How to Make Authentic Thai Beef Gaeng Som with Tamarind

Simple Summary

Thai Beef Gaeng Som is a vibrant, sour soup that balances the rich flavors of beef with the tangy punch of tamarind. This authentic Thai dish offers a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 tbsp tamarind paste
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 red Thai chilies, finely chopped
• 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 200g pineapple, cut into chunks
• 100g long beans, cut into 2-inch pieces
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, and chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add the sliced beef to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides.

3. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir well to combine.

5. Add lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

6. Add pineapple chunks and long beans. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or palm sugar for sweetness.

8. Remove lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves before serving.

9. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Chef's Notes

• For a more authentic flavor, use tamarind pulp instead of paste. Soak 50g of tamarind pulp in 1/2 cup hot water for 15 minutes, then strain and use the liquid.
• If you can't find kaffir lime leaves, substitute with 1 tsp of lime zest.
• To make this dish spicier, add more Thai chilies or serve with a side of chili oil.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 350 calories. This dish is high in protein from the beef and contains beneficial vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The tamarind provides a good source of antioxidants and may aid digestion.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Gaeng Som with a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful broth. For a complete Thai meal, pair it with a green papaya salad (Som Tam) and some crispy spring rolls. A cold Thai iced tea makes an excellent beverage accompaniment. Garnish the soup bowls with a lime wedge and extra cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.