Tom Yum Soup :

Yum Soup, a popular Thai dish, is known for its bold and vibrant flavors. It is a type of Thai spicy and sour salad that can be made with various proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu. The combination of tangy lime juice, spicy chilies, and aromatic herbs makes this soup a refreshing and satisfying dish. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps to prepare a delicious Yum Soup.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 pound (450g) protein of choice (chicken, shrimp, or tofu), cooked and sliced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 3-4 slices galangal or ginger
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (for non-vegetarian version) or soy sauce (for vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt to taste

For the Salad:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), chopped
• 2-3 green onions, sliced
• 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat)
• Crushed peanuts for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (for non-vegetarian version) or soy sauce (for vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions:

Preparing the Broth:

1. Cook the Protein: If using chicken or shrimp, cook them according to your preference. Grill, bake, or boil the chicken, or sauté the shrimp until fully cooked. For tofu, press it to remove excess water and either pan-fry or bake until golden.
2. Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger slices, and chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies. Allow the broth to simmer for about 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Season the Broth: Add fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version), sugar, and salt to the broth. Adjust the seasoning to achieve a balance of salty, sweet, and sour flavors. The broth should have a bold and zesty taste.

Making the Salad:

4. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the broth is simmering, prepare the salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, chopped mixed herbs, and sliced green onions. If you like it spicier, add finely chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce (or soy sauce), and sugar to create the dressing. Adjust the ingredients to achieve a harmonious balance of sour, salty, and sweet flavors.
6. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together. Allow the salad to marinate in the dressing while you finish preparing the soup.

Assembling the Yum Soup:

7. Strain the Broth: Strain the infused broth to remove the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger slices, and any other solid pieces. You should be left with a clear and flavorful broth.
8. Combine Soup and Salad: In serving bowls, place a portion of the cooked protein (chicken, shrimp, or tofu). Pour the hot strained broth over the protein, ensuring that the flavors meld together.
9. Add the Salad: Top the soup with a generous portion of the prepared salad. The combination of the hot broth and the refreshing salad creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Yum Soup with crushed peanuts for a crunchy texture. Serve immediately while the soup is hot and the salad is crisp.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared a delicious and refreshing Yum Soup. This Thai-inspired dish combines the best of both worlds—warm, flavorful broth and a zesty, herb-infused salad. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures in every spoonful.