Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds from the sunny shores of California to the vibrant streets of Thailand! This California-inspired Tom Yum Soup is not just a recipe—it's a sensory experience that blends traditional Thai flavors with a West Coast flair. Imagine a steaming bowl of aromatic broth packed with succulent shrimp, tender mushrooms, and a symphony of herbs that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet paradise. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to revolutionize your soup game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass, chopped
- 3 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 inch ginger, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping them according to the recipe specifications. Slice lemongrass into thin rings, ginger into thin rounds, and mushrooms into even slices.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine chicken or vegetable broth with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Allow the broth to infuse with the aromatic herbs for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors develop fully. The liquid should become fragrant with herbal and citrusy notes.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the simmering broth and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly tender.
- Introduce the peeled and deveined shrimp into the pot, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
- Stir in fish sauce and fresh lime juice, which will balance the soup's flavors with saltiness and acidity.
- Remove the pot from heat and discard the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls and garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while hot, preferably with steamed jasmine rice on the side.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemongrass, ginger, and kaffir lime leaves for the most authentic and vibrant flavor profile.
- Shrimp Selection: Choose medium-sized, high-quality shrimp and ensure they're not overcooked—they should be just pink and tender.
- Herb Infusion: Let the herbs steep in the broth for the full 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor complexity.
- Adjust to Taste: Have extra lime juice and fish sauce on hand to fine-tune the soup's balance of sour and salty notes.
- California Twist: Consider adding local, seasonal vegetables like baby spinach or sliced bell peppers for a unique West Coast touch.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with jasmine rice and a crisp white wine for a complete dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 90mg
