How to Make Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp
Step #1: Bring the chicken broth along with two cups of water to a boil in a deep pot over medium-high heat. Add the lemongrass, galangal (or ginger) root, and lime leaves (if using). Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the tomatoes and mushrooms, then simmer for three minutes. This soup is one of my favorite things to eat when I have a cold or feeling under the weather. The broth is soothing, and fragrant, and has just the right amount of spice to clear up your sinuses. Step #2: Meanwhile, place the lime juice, minced chilies, and cilantro leaves in the bottom of a large serving bowl. Step #3: Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until pink and opaque, about a minute. Stir in the fish sauce and chili-garlic sauce. Transfer the soup to the serving bowl, and enjoy. Balance the Flavors: Tom Yum Soup is renowned for its complex balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sometimes sweet flavors. Adjust the amounts of fish sauce (for saltiness), lime juice (for sourness), chili-garlic sauce (for spiciness), and if desired, a bit of sugar (for sweetness) to achieve a harmonious balance that suits your taste preferences. Taste as you go and remember that it’s easier to add more than to correct an overseasoned soup. Properly Prepare Ingredients: To maximize the extraction of flavors from your lemongrass and galangal, bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly smashing them with the back of a knife and slice the galangal thinly. This increases the surface area and allows more flavor to infuse into the broth. For the lime leaves, tear them to release their essential oils. Serve with Extras: Enhance the dining experience by offering additional condiments and garnishes on the side. Slices of lime, extra minced Bird’s Eye chilies, a small bowl of fish sauce, and even more chopped cilantro allow diners to adjust their bowl to their liking. For those who enjoy a more complex texture and flavor, consider adding thinly sliced shallots or a handful of bean sprouts to the soup just before serving. Reheat leftovers either in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat until the soup is warm throughout. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a little water or broth to adjust the consistency during reheating.
