How to Make Authentic Thai Chicken Tom Saep with Mushrooms

Simple Summary

Tom Saep is a zesty and aromatic Thai soup that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. This comforting dish is both refreshing and satisfying.

Recipe Details

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

Ingredients

• 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200g mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, or button), sliced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 3 Thai bird's eye chilies, smashed
• 2 shallots, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

2. Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they start to brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and smashed chilies. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add sliced mushrooms to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and mushrooms are tender.

5. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

6. Remove from heat and discard lemongrass pieces and kaffir lime leaves.

7. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.

8. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Thai Chicken Tom Saep with Mushrooms!

Chef's Notes

• For a spicier soup, leave the chilies whole or add more to taste.
• If you can't find kaffir lime leaves, substitute with 1 tablespoon of lime zest.
• To make this dish vegetarian, replace chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to thin the broth.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: Approximately 320 calories. This dish is high in protein from the chicken and provides a good source of vitamins and minerals from the mushrooms and herbs. It's relatively low in carbohydrates and contains healthy fats from the chicken thighs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful soup with a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious broth. For a complete Thai meal, pair it with a green papaya salad (Som Tam) and some fresh spring rolls. Garnish with extra lime wedges and Thai basil leaves for added freshness. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a comforting yet light meal.