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This Seafood Tom Yum (Tom Yum Talay) is the perfect blend of spicy, tangy, savory, and umami flavors, making it the ultimate Thai seafood soup. It’s made with a rich prawn stock and loaded with shrimp, squid, mussels, and fish balls, bringing the best of seafood together in one comforting bowl. This version of Tom Yum is incredibly flexible, and you can adjust it to your preference by adding your favorite seafood.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Tom Yum Soup Base:

1 liter prawn stock (or seafood, chicken, or vegetable stock)
2 lemongrass stalks, bruised
5-6 makrut lime leaves
1-inch galangal, sliced thinly
2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, lightly mashed
2-3 stalks cilantro/coriander (roots, leaves, and stems separated)
2-3 tablespoons Nam Prik Pao (or Tom Yum paste)

For the Seafood Soup:

200g prawns, peeled and deveined
100g or 5 fish balls
1 squid, sliced
200g mussels (optional)
1 cup mushrooms, loosely packed

Seasonings:

1 tablespoon fish sauce (or to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar (or to taste)
2-3 tablespoons lime juice (or to taste)

To Serve:

Rice (cooked)
Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

Directions:

Make the Soup Base:
- Pour the prawn stock into a pot and add the bruised lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and cilantro roots and stems. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 15-30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Once the aromatics are infused, remove most of them, leaving a few pieces for presentation. Stir in Nam Prik Pao (or Tom Yum paste) until fully incorporated.
Add the Seafood:
- Add prawns, fish balls, squid, mussels, and mushrooms to the broth. Cook the seafood according to their respective times (prawns cook quickly, so adjust accordingly).
- Season the soup with fish sauce and sugar to taste, then remove from heat. Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Final Touches:
- Garnish the soup with cilantro leaves and serve with additional lime wedges on the side.
- Serve the Tom Yum immediately with rice on the side or mixed into the soup for added heartiness.

Nutritional Value:

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving):

Calories: 180–220 kcal
Protein: 25–30g
Fat: 3–5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10–15g
- Fiber: 1–2g
- Sugars: 4–5g
Cholesterol: 150–200mg
Sodium: 700–900mg
Potassium: 300–400mg
Vitamin A: 200–250 IU
Vitamin C: 15–20mg
Calcium: 40–50mg
Iron: 3–4mg

This estimate is based on the typical ingredients and preparation steps. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, specific ingredient measurements and brands should be used.

The Foundation: The Tom Yum Soup Base

The key to a great Tom Yum lies in the soup base, which is enriched with prawn stock, giving it a deep, flavorful seafood undertone. The stock is simmered with classic Thai aromatics such as lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and cilantro roots and stems. These ingredients come together to create a fragrant, slightly spicy broth that is the hallmark of Tom Yum. Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in building the soup’s depth and character:

Lemongrass adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the heat of the chilies.
Galangal imparts a warm, peppery, and slightly piney flavor.
Makrut lime leaves bring a distinct zesty fragrance and slightly bitter taste.
Bird’s eye chilies provide the authentic, fiery heat that defines Tom Yum.

Once these ingredients have infused the broth, Nam Prik Pao (or Tom Yum paste) is added, giving the soup a rich, slightly smoky, and tangy depth. This paste typically contains a mix of fermented shrimp paste, chilies, garlic, and other ingredients, creating a robust flavor profile that makes the soup irresistible.

Adding the Seafood: Shrimp, Squid, Mussels, and Fish Balls

The beauty of Seafood Tom Yum is its versatility—various types of seafood can be used to customize the soup to your liking. In this recipe, a combination of prawns, fish balls, squid, mussels, and mushrooms brings a variety of textures and flavors to the table:

Prawns: The sweetness of the prawns pairs beautifully with the savory broth, providing a satisfying bite.
Fish balls: These add a bouncy texture and a mild, savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Squid: The squid contributes a delicate, slightly chewy texture and enhances the seafood flavor.
Mussels: If using, mussels offer a briny, oceanic flavor, adding depth to the soup.

The seafood is added to the broth according to its cooking time. Prawns cook very quickly, so they should be added last to prevent overcooking, ensuring they remain tender and juicy.

Seasoning and Adjusting the Soup’s Flavor

After the seafood is added, the soup is seasoned with fish sauce and sugar. The fish sauce brings a salty, umami kick, while the sugar balances out the tanginess and spice. After tasting, you can adjust the seasoning to your preference. To add the finishing touch, lime juice is stirred in, infusing the soup with a refreshing, tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of the seafood and complements the heat from the chilies.

Garnishing and Serving

Once the soup is prepared, it’s time to serve. Cilantro leaves are added as a garnish, adding a burst of color and a fresh herbal note. Lime wedges are served on the side, so diners can squeeze more lime juice into their soup for an extra hit of tanginess.

Traditionally, rice is served alongside or mixed into the soup. The rice soaks up the flavorful broth, making for a heartier, more satisfying meal. You can adjust the amount of rice depending on how hearty you want your dish to be.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

Seafood Tom Yum is a highly nutritious soup that’s rich in protein from the seafood, vitamins from the lime, cilantro, and other fresh ingredients, and minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium. It is also relatively low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their calorie intake while still enjoying a flavorful meal. Additionally, the soup’s base, with its combination of herbs and spices, contains anti-inflammatory properties and is known to support digestion, thanks to the inclusion of lemongrass and galangal.

Conclusion

Seafood Tom Yum (Tom Yum Talay) is a vibrant, flavorful soup that combines the best of the sea with bold, aromatic Thai ingredients. With a spicy, tangy, and umami-filled broth and a variety of seafood, it offers a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether served on its own or with rice, it’s perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or as a light and healthy meal. The beauty of Tom Yum is in its flexibility—use your favorite seafood or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, and you’ve got a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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