Authentic Thai Spicy & Sour Chicken Soup (Tom Yum Gai)
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with our Authentic Thai Spicy & Sour Chicken Soup, lovingly crafted to replicate the beloved dish we enjoyed at Bahn Na in Ypsilanti, MI. This aromatic soup is a delightful combination of tender chicken or tofu, fresh vegetables, and a variety of herbs and spices that create a harmonious balance of hot and sour. The addition of kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, and chili paste imbue the broth with an unmistakably authentic Thai essence. Perfectly customizable, this recipe ensures that every spoonful transports you directly to the streets of Thailand, whether you're a fan of hearty chicken or preferring the vegetarian tofu option. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and embrace the warmth of this beloved classic.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion
1/2 medium (diced)
Green onions
2 (sliced (optional))
Tomatoes
2 (cut into eighths)
Chicken breasts
1/2 lb (skinless and diced (*))
Extra firm tofu
8 ounces (pressed, drained, and cubed (*))
Canned straw mushrooms
10 (drained)
Button mushrooms
5 (quartered)
Chicken stock
4 cups ((*))
Mushroom stock
4 cups ((*))
Lemongrass
2 stalks (cut diagonally into 2-inch long pieces, scored lightly)
Kaffir lime leaves
6 (fresh, scored lightly)
Fresh ginger
6 slices (approximately 1-inch in diameter, 1/8-inch thick)
Fish sauce
3 tablespoons (to taste)
Chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
1 1/4 teaspoons (to taste)
Serrano chilies
2 (thickly sliced (optional))
Fresh cilantro
1 cup (washed and roughly diced)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (to taste)
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized soup pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken or pressed tofu, along with the diced onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is only slightly pink and the onions are translucent.
2
Incorporate half of the ginger slices and lemongrass, stirring them into the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to release their flavors.
3
Pour in the chicken stock or mushroom stock, and add the fish sauce, remaining ginger, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and the optional serrano chilies. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes on medium-low heat to develop the flavors.
4
Stir in the sugar, Nam Prik Pao, and tomato chunks. Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for another 2 minutes, enabling the tomatoes to soften.
5
Lower the heat completely and add lime juice to taste. Include half of the diced cilantro and green onions, letting the soup simmer on low for a few more minutes to amalgamate the flavors.
6
Before serving, garnish the soup with the remaining cilantro. Ensure to provide additional lime juice on the side for those who enjoy an extra citrus kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Yum Gai?
Tom Yum Gai is an authentic Thai spicy and sour chicken soup known for its vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs.
Is this recipe authentic?
Yes, this recipe is crafted to replicate the authentic flavors enjoyed at Bahn Na in Ypsilanti, MI.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with extra firm tofu and use mushroom stock instead of chicken stock.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this soup?
The soup features a harmonious balance of hot, sour, salty, and sweet flavors.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
Cut the lemongrass stalks diagonally into 2-inch long pieces and score them lightly to release their flavor.
What are kaffir lime leaves?
Kaffir lime leaves are aromatic herbs that imbue the broth with an unmistakably authentic Thai citrus essence.
What is Nam Prik Pao?
Nam Prik Pao is a Thai chili paste used to add depth, spice, and a rich color to the soup.
How do I prepare the tofu for this recipe?
Use extra firm tofu that has been pressed, drained, and cubed.
What kind of mushrooms are used in Tom Yum Gai?
This recipe uses a combination of canned straw mushrooms and quartered button mushrooms.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of chili paste and choose whether or not to include the optional serrano chilies.
What oil is best for sautéing the ingredients?
Peanut oil is recommended for sautéing the chicken or tofu and onions.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors of the herbs and spices to develop.
When should I add the lime juice?
Lime juice should be added at the very end after lowering the heat completely to preserve its fresh flavor.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the soup?
A small amount of sugar is used to balance the sourness of the lime and the heat of the chilies.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The ginger should be sliced into pieces approximately 1 inch in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.
Can I use fish sauce in a vegetarian version?
If making a strictly vegetarian version, you may want to substitute fish sauce with a vegetarian alternative or salt.
What are the garnishing options?
Garnish the soup with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
How should the tomatoes be cut?
The tomatoes should be cut into eighths before being added to the simmer.
What type of onions are required?
The recipe calls for half a medium diced onion and sliced green onions for garnish.
Is it necessary to score the kaffir lime leaves?
Yes, scoring the leaves lightly helps release their aromatic oils into the broth.
How much chicken is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 lb of skinless, diced chicken breasts.
Can I use frozen ingredients?
Fresh herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are preferred for the most authentic flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The ingredient quantities provided are designed for a standard medium-sized soup pot, typically serving 3-4 people.
What should I do if the soup is too sour?
You can balance excess sourness by adding a tiny bit more sugar or a splash more stock.
Are the serrano chilies mandatory?
No, the serrano chilies are optional and should be added based on your heat preference.
How do I serve this soup authentically?
Serve it hot in bowls, ensuring each serving has a mix of broth, protein, and mushrooms, with extra lime on the side.
Should I eat the lemongrass and lime leaves?
No, these are typically left in the bowl for flavor but are too woody/tough to eat.
How long do the tomatoes cook?
The tomatoes should simmer for about 2 minutes, just long enough to soften.
What can I substitute for peanut oil?
You can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, the flavors often deepen overnight, but add fresh lime and cilantro just before serving.