Tom Yum (Yam) Soup by DK on Oct 27, 2011
I love soup. There was a time when it was not so. I sure have come a long way from those days. In fact, I prefer having Soup as my main meal, although I can't say the same thing for my other half which is why my lunches are mostly soup. Its perfect for all seasons. Cooling light soup for the hot days and warm, hearty soup for the winter! Oh and peppery goodness for the rainy days. Coming to today's soup. This Thai Soup has been on request from my husband for a long while now. Thai cuisine is one of the toughest when it comes to making them vegetarian while retaining the original flavor. And there is only one reason for it - Fish sauce. Its immensely crucial to most of Thai dishes and without it, its simply not Thai at least for those who have tasted the real deal. But apart from it (provided you are not as fussy about authenticity but would swap for any great flavor), if you happen to carry few choicest ingredients, you are good to recreate some yummy Thai food at home.
Personally for me (Galangal + lemongrass + Kaffir Lime leaves + Soy Sauce + Lime + Coconut Milk + Thai Bird's Eye Chillies + Cilantro/Mint/Thai Basil) = Vegetarian/Vegan Thai Cuisine!
The fish sauce (nam pla) as you can see has been replaced with Soy sauce. This savory flavor balanced with the other aromatics competes to a certain degree with the real one - at least to a degree that would please a Vegetarian's palate without feeling cheated. This Tom Yum Soup (or more correctly Tom Yam) falls into this category. Usually Shrimp or Prawn play a pivotal role in this soup which has been replaced by Tofu in this version to provide the protein aspect of it. The meatiness comes from the mushrooms while I added the carrots for color. And yes, the extra vitamin A does not hurt now, does it ;). You can skip the coconut milk and use a little milk or simply skip it altogether replacing it with additional stock. There is no "perfect" version for this soup since it relies predominantly on the foodie's taste buds. So feel free to use this for a base recipe and add/subtract herbs/vegetables/spices as per your requirement.
The fish sauce (nam pla) as you can see has been replaced with Soy sauce. This savory flavor balanced with the other aromatics competes to a certain degree with the real one - at least to a degree that would please a Vegetarian's palate without feeling cheated. This Tom Yum Soup (or more correctly Tom Yam) falls into this category. Usually Shrimp or Prawn play a pivotal role in this soup which has been replaced by Tofu in this version to provide the protein aspect of it. The meatiness comes from the mushrooms while I added the carrots for color. And yes, the extra vitamin A does not hurt now, does it ;). You can skip the coconut milk and use a little milk or simply skip it altogether replacing it with additional stock. There is no "perfect" version for this soup since it relies predominantly on the foodie's taste buds. So feel free to use this for a base recipe and add/subtract herbs/vegetables/spices as per your requirement.
- Cook time:
- Prep time:
- Serves: 4 people
- Yields: Serves 2 as a main course and 4 as an appetizer
Ingredients
- 6 cups Water or Vegetable stock
- 3 Kaffir Lime leaves (see Tips)
- 2-3 inches of Galangal, sliced (see Tips)
- 1 stalk Lemongrass, minced (see Tips)
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce (or to taste)
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 cup Baby Mushrooms, sliced (or use any mushrooms)
- 1 Carrot, julienned
- 12.3 Oz Mori Nu (Extra Firm) Silken Tofu (see Tips)
- 2 Spring Onions, sliced thinly
- 1-2 tsp Thai Bird's Eye Chillies, crushed; or to taste (See Tips)
- 5.46 fl.oz (about 3/4 cup) Thai Coconut milk (see Tips)
- 1/2 tbsp sugar, or to taste (optional)
- About 1 cup Cilantro (or use Thai Basil), chopped
Tips
Please Remember that with every ingredient that you substitute the flavor of the soup changes (and possibly further away from traditional Thai flavors).
1. Kaffir Lime Leaves - I had a hard time finding the fresh ones and finally managed to locate shredded lime leaves in a bottle and used them. These shredded bits bothered my husband while having the soup, hence next time I might use them to flavor the stock and filter them away before using it in the soup.
