Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup

Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup Recipe - Authentic Cuisine with Shrimp and Straw Mushrooms

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup is a popular and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This soup is a staple in Thai cuisine and is known for its aromatic ingredients and bold taste.

History

Hot and Sour Soup has been a traditional dish in Thai cuisine for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the central region of Thailand and has since become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The combination of ingredients such as lemongrass, lime leaves, and fish sauce gives this soup its unique and delicious flavor profile.

Ingredients

3 cups chicken stock
2 minced garlic cloves
5 kaffir lime leaves
3 slices fresh or dried ginger
0.25 cup fish sauce
2 stalks lemon grass, lower 0.33 portion only, peeled, cut into 1-inch lengths
5 hot green Thai chile peppers, optional
0.5 cup sliced straw mushrooms
8 oz (227 g) shrimps or prawns, shelled and split lengthwise
0.25 cup lime juice
1 tsp roasted chile paste
1 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to prepare

In a sauce pot, bring the stock to a boil.
Add the garlic, lime leaves, ginger, sauce, and lemon grass. Cook for 2 minutes.
If using, add the mushrooms and chile peppers.
Simmer for an additional 4 minutes.
Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, opaque, and firm. Do not exceed 2 minutes of cooking time.
Once the shrimp is cooked, place lime juice and chile paste in a serving bowl.
Pour the soup into the bowl, stir, and garnish with cilantro leaves.
Serve immediately.

Variations

Add tofu or chicken instead of prawns for a vegetarian or meat option.
Use different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a unique flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

- Adjust the amount of chile peppers to suit your spice preference.

- Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of chicken stock for a lighter flavor.

- Substitute lime juice with tamarind paste for a different tangy taste.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a side of Thai spring rolls or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns) and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in calories and high in protein. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy the taste of Thailand in your own home with this easy and flavorful recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup. It was a sweltering summer day when I found myself wandering through the bustling streets of Bangkok, the intoxicating scents of spices and herbs wafting through the air. As I meandered through the vibrant markets, I stumbled upon a small food stall tucked away in a corner, its colorful array of ingredients beckoning me closer.

The owner, a kind elderly woman with a warm smile, greeted me with a nod as I approached her stall. Intrigued by the tantalizing aromas emanating from her pots and pans, I couldn't resist asking her about the dish she was preparing. With a twinkle in her eye, she revealed that she was making her famous Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup, a beloved family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Intrigued by the prospect of learning how to make this exotic dish, I eagerly offered to help her in the kitchen. She graciously accepted my offer, guiding me through the intricate process of creating the perfect balance of flavors that make this soup so unique. As we worked side by side, she shared with me the story behind the recipe, a tale of love, tradition, and the power of food to bring people together.

She explained that the key to a good Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup lies in the careful selection of ingredients, each one playing a crucial role in creating the harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that define this dish. From the fiery heat of bird's eye chilies to the tangy bite of tamarind paste, every element had to be precisely measured and balanced to achieve the perfect taste.

As we stirred the bubbling pot of fragrant broth, she regaled me with stories of her own grandmother, a legendary cook who had taught her the secrets of Thai cuisine. She spoke of the long hours spent in the kitchen, the laughter shared over steaming bowls of soup, and the joy of passing on her culinary heritage to a new generation.

As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the air with its mouthwatering aroma, she handed me a spoon and invited me to taste the first spoonful. The flavors exploded on my taste buds, a symphony of tastes and textures that danced across my palate. I was hooked.

From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup. I spent countless hours experimenting with different ingredients, adjusting the ratios of spices and seasonings, and seeking out the freshest produce to enhance the dish's complexity.

I scoured cookbooks, consulted with local chefs, and even traveled back to Thailand to study under the guidance of expert cooks. With each new batch of soup I made, I felt myself growing more confident and skilled, my hands moving with a fluidity that only comes with practice and passion.

Years passed, and my repertoire of recipes continued to expand, each one a testament to the knowledge and skills I had acquired along the way. But it was always the Thai-style Hot and Sour Soup that held a special place in my heart, a reminder of that fateful day in Bangkok when I first discovered the magic of this dish.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, I can't help but smile as I prepare a steaming pot of Hot and Sour Soup. With each chop of the knife, each stir of the spoon, I am transported back to that moment in time when I first learned the recipe that would become a cherished part of my cooking repertoire.

And as I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the fragrant, flavorful soup that I have lovingly prepared, I offer a silent thanks to the kind woman in that bustling market stall who shared her recipe with me, a small gift that has brought so much joy and satisfaction into my life. For in the world of cooking, as in life, it is the sharing of knowledge and traditions that truly nourishes the soul.