Tom Yam Goong I

Tom Yam Goong I Recipe - Delicious Thai Soup with Prawns and Lemongrass

Region / culture: Thailand, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tom Yam Goong I is a popular Thai soup known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish is a perfect balance of sour, spicy, salty, and savory, making it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

History

Tom Yam Goong I originated in Thailand and is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have been created in the early 19th century by combining local ingredients with influences from Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Ingredients

1 liter (about 4.5 cups) chicken stock
12 prawns, peeled and cleaned
2 stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced
40 g galangal root, thinly sliced
4 kaffir lime leaves
2 tomatoes, diced
5 bird chilies, crushed
100 g (3.5 oz) straw mushrooms, quartered
3 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp chili paste in oil
10 g coriander leaves (cilantro)

How to prepare

In a pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil.
Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and mushrooms to the pot.
Boil for approximately 3 minutes.
Next, add the chile paste, chilies, tomatoes, and prawns to the pot.
Simmer on low heat.
Season with sauce and lime juice according to your taste.
Sprinkle coriander (cilantro) leaves on top.
Serve with steamed rice.

Chef's Tip

If straw mushrooms are not available, you can use fresh champignons as a substitute.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the prawns with tofu or mixed vegetables.
Add coconut milk for a creamier and richer soup.
Experiment with different types of mushrooms for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, try using homemade chicken stock instead of store-bought.

- Adjust the amount of chilies according to your spice preference.

- Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

Tom Yam Goong I is best served hot with steamed rice on the side. You can also enjoy it with a side of fresh herbs and lime wedges for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Tom Yam Goong I is to simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. Be sure not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find galangal root, you can use ginger as a substitute. You can also use lime zest instead of kaffir lime leaves for a similar citrusy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup base in advance and add the prawns just before serving to ensure they are cooked perfectly.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro leaves and a slice of lime for a vibrant and appetizing presentation. Serve in individual bowls for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Tom Yam Goong I pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of Thai salad or grilled vegetables 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 or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tom Yam Goong I contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a meal.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Tom Yam Goong I mainly come from the vegetables and mushrooms used in the recipe. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the oil used for cooking and the natural fats present in the prawns. Each serving contains around 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

The main source of protein in Tom Yam Goong I comes from the prawns. Each serving provides about 20 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the lime juice and tomatoes. It also contains potassium, magnesium, and iron from the vegetables and prawns.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (prawns) and fish sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals. Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Tom Yam Goong I is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Tom Yam Goong I is a flavorful and aromatic Thai soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold and spicy flavors, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the taste of Thailand with this delicious recipe!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Thailand. My grandmother, a skilled cook herself, had taught me the basics of Thai cuisine from a very young age. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon a dusty old cookbook in the back of a forgotten cupboard that I discovered the recipe for Tom Yam Goong.

I remember the excitement and curiosity that filled me as I leafed through the pages of the cookbook. The ingredients were simple yet exotic, the flavors bold and vibrant. I could almost taste the spicy broth, the tangy lemongrass, the succulent shrimp.

I decided then and there that I had to try my hand at making this traditional Thai dish. I gathered the ingredients - lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, shrimp - and set to work in the kitchen. As I chopped and stirred, the fragrant aroma of the spices filled the air, transporting me back to my grandmother's kitchen.

The recipe called for a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors - a true test of my culinary skills. But with each taste and adjustment, I could feel myself getting closer to perfection. And when I finally ladled the steaming soup into a bowl and took my first sip, I knew I had succeeded.

From that moment on, Tom Yam Goong became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, special occasions, or just when I needed a comforting bowl of soup. And each time, the recipe would transport me back to that first time I discovered it, filling me with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, personalizing it to suit my tastes and those of my loved ones. Sometimes I would add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of citrus, or toss in some mushrooms for a hearty touch. But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of the dish remains the same - a warm, comforting bowl of soup that never fails to bring a smile to my face.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary traditions that have been passed down to me. From my grandmother's teachings to the discovery of that old cookbook, each step has shaped me into the cook I am today.

And as I prepare to make another batch of Tom Yam Goong, I can't help but feel a sense of pride in knowing that this dish will continue to be a part of my family's culinary heritage for generations to come. The memory of finding this recipe for the first time may be a distant one, but its impact on my life and my love for cooking will always remain fresh in my heart.