Tom Yum Gai, a vibrant and aromatic Thai soup, is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory flavors. This classic dish features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. The addition of straw mushrooms adds a delightful earthy texture, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the entire experience, creating a truly unforgettable taste sensation. It’s a deceptively simple dish to master, offering a rewarding culinary journey for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
This recipe for Tom Yum Gai with straw mushrooms is designed to guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to unlock the secrets of this beloved Thai soup and embark on a flavorful adventure as we explore the simple yet effective process of creating this culinary gem.
Tools Needed
- Stainless steel pot
- Stove
Ingredients
- Water: 1 liter
- Chicken soup cube
- Galangal
- Lemongrass
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Onions (or shallots/red onions)
- Eggplant
- Chicken legs
- Chicken giblets
- Crushed chili peppers
- Straw mushrooms
- Dried chili peppers
- Spring onions
- Coriander
- Fish sauce
- Lime juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Preparing the Broth and Aromatics
- Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a stainless steel pot.
- Add the chicken soup cube.
- Add galangal, lemongrass, and torn kaffir lime leaves.
- Add onions (or shallots/red onions) and eggplant.
- Let the herbs simmer until fragrant.
Step 2. Cooking the Chicken and Mushrooms
- Add chicken legs.
- Once boiling again, add chicken giblets (after removing fat and cutting into small pieces).
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Add crushed chili peppers and straw mushrooms (cut into 4 pieces if large, smaller pieces if small).
- Continue to skim off any foam as needed.
Step 3. Finishing Touches
- Once everything is cooked, add dried chili peppers, chopped spring onions, and coriander.
Step 4. Seasoning and Serving
- Turn off the heat and season with fish sauce and lime juice.
Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe
Tips
- Don't stir the soup too much once the chicken is added.
- Ensure the water is boiling when adding the chicken giblets and other ingredients.
- Roast or grill the dried chili peppers before adding them for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the chicken with other protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, tofu, or even beef work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have all the listed ingredients?
Don't worry! Tom Yum is adaptable. Omit any ingredients you lack; the core flavors will still shine through. You can also substitute similar herbs and spices if necessary (e.g., ginger for galangal).
Enjoy your homemade Tom Yum Gai! This flavorful soup is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, offering a taste of Thailand in your own kitchen. Impress your friends and family with this delicious and relatively easy-to-make recipe.