup
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Calories: 150 kcal (per serving)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, and steamed jasmine rice.
• Storage Instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Equipment Needed: Pot, knife, cutting board, and ladle.

The Recipe

Tom Yum Kung is one of Thailand's most famous dishes, known for its spicy, sour, and aromatic broth. It's made with river prawns, fresh herbs, and spices, delivering a punch of bold flavors in every bite.

Ingredients:

• 500g of fresh river prawns, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups of water or chicken stock
• 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed and cut into pieces
• 4-5 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed
• 5-6 slices of galangal (or ginger as a substitute)
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1-2 tbsp lime juice (to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) for garnish
• Optional: 1-2 tbsp chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water or chicken stock to a boil.
2. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and galangal. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to release the flavors.
3. Add the prawns, tomatoes, and onion to the pot, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the prawns turn pink and cooked through.
4. Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning to taste for a balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet.
5. If desired, stir in the chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for a smoky, deeper flavor.
6. Remove from heat and discard the lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal slices.
7. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and additional lime wedges on the side.

5 Interesting Insights About Tom Yum Kung

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The key to Tom Yum Kung lies in balancing the spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. The combination of fresh lime juice, fish sauce, and chilies creates a unique taste profile loved worldwide.

2. Health Benefits

This soup is low in calories and packed with healthy ingredients like shrimp, herbs, and spices. It's known to boost immunity, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation due to the medicinal properties of galangal and lemongrass.

3. Variations

While the traditional version features prawns, you can make variations with chicken, fish, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. In some regions, coconut milk is added to create a creamy version known as Tom Kha Gai.

4. Regional Adaptations

Tom Yum Kung has many regional adaptations in Thailand. In Bangkok, it's often served with more chilies and a stronger sour taste, while in northern Thailand, it may include more herbs and spices.

5. Perfect for Any Meal

Tom Yum Kung can be served as a starter, but it’s also hearty enough to be a main dish. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful broth.

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