Today, Princess Know It All is cooking with Jack

Every time I think I know it I find out that I don’t and then I have to learn it!

Once again stepping to the platform and learning something new lent an opportunity!  Check it out, my friend Jack Peele came to town and taught me how to make some of my FAVORITE Thai Dishes!  This soup is BANGING!!!  Aside from being one of the most popular soups in Thailand, Tom Yum Soup has some serious health benefits, due its potent combination of herbs and spices. In fact, this Thai soup is currently under scientific study, as it appears to have immune-boosting power as a natural remedy for cold and flu viruses. In my version of the soup, I’ve included coconut milk (officially “Tom Khaa”) which adds both richness and flavor while still keeping the soup super healthy. ENJOY!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Download the shopping list here!

Preparation:

1. For instructions on how to buy, prepare, and cook with lemongrass, see: All About Lemongrass.
2. Pour stock into a deep cooking pot and turn heat to medium-high.
3. Add processed lemongrass to the pot, including the parts of the lemongrass stalk you didn’t slice. Boil for 5 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Add garlic, chili, lime leaves, and mushrooms to broth. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Add Tofu or Shrimp, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Cook 5-6 minutes, or until shrimp is pink and plump.
6. Turn down the heat to low and add 1/2 can coconut milk plus fish sauce. Test-test the soup for spice and salt, adding more chili and/or fish sauce (instead of salt) as desired. If too sour for your taste, add 1 tsp. brown sugar; if too salty, add a squeeze of lime juice. Add more coconut milk if you want your soup richer/creamier, or if it’s too spicy for your taste.
7. Serve in bowls with fresh coriander sprinkled over. Enjoy!! (See below for more variations on this recipe.)

Variations:

• For a vegetarian version, see my Easy Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup Recipe
• For a more traditional/authentic Tom Yum Soup (without coconut milk), see: Traditional Tom Yum Soup
• If you prefer chicken over seafood, substitute chicken breast for shrimp (cut the chicken into bite-size pieces).
• Rice noodles can also be added for a delicious noodle-soup version of Tom Yum.