Tom Yum Kung

In addition to our Thai Cuisine, today I’m going to talk about the most favorite Thai food, called “Tom Yum Kung” or Tom Yum Goong”. According to the recent study, Tom Yum Kung stands the No1 of top ten Thai dishes being loved by the foreigners and among Thais as well. As per an artical published by CNNGo, Tom Yum Koong ranked top 8 world's best food.   Tom Yum Kung is basically a subtle blends of hot and sour soups in combination of Shrimps/Prawn with fragrant herbs. This Thai delicacy is not only delicious but also nutritious as well. We get proteins from Shrimps and fiber with other nutritional benefits from herbs.  There are many variations of Tom Yum available these days. You can add Chicken, Fish, Beef or any type of Sea foods as per your choice and if you are a vegetarian you have an option too by adding either Button Mushrooms or Oyster Mushrooms. If I have to choose a Thai dish, without exception I’ll opt for Tom Yum Kung. Here is the recipe in case you would like to try…

Ingredients:

·         Chicken Stock/ Water – 2  Cups

·         Lemon Grass – 1 (Stalk) – Crushed and cut into ½ inch pieces

·         Thai Chilli (Fresh) – 4 (if you want spicy you can add more)

·         Galangal – 1 Piece(Sliced)

·         Kaffir Lime – 3-4  leaves (torn into pieces)

·         Small Red Onion – 2 (Sliced )

·         Button Mushroom – ½ Cups (Sliced in half)

·         Shrimp – 8-10  Pieces

·         Cherry Tomatoes – 2 (Optional)

·         1Fresh Lime or Lime Juice – 2 tbsp

·         Coconut Milk : ½ Cup (Optional)

·         Fish Sauce / Salt – as per taste

·         Chilli Paste – 1 tbsp

Preparation Method:

Ø  Clean and devein the Shells of Shrimps and leave the tail intact.

Ø  Boil Chicken Stock / Water in deep pot in a medium high flame.

Ø  Add Sliced Onion; Galangal Pieces; Crushed Lemon grass and cook for 5 minutes.

Ø  Then add cut Mushrooms and Shrimp: cook for 5 minutes or till the Shrimps turn pink.

Ø  Add Chilli Peppers; Chilli Paste; Coconut milk: fish sauce and cook for 5 minutes in a low flame.

Ø  Season with Lime Juice and mix well.

Ø  Now the “Tom Yum Kung” is ready. Serve hot.

Tom Yum Kung is well served with Steamed Rice, Thai Fried Rice and Thai Boiled Noodles.