Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both quick to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this Spicy Nile Tilapia Tom Yum recipe! This easy-to-follow Thai-inspired recipe elevates the humble tilapia to new heights with a zesty, aromatic broth bursting with the classic Tom Yum flavors. The perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory will tantalize your taste buds, and the delicate, flaky tilapia cooks to perfection in the fragrant soup. It's a delicious and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
This recipe showcases the simplicity of creating authentic-tasting Thai food at home. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists; this version uses readily available ingredients to deliver an explosion of flavour. Ready to bring the heat and the deliciousness to your kitchen? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Spicy Nile Tilapia Tom Yum.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mortar and pestle
- Pot
- Pan
Ingredients
- Nile Tilapia
- Parsley
- Spring onions
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Lemongrass
- Galangal
- Tomatoes
- Lemon
- Garlic
- Thai shallots
- Garden chili
- Dried chilies
- Fish sauce
- Tamarind juice
- Salt
- Jungle water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop parsley and spring onions into 1-finger length pieces. Remove the leaves from the parsley.
- Wash and peel kaffir lime leaves, keeping the middle part for fragrance.
- Cut lemongrass diagonally.
- Cut galangal into pieces.




- Cut tomatoes in half.
- Cut lemon into wedges.
- Crush garlic.
- Pound Thai shallots.




- Clean and chop tilapia into equal pieces.
- Coarsely pound garden chilies.


Step 2. Make the Tom Yum Broth
- Stir-fry dried chilies in a pan until cooked.
- Put a pot on medium heat, add jungle water and bring to a boil.
- Add galangal, lemongrass, and salt.
- Mix fish sauce and tamarind juice, add fish and boil until almost done.




Step 3. Add Aromatics and Vegetables
- Add shallots, tomatoes, garden chili, and dried chili.
- Add coriander, spring onion, and lime leaves. Mix well.
- Squeeze lemon juice into the pot.



Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve hot.

Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe
Tips
- Adding lemon juice at the end prevents bitterness.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-250
- Fat: 5-8g
- Carbs: 15-20g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fish instead of Nile Tilapia?
Yes! Other firm, white fish like cod, snapper, or catfish will work well. Cooking time may need slight adjustment depending on the thickness of the fish.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?
Don't worry! Tom Yum is adaptable. Feel free to omit ingredients you don't have or substitute with similar ones. The key is the balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors.
3. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili peppers or chili paste you add. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also use milder chili varieties.
This Spicy Nile Tilapia Tom Yum recipe offers a delightful and accessible way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. With its simple steps and delicious results, it's sure to become a new family favorite. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this easy yet impressive dish!