When I make Tom Yum soup, I never use a spice paste. But I do love this Tom Yum Paste as a marinade. It works wonders with all types of chicken, fish and seafood, as well as pork. Just slather on this flavor-popping paste, then either bake, pan-fry or grill for a dish that sings with authentic Thai taste! The paste is easy to make - just whip it up in your mini food-chopper or food processor. It's healthier than store-bought Thai pastes/marinades, and tastes ten times better. ENJOY!
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients:
- Makes approx. 3/4 cup Tom Yum paste (enough to marinate up to 6 pieces fish or chicken)
- 4 Tbsp. finely minced lemongrass, fresh or ready-prepared frozen (available at Asian food stores)
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 thumb-size piece ginger or galangal, sliced
- 1 fresh red chili, sliced, OR 1/2 to 1 tsp. dried crushed chili (or substitute cayenne pepper)
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped coriander leaves & stems
- 2 Tbsp. fish sauce (available at Asian food stores)
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp. shