Spicy Tom Yum Pla Nile Tilapia Soup Recipe - Authentic Thai Flavor

Dive into the vibrant world of Thai cuisine with this authentic Tom Yum Pla recipe, featuring the delicate and flaky Nile Tilapia. This spicy and sour soup is a culinary masterpiece, bursting with the fragrant aromas of lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. The rich broth, infused with the umami essence of fish and the subtle sweetness of tomatoes, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Nile Tilapia provides a lean and healthy protein source, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to recreate this classic Thai soup in your own kitchen. From preparing the aromatic paste to simmering the broth and perfectly cooking the Tilapia, we’ll walk you through every stage, ensuring you achieve an authentic and delicious Tom Yum Pla experience. Prepare to be transported to the bustling streets of Thailand with every flavorful spoonful.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Mortar and Pestle (for pounding chili)

Ingredients

  • Nile Tilapia
  • Shallots
  • Lemongrass
  • Kaffir Lime Leaves
  • Tomatoes (cherry tomatoes preferred)
  • Red Chili Peppers
  • Fried Chili Peppers
  • Oyster Mushrooms: 200 grams
  • Salt: 2 tablespoons
  • Seasoning Powder: 2 tablespoons
  • Water: 5 tablespoons
  • Sugar: 2 tablespoons
  • Chili Paste: 4 tablespoons
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: 1 cup
  • Lime Juice
  • Chopped Coriander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Broth

  • Prepare all ingredients. Cut shallots into equal-sized pieces.
  • Cut lemongrass into neat slices.
  • Cut tomatoes into pieces.
  • Clean and cut the Nile Tilapia into equal-sized pieces. Remove scales and intestines.
Prepare all ingredients. Cut shallots into equal-sized pieces.Cut lemongrass into neat slices.Cut tomatoes into pieces.Clean and cut the Nile Tilapia into equal-sized pieces. Remove scales and intestines.
Prepare the Ingredients and Broth
  • Pound the red chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness. Add fried chili peppers for extra color and spice.
  • Put water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Add prepared Tom Yum ingredients (except fish, mushrooms, and final seasonings). Mix well.
  • Season with salt, seasoning powder, water, sugar, and chili paste. Mix thoroughly.
Pound the red chili peppers to your preferred level of spiciness. Add fried chili peppers for extra color and spice.Put water in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.Add prepared Tom Yum ingredients (except fish, mushrooms, and final seasonings). Mix well.Season with salt, seasoning powder, water, sugar, and chili paste. Mix thoroughly.
Prepare the Ingredients and Broth

Step 2. Cook the Fish and Add Mushrooms

  • Add Nile Tilapia and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cooked through.
  • Add oyster mushrooms.
Add Nile Tilapia and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cooked through.Add oyster mushrooms.
Cook the Fish and Add Mushrooms

Step 3. Enhance the Flavor Profile

  • Add pounded chili for extra spiciness. Mix well.
  • Add sweetened condensed milk for a richer broth.
  • Add lime juice for sourness and tanginess.
  • Add kaffir lime leaves for fragrance.
Add pounded chili for extra spiciness. Mix well.Add sweetened condensed milk for a richer broth.Add lime juice for sourness and tanginess.Add kaffir lime leaves for fragrance.
Enhance the Flavor Profile

Step 4. Garnish and Serve

  • Add chopped coriander.
  • Serve and enjoy!
Add chopped coriander.Serve and enjoy!
Garnish and Serve

Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe

Tips

  • Use cherry tomatoes for best results.
  • Adjust chili amount to your spice preference.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of fish instead of Nile Tilapia?

Yes! Other firm, white fish like snapper, cod, or catfish work well. Just be sure to adjust cooking time depending on the fish's thickness.

2. How can I adjust the spiciness level?

Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili peppers. Start with less and add more to your preference. You can also use milder chilies or remove the seeds for less heat.


This Tom Yum Pla Nile Tilapia recipe is a testament to the vibrant and complex flavors of Thai cuisine. Enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting this delicious and healthy soup, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills!