Tom Yum Noodle Recipe

There’s something about diving into a steaming bowl of Tom Yum Noodle Soup that makes my taste buds dance with excitement. With its tantalizing blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, this dish is like a little culinary adventure right in my own kitchen.

Tom Yum Noodle is a dish that I adore for its perfect balance of flavors. It is a spicy and tangy riff on the classic soup structure, and it has a beautiful, fragrant base.

Rice noodles are blended with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies, and they are pretty much the ideal vehicle for whatever you are going to put in your soup. I think Shrimp Tom Yum Noodle is my favorite version of this dish.

It has such a rich broth, and the lime juice, in particular, really takes it to the next level in terms of flavor and balance.

Ingredients

• Rice Noodles: Rich in carbohydrates, they provide energy and a satisfying base for the dish.
• Shrimp: High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, aiding in muscle repair and heart health.
• Lemongrass: Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: Imparts a unique citrus flavor, enhancing the soup’s fragrance.
• Thai Chilies: Contribute heat and spiciness, boosting metabolism and providing antioxidants.
• Fish Sauce: Offers umami depth, balancing the sweet and sour flavors.
• Lime Juice: Adds tanginess and freshness, high in vitamin C.
• Thai Chili Paste: Brings rich, spicy sweetness, intensifying the soup’s savory profile.
• Mushrooms: Low in calories, provide umami, and are a good source of B vitamins.

Ingredient Quantities

• 200g rice noodles
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 2-3 Thai chilies, smashed
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tablespoons Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Bean sprouts, for garnish
• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil

How to Make this

1. Prepare the rice noodles by following the instructions on the package. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. In a big pot, warm the vegetable oil on medium heat. Add the garlic and the onion; sauté until the onion is clear and you can smell the sweet garlic.

3. Insert the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies into the pot. Allow to cook for approximately 1-2 minutes or until the scent becomes delightful.

4. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

5. Add the shrimp, mushrooms, and tomato wedges to the pot. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and is cooked through.

6. Stir together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao). Adjust the amounts of these ingredients to achieve the desired taste.

7. Put the rice noodles in the pot and let them warm up for roughly 1-2 minutes.

8. Take out the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves prior to serving.

9. Tom Yum Noodle soup should be served in bowls.

10. Top with bean sprouts and fresh cilantro leaves. Serve straightaway.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Stove
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Ladle
7. Colander or strainer
8. Mixing bowl
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cups
11. Serving bowls

FAQ

• What is Tom Yum Noodle?Tom Yum Noodle is a noodle dish of Thai inspiration. It combines the aromatic and spicy flavors of Tom Yum soup with rice noodles, shrimp, and vegetables.
• Can I use other types of protein instead of shrimp?Indeed, shrimp can be replaced with chicken, tofu, or a variety of seafood, depending on your inclination.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?Of course! Switch to vegetable stock, and replace the shrimp with tofu or extra mushrooms. Omit the fish sauce, or substitute a vegetarian alternative.
• How spicy is this dish?You can adjust the spice level to your taste. For a milder Thai basil stir-fry, reduce the number of Thai chilies or leave them out altogether.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?The shrimp and noodles should be cooked just before serving, but it’s fine to make the broth ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for 2 days. This dish is best enjoyed as soon after it’s made as possible.
• What are some garnishing options?It is recommended to use fresh cilantro leaves and bean sprouts, but you can also use chopped green onions or lime wedges to add flavor.
• Where can I find Nam Prik Pao?Nam Prik Pao, or Thai chili paste, can be found in Asian grocery stores or online. It’s essential for authentic Tom Yum flavor.

Tom Yum Noodle Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Rice noodles. Substitute with glass noodles or wheat noodles for a different texture.
Shrimp: Substitute chicken parts or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Kaffir lime leaves: If you don’t have these aromatic leaves, substitute with the finely grated zest from a fresh lime. Or use equal parts lemon and lime zest.
Serrano peppers or jalapeños can be used for a heat level that is milder than that of Thai chilies.
Fish sauce: Substitute soy sauce or tamari to achieve a very similar umami taste.

Pro Tips

1. Maximize Lemongrass Flavor Before adding the lemongrass to the pot, give it a few extra smashes with the back of a knife to help release its essential oils and enhance the overall fragrance of the soup.

2. Fresh Broth If possible, use homemade chicken or vegetable broth for a richer and more authentic flavor. You can make this ahead by simmering bones or vegetables with herbs and aromatics.

3. Shrimp Preparation For additional flavor, sauté the shrimp separately in a bit of oil and garlic before adding them to the soup. This can give the shrimp a slight caramelization.

4. Customize Heat Level Adjust the number of Thai chilies based on your spice preference. For a milder soup, remove the seeds from the chilies before adding them.

5. Balance Taste Before serving, taste the soup and adjust with additional lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar to achieve a perfect balance of sour, salty, and sweet flavors that complement the aromatic spices.