Seafood Tom Yum (Burmese Style) Recipe

Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these add a sweet and tender texture to the soup.

Squid: Cleaned and sliced, providing a chewy and unique seafood element.

Mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor and texture to the soup.

Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they contribute a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding depth and richness.

Tom yum paste: A concentrated blend of spices and herbs essential for the soup's signature flavor.

Fish sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to the dish.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed to provide a tangy and refreshing note.

Lemongrass: Smashed to release its aromatic oils, adding a citrusy fragrance.

Galangal: Sliced to impart a spicy and peppery flavor.

Kaffir lime leaves: Torn to release their unique citrusy aroma.

Garlic: Minced to add a pungent and savory depth.

Onion: Sliced to contribute sweetness and texture.

Cilantro: Chopped for a fresh and herbaceous garnish.

When preparing lemongrass, make sure to cut it into 2-inch pieces and then smash them with the back of a knife. This helps release the essential oils and flavors, ensuring that your Seafood Tom Yum has a robust and aromatic base. Additionally, when adding shrimp and squid to the broth, be careful not to overcook them. Overcooked seafood can become rubbery and lose its delicate texture. Cook the seafood just until it turns opaque and is firm to the touch, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with firm tofu: Tofu provides a similar texture and absorbs the flavors of the soup well, making it a good vegetarian alternative.

• cleaned and sliced squid - Substitute with oyster mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms have a chewy texture that mimics squid and can absorb the soup's flavors effectively.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth is a suitable alternative for a vegetarian version of the soup, providing a similar depth of flavor.

• tom yum paste - Substitute with red curry paste: Red curry paste can provide a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though it may be slightly different in flavor.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce provides a salty and umami flavor similar to fish sauce, making it a good vegetarian option.

• freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar tangy acidity, though it has a slightly different flavor profile.

• lemongrass - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can provide a citrusy aroma and flavor similar to lemongrass, though it lacks the same depth.

• galangal - Substitute with ginger: Ginger provides a similar spicy and aromatic flavor, though it is slightly different in taste.

• kaffir lime leaves - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor, though it lacks the same complexity.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can provide a similar garlic flavor, though it is less fresh and aromatic.

• sliced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a similar sweet and aromatic flavor, though they are milder in taste.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, though it lacks the same citrusy notes as cilantro.

• Allow the Seafood Tom Yum to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation and helps maintain the soup's flavor and texture.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Use containers that are appropriately sized to avoid too much air space, which can lead to freezer burn.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of freshness and ensures you use the soup within a safe timeframe.
• Store the Seafood Tom Yum in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. Ensure the temperature is consistently below 40°F (4°C) to keep the seafood fresh.
• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the Seafood Tom Yum in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and squid.
• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Avoid boiling, as this can make the seafood tough and rubbery.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving to revive the vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness to the reheated Seafood Tom Yum.

• Gently reheat the Seafood Tom Yum on the stovetop over medium heat. Place the soup in a pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the texture of the shrimp, squid, and mushrooms without overcooking them.

• Use a microwave-safe bowl to reheat individual portions. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is heated through. This prevents the seafood from becoming rubbery.

• If you have a steamer, place the Seafood Tom Yum in a heatproof bowl and steam it for about 5-7 minutes. This method gently warms the soup while preserving the delicate flavors of the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

• For a quick and even reheating, use a double boiler. Place the soup in the top part of the double boiler and simmer water in the bottom part. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. This method ensures that the chicken broth and other ingredients are evenly warmed without direct heat.

• If you prefer a more hands-off approach, reheat the Seafood Tom Yum in a slow cooker on the low setting. This method is ideal if you have a bit more time and want to keep the soup warm for an extended period. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

• Pot: Used to bring the chicken broth to a boil and to simmer the ingredients.

• Ladle: Useful for stirring the soup and serving it into bowls.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the squid, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and onion.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to measure out the tom yum paste, fish sauce, and lime juice accurately.

• Garlic press: Handy for mincing the garlic cloves.

• Tongs: Useful for adding and removing ingredients from the pot, especially the seafood.

• Serving bowls: For serving the finished Seafood Tom Yum.

• Spoon: For tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.

• Cilantro chopper: Helps in finely chopping the cilantro for garnish.

Prep ingredients ahead: Clean and slice the squid, peel and devein the shrimp, and chop the vegetables in advance.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on making it from scratch.

Ready-made tom yum paste: Using store-bought tom yum paste cuts down on preparation time significantly.

One-pot cooking: Cook everything in one pot to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.

Quick simmer: Let the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves simmer while you prepare other ingredients.