2. Galangal - Though Ginger is often touted as a substitute for Galangal, I personally think that the aroma and taste that it had was no way remotely close to ginger. It lacks the sharp peppery taste of ginger and instead has an immensely citrusy flavor. Reminded me of Eucalyptus. See if you can find the bottled version before using Ginger.
3. Lemongrass - Try to find the fresh ones. Don't go for the powdered/ dried versions. Also try the freezer cos some shops carry the frozen lemongrass. To prep the lemongrass, remove the tough outer leaves and chop off about 2 inches of the lower bulb. Slice the fleshy part - about 2/3rds of the stalk. The upper end will be mostly green and woody and is not great for slicing. You can use these as it is for soups/broths.
4. Tofu - You can use any soft tofu. I have been generous with my tofu since I was going for a soup-as-a-meal. About 1 cup of tofu should be enough as an appetizer.
5. Chillies - The Bird's Eye Chilli is authentic to this soup. But if not available, you can use dried red chillies.
6. Coconut Milk - Few versions use coconut milk, while few others don't. You can instead increase the stock or use few tbsp of coconut cream or just plain milk. I had a can lying around that I wanted to use and hence did. Use as per taste
1. Kaffir Lime Leaves - I had a hard time finding the fresh ones and finally managed to locate shredded lime leaves in a bottle and used them. These shredded bits bothered my husband while having the soup, hence next time I might use them to flavor the stock and filter them away before using it in the soup.
2. Galangal - Though Ginger is often touted as a substitute for Galangal, I personally think that the aroma and taste that it had was no way remotely close to ginger. It lacks the sharp peppery taste of ginger and instead has an immensely citrusy flavor. Reminded me of Eucalyptus. See if you can find the bottled version before using Ginger.
3. Lemongrass - Try to find the fresh ones. Don't go for the powdered/ dried versions. Also try the freezer cos some shops carry the frozen lemongrass. To prep the lemongrass, remove the tough outer leaves and chop off about 2 inches of the lower bulb. Slice the fleshy part - about 2/3rds of the stalk. The upper end will be mostly green and woody and is not great for slicing. You can use these as it is for soups/broths.
4. Tofu - You can use any soft tofu. I have been generous with my tofu since I was going for a soup-as-a-meal. About 1 cup of tofu should be enough as an appetizer.
5. Chillies - The Bird's Eye Chilli is authentic to this soup. But if not available, you can use dried red chillies.
6. Coconut Milk - Few versions use coconut milk, while few others don't. You can instead increase the stock or use few tbsp of coconut cream or just plain milk. I had a can lying around that I wanted to use and hence did. Use as per taste
Method
1.
Bring the stock/water to a boil. Add Galangal, lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaves to the broth.
2.
Next goes in the tofu and carrots. The carrots need to soften and the tofu needs to absorb the flavor to prevent it from being bland.
3.
Once the water comes to boil and the carrots are almost soft, add the mushrooms.
4.
After 1 -2 mins add the soy sauce and sugar is using. You can do a taste test and see if you need any more seasoning.
5.
Reduce the heat and then add the coconut milk.
6.
Then add the lime juice, chillies and cilantro. Adding them last helps to keep the broth fresh tasting and full of flavor. Taste test again - You can add more crushed chillies for extra zing and spiciness. If you need more salt, add little more soy sauce (or just plain old salt). If you find that you have added lots of lime juice and its tasting sour, add sugar. But if the salt-sweet ratio seems kinda off, add little more lime juice. The recipe is dependent on customization to one's palate and needs. So feel free to make changes.
Serve warm with additional chillies on the side and more cilantro.
Filed Under these categories
- 291 Dairy Free
- 447 Gluten Free
- 705 Kid Friendly
- 384 Nuts Free
- 398 Pregnancy
- 224 Protein Rich
- 30 Soups
- 6 Thai
- 499 Vegan Recipes
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1 Member Reviews
By anushree on Nov 8, 2011
Made the soup today. was amazing but i think i added soy sauce a little too much. but still it was tasting awesome.
