Delight your taste buds with my recipe for zesty Thai Lemongrass Soup – a blend of aromatic lemongrass, tangy lime, and sambal oelek creates a symphony of flavors that you will find to be hearty and satisfying meal.
Welcome to my Thai kitchen, epicures!
Serve this with our refreshing Thai Mango Salad or the savory Vegetable Green Curry for a combination that warms your soul and brightens your day.
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What is Thai Lemongrass Soup?
The history of Thai Lemongrass Soup, also known as “Tom Yum,” dates back to ancient Siam. It originated in the royal courts, where Thai culinary traditions flourished.
Lemongrass, one of the key ingredients in the soup, has been used in Southeast Asian cuisines for centuries due to its pleasant citrusy flavor and medicinal properties.
Its addition to soups and dishes provided a delightful twist to the otherwise familiar flavors.
Today, Tom Yum’s popularity extends globally. As a culinary treasure, it serves as an ambassador of Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and the dynamic evolution of Thai gastronomy.
Why This Lemongrass Soup Recipe is Great
Simplicity and Speed
- With just 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, this Thai Lemongrass Soup comes together effortlessly.
- It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Bold and Exotic Flavors
- Lemongrass and ginger bring a zesty and citrusy essence to the broth, while the sambal oelek adds a subtle kick of heat.
- The medley of vegetables and tofu creates a satisfying and wholesome balance, making every spoonful a burst of flavor.
Health and Nutrition
- Packed with nutritious ingredients like vegetables, tofu, and the aromatic lemongrass, this soup is a treasure trove of vitamins and minerals.
- It’s low in calories and high in satisfaction, making it a great choice for those watching their waistline.
Versatility and Adaptability
- This recipe allows for creative experimentation and personalization. You can swap or add vegetables to suit your taste, making it an ideal dish to use up any produce you have in your fridge.
Tips and Variations
Flavor Adjustment:
- Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less sambal oelek or Thai chili peppers.
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of spicy ingredients while retaining the delightful lemongrass aroma.
Ingredients Modification:
- Get creative with the ingredients! Swap tofu with cooked chicken, shrimp, or other proteins for a diverse range of flavors.
- For a heartier version, add cooked rice noodles or vermicelli to transform the soup into a filling and satisfying meal.
Serving and Pairings:
- Serve the Thai Lemongrass Soup as a delightful starter or as the centerpiece of a Thai-inspired meal.
- Pair it with Thai Mango Salad for a refreshing contrast or Vegan Thai Basil Tofu with Green Beans for a savory and aromatic combination.
Preparation:
- To intensify the lemongrass flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks before chopping them. This releases the essential oils, enhancing the soup’s citrusy notes.
- Additionally, simmer the soup for a longer duration to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Storage:
- If you have any leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s stored in an airtight container.
- When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to maintain the soup’s consistency and flavors.
Ingredients
- vegetable oil
- lemongrass stalks
- sliced ginger
- sweet onions
- vegetable broth
- sambal oelek
- canned shiitake mushrooms
- sliced tomatoes
- diced tofu
- red bell pepper
- green bell pepper
- soy sauce
- lime, juiced
- salt
- ground black pepper
Ingredients
Start by adding vegetable oil to a heated pot over medium heat.
Saute the chopped lemongrass, sweet onions, and sliced ginger for about 3 minutes until they release their aromatic flavors:
Pour the vegetable broth into the pot, along with the sambal oelek, mushrooms, tomatoes, tofu, and diced bell peppers.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to a simmer for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully:
Now, add in the soy sauce and lime juice, and mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
Season the soup with salt and ground black pepper according to your taste preferences:
Your Zesty Thai Lemongrass Soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
Dive into the world of Thai cuisine with this tantalizing Thai Lemongrass Soup!
Bursting with exotic flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a vibrant aroma, this soup is a testament to the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Thailand.
So, go ahead and try this delightful recipe, and be sure to share it with your family and friends.
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Happy cooking and bon appétit! ทานให้อร่อยนะคะ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tom Yum is a hot and sour Thai soup flavored with lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili peppers, while Tom Kha is a milder Thai soup enriched with coconut milk, galangal, and lime leaves.
Yes! Lemongrass is available in most grocery stores or Asian markets, and you can even find it in the frozen section.
Yes, chicken broth works well as a flavorful alternative.
Thai Lemongrass Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 pieces lemongrass stalks chopped
- ⅛ cup sliced ginger
- 1 cup sweet onions sliced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sambal oelek
- 2 cups canned shiitake mushrooms drained & sliced
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 3 cups diced tofu
- 1 piece red bell pepper diced
- 1 piece green bell pepper diced
- ½ piece lime juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add oil in a heated pot over medium heat.
- Saute chopped lemongrass, sweet onions, and sliced ginger for 3 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth, sambal, mushrooms, tomatoes, tofu, bell peppers into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add in soy sauce and lime juice; mix well.
- Season with salt and ground black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetables such as squash, okra, and long beans will make the soup much more interesting.
