Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai soup that bursts with exciting tastes? Look no further than Tom Zaab Kung, a spicy and sour shrimp soup that's surprisingly easy to make at home. This authentic Thai recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory, all in one delicious bowl. The fragrant lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies create a complex aroma that will tantalize your senses, while the succulent shrimp add a delightful protein punch. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, impressing your family and friends with its authentic Thai flavors.
Forget complicated recipes and lengthy preparation times; this Tom Zaab Kung recipe is designed for ease and speed. We’ll guide you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips, ensuring a perfect bowl of this delicious soup every time. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to Thailand? Let's dive into the step-by-step process!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Kaffir lime leaves: 3-4
- Dried chilies
- Lemongrass: 3 stalks
- Shallots: 1.5 heads
- Spring onions: 2 stalks
- Coriander: 2 stalks
- Galangal
- Coriander root
- Red pepper
- Tamarind paste: a handful
- Salt
- Curry powder
- Seasoning powder
- Granulated sugar
- Fish sauce
- Basil
- Lime
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Broth
- finely chop lemongrass, shallots, spring onions, and coriander. Cut kaffir lime leaves into smaller pieces.
- Fry the dried chilies until fragrant and slightly softened, being careful not to burn them.
- Pound the fried chilies to a paste.
- In a pot, combine water, galangal, lemongrass, coriander root, shallots, and red pepper. Boil until fragrant.
- Add tamarind paste, salt, curry powder, seasoning powder, sugar, and fish sauce. Simmer until the desired sourness is achieved.
Step 2. Cook the Shrimp and Season
- Add the fresh shrimp and kaffir lime leaves to the boiling broth.
- Stir in the chili paste to your desired level of spiciness.
Step 3. Finish and Garnish
- Just before turning off the heat, add basil, spring onions, and coriander. Squeeze in some fresh lime juice to enhance the flavor.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe
Tips
- Adjust the amount of water to your preference.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- The size of shrimp can be adjusted to your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbs: 15-25g
- Protein: 20-25g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the shrimp?
Yes! Chicken, fish, or tofu work well as alternatives. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How can I adjust the spiciness?
Control the heat by adding less or more chilies. You can also add more or less fish sauce depending on your preference for saltiness.
3. What if I don't have all the ingredients?
Don't worry! Many ingredients can be substituted or omitted. The most important are the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves for authentic flavor, but the soup will still be delicious even without them.
Enjoy your delicious and authentic bowl of Tom Zaab Kung! This recipe is a fantastic way to experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand from the comfort of your own kitchen. We hope you’ll enjoy this easy and flavorful recipe again and again.