Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that's both quick and healthy? Look no further than this Tom Yum Chicken recipe! This classic Thai soup bursts with aromatic lemongrass, spicy chilies, and the tangy zest of kaffir lime leaves. It's a perfect weeknight dinner, a delicious lunch, or even a light and satisfying weekend meal. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a delicious and healthy dish.
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced (white part only)
- 2-3 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, roughly torn
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions:
Get started:
- Heat the coconut oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Building the Flavor:
- Add the lemongrass, chilies, and kaffir lime leaves to the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Bringing it Together:
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the chicken to the pot. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Finishing Touches:
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve hot with cooked rice or noodles.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of chilies to control the spiciness. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes from the chilies before slicing.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or mushrooms for a different protein option.
- Vegetable Boost: Add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a more substantial meal. Add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Garnish Ideas: Experiment with different garnishes such as lime wedges, chopped scallions, or crushed peanuts.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 30-35g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Tom Yum Chicken recipe is a testament to the deliciousness of easy recipes. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and share your culinary creations with us! Making homemade cooking a regular part of your routine is an excellent way to improve your diet and enjoy delicious, healthy dishes. This recipe is one of the best recipes for its ease and flavor.