what i cook after work ✨
came home tired, made seafood tom yum anyway
some days cooking is the only thing that feels like home
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what you need:
squid, prawn, tomato, mushrooms
lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal
red onion, chilli
lime juice, fish sauce + a tiny bit of soy sauce
how to make it:
1. boil water
2. add lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, red onion
3. add seafood
4. once cooked, add tomato and mushrooms
5. season with chilli, fish sauce and soy sauce
6. taste as you go, lastly add lime juice
7. serve with hot jasmine rice 💛
ps. may not look 100% authentic… I've never actually made this back home in Thailand. just a girl cooking from memory.
Besides the basic ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves, I like to add a few extra touches to personalize my tom yum. Sometimes I include kaffir lime zest for an added citrus punch, or a dash of palm sugar to balance the spicy and sour notes. When selecting seafood, freshness is key. I’ve found that mixing squid and prawns gives the dish a nice texture contrast, but feel free to experiment with fish or scallops if you prefer. Cooking the seafood just until tender keeps it juicy and prevents it from becoming rubbery. For those on busy days, prepping the aromatic broth in advance and refrigerating it helps speed up the cooking process later. Just reheat and add your fresh seafood and vegetables for a quick meal. I always serve my seafood tom yum with steamed jasmine rice, which complements the bold flavors perfectly. Plus, the warm rice helps mellow the heat if you like your soup extra spicy. If you want to get closer to an authentic taste, consider searching for Thai fish sauce brands or using fresh galangal instead of dried. Cooking this dish after a long day feels like a soothing ritual, and sharing it with friends or family makes it even more special. Give it a try—I promise the cozy, fragrant soup will lift your spirits!