Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong

Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong Recipe from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong is a quintessential Thai soup known for its vibrant, spicy, and sour flavors. This dish is a perfect blend of aromatic herbs, succulent prawns, and a tangy broth, making it a beloved choice for many around the globe. The unique combination of ingredients not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Thailand.

History

Tom Yam Goong has its roots deeply embedded in Thai cuisine, with its history dating back to ancient times. Originally a simple concoction of fresh herbs and seafood from the local rivers, it has evolved over the centuries into the complex and flavorful soup enjoyed today. The recipe's evolution was influenced by trade, as new ingredients like chilies were introduced to Thailand, adding depth and heat to the dish.

Ingredients

8 king prawns
3 hot bird chiles / red chiles - crushed
5 cherry tomatoes - cut in half
5 pieces of lemon grass - sliced
2 kaffir lime leaves - torn
5 pieces of galangal - sliced
5 straw mushrooms - halves cut
5 shallots - crushed
2 stalks of coriander - chopped
1 stalk of spring onion - sliced
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp soybean oil
8 cups of prawn stock
1 tbsp sugar

How to prepare

Clean the prawns by removing the shells and deveining them. Set aside the heads and shells.
To make the stock and paste, heat up a soup pot and add oil along with one fifth of the herbs.
Fry the prawn heads and shells in the pot.
Add 1 liter of water and let it boil for 10 minutes. Then, strain the mixture to obtain 8 cups of stock.
Blend the remaining herbs into a fine paste.
Bring the stock to a boil and add the prawns along with the rest of the herb ingredients. Boil for a few minutes.
Season the soup with lime juice, salt, fish sauce, sugar, and a spoonful of the prepared paste.
Continue boiling for an additional 3 minutes.
As a final touch, garnish the soup with spring onion and coriander sprigs.
Serve the soup hot to fully enjoy its aroma, flavor, and taste. Note: You can reduce the amount of chilies if you prefer a milder soup.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute prawns with tofu and use vegetable stock instead of prawn stock. Mushroom Tom Yam is another popular variation, where a variety of mushrooms replace the seafood, offering a different texture and flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To achieve the perfect balance of flavors in Tom Yam Goong, it's crucial to use fresh ingredients. The freshness of the prawns, herbs, and vegetables plays a significant role in the soup's overall taste. Additionally, when preparing the stock, simmering the prawn heads and shells extracts their maximum flavor, creating a rich and aromatic base for the soup.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional fresh coriander and spring onion. It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a more filling meal. A side of fresh vegetables or a light salad complements the soup's spicy and sour flavors.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong is the preparation of the stock. Simmering the prawn heads and shells extracts their flavor, forming a rich and aromatic base. Additionally, gently boiling the soup after adding the prawns ensures they are tender and not overcooked.

Ingredient Substitutions

If kaffir lime leaves are unavailable, lime zest can be used as a substitute to achieve a similar citrusy aroma. Galangal can be replaced with ginger for a slightly different but equally aromatic flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The herb paste and stock can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply heat the stock, add the fresh ingredients, and the soup will be ready in minutes.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in a large, clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of coriander for an added touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong pairs beautifully with other Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, green papaya salad, or sticky rice. For drinks, consider a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemongrass iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little water if the soup has thickened. Avoid microwaving, as this can overcook the prawns.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong contains roughly 150-200 calories, making it a light yet fulfilling meal. The low calorie count is due to the lean protein from the prawns and the minimal use of oil.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong contains approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbs in this dish are the cherry tomatoes and shallots, which also provide a modest amount of dietary fiber.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fats, with a serving containing about 5-7 grams. The fats present are primarily from the soybean oil used in cooking and the natural fats found in the prawns. These are healthier fats that contribute to the dish's richness without significantly increasing the calorie count.

Proteins

Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the generous inclusion of king prawns. A single serving can provide approximately 20-25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

The soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, courtesy of its fresh ingredients. The herbs and vegetables contribute vitamins A and C, essential for immune function and skin health, while the prawns offer a good dose of selenium and iodine, crucial for thyroid function and antioxidant defense.

Alergens

The primary allergens in this dish are shellfish (prawns) and soy (soybean oil). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution or seek alternative recipes.

Summary

Overall, Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong is a nutritious and balanced meal. It's low in calories and fats, high in protein, and rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

Summary

Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong is a classic Thai dish that offers a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. With its rich history, nutritional benefits, and versatile serving options, it's a delightful meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was one of those sweltering summer days when the air was thick with the scent of spices and herbs. I was walking through a bustling market in Bangkok, Thailand, when I stumbled upon a small stall tucked away in the corner. The aroma coming from the stall was intoxicating, a blend of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal that made my mouth water.

I approached the stall and saw an elderly woman standing behind it, her hands moving deftly as she chopped vegetables and stirred a large pot of bubbling broth. I watched her for a few moments, mesmerized by her skill and grace in the kitchen. I knew I had to learn her secrets, to unlock the mysteries of the fragrant dish she was preparing.

I mustered up the courage to approach her and ask for the recipe. She smiled warmly at me and motioned for me to sit down on a small stool next to her. She began to tell me about the traditional Thai dish she was making, a spicy and sour soup called Tom Yam Goong. She explained that the key to a good Tom Yam Goong was in the balance of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

As she spoke, she began to show me how to make the dish. She added lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal to the pot, followed by fresh prawns and mushrooms. She poured in a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste, and let the soup simmer until the flavors had melded together perfectly.

I watched intently as she worked, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. I could feel my excitement growing as I realized that I was about to learn a recipe that had been passed down through generations, a recipe that had the power to transport me back to that bustling market in Bangkok with just one spoonful.

After the soup had simmered for a while, the woman ladled out a steaming bowl for me to try. I took a sip and was immediately hit with a burst of flavors – the tangy lime, the spicy chili, the fragrant herbs. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe with me, and she smiled and nodded, her eyes twinkling with pride. She handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe, complete with detailed instructions and tips for perfecting the dish. I left the market that day feeling like I had uncovered a hidden gem, a treasure that would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the Aroma Blended Tom Yam Goong countless times, each batch better than the last. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the knowledge and love that the elderly woman in the market shared with me that fateful day.

Every time I make this dish, I am transported back to that bustling market in Bangkok, to the sights and sounds and smells that first inspired me to learn the recipe. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Tom Yam Goong, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to this delicious and unforgettable dish.