22 Comments
By Heidi on Jan 9, 2014
Thank you for the recipe--I'm vegan and have been missing tom yum ever since I became vegetarian 10 yrs ago. By the way, I was able to find a vegetarian fish sauce in an Asian grocery store.
By Home Cooking- Vegan Tom Yam Kway Teow Soup | Mr & Mrs Vegan on May 25, 2013
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By genesis on Oct 23, 2012
nice i also cannot get the basil in my area thx maybe i can try to add tomato or something specialy
By nana on Sep 9, 2012
Thank you!!! I will try this recipe asap!!! Im trying to convert myself to being a vegetarian. I can't wait to make this for my vegan boyfriend
By asr on Jan 24, 2012
How come you have skipped basil? Isn't that a key ingredient in Thai cuisine?
Thai basil is. But I dont get it in the area I live. But you can feel free to use it
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By Pavan on Nov 16, 2011
Awesome recipe. I live in bay area but couldn't find a place where they sell kaffir lime leaves. Do you know where I can find these?
Thanks
Pavan
As I have mentioned in the "Tips" section (point 1) I did not find the fresh leaves myself! :( The one I have used is the one that comes in the bottle that I found at Whole Foods. Different stores carry different items (depending on the demand in that particular area), so even if you dont find it in one, do check for it in another. Also you can ask for it in the store. They might order or provide you details of where it is available. I find them very accommodating and helpful :)
By Priya on Nov 8, 2011
Wow..Soup luks like whole meal..I luv'ed the mention of making thai food as veg..
By Brighton Restaurants on Nov 8, 2011
Being a Native Malaysian, I am very familiar with this soup & have also wrote a complete post on that. Apart, coming to this, It's really one of the best savory & healthy soups. Nice Recipe.
By Christine on Nov 3, 2011
Hi DK, Your Tom Yum Soup recipe has been selected to be featured in a Recipe Guessing Game. Please share the following link with your friends and fans. To play, go here: http://knapkins.com/guess_games/332?source=blog Congrats again!! :)
By xokiwwiox on Nov 3, 2011
Your blog is just fantastic. You help me a lot for my gcse praticle exam. thank you so much! keep on;)
By Kalyani on Nov 2, 2011
hey ! first time here, and loved the space as well as the Soup :-) hop over sometime to my blog !
cheers, :)
Kalyani
Join me in GFF - a 100-day Global Food Festival here
New event all this November: Flavours of China
By Rachita on Nov 1, 2011
awesome...my hubby loved it...i replaced d tofu with chicken & also added babycorn.....it ws mind blowing.....!!thnx Chefin You!
By kiran singh on Oct 31, 2011
this is so yummy DK :-)
By Divya on Oct 28, 2011
Thank you so much, have been looking for the vegetarian version for longer time.
By Priya on Oct 28, 2011
Lovely bowl,just drooling over that bowl.
By Vini on Oct 28, 2011
Hi DK,
I follow ur blog quite regularly.the brownies from ur site are the best i have made to date..so i thought of giving this little input.I am a non vegetarian and have had lots of thai food..i tried this veg version from this site and loved it.Not sure if u already have tried.but thought of sharing it with u..
http://shiokfood.com/notes/archives/000025.html..
there are some other good recipes and tips also.
I saw it just now...I seem to have covered the tips here already as well :) But thanks for the link shoutout..I am sure it will be of help in future :)
ViniBy Vardhini on Oct 27, 2011
Perfect for 'After Diwali' :)
By vineeta on Oct 27, 2011
is this sweet soup DK?
By Hari Chandana on Oct 27, 2011
Yummy !!
By Divya Vikram on Oct 27, 2011
Looks perfect for this fall weather Dhiv!
By Gaby on Jun 26, 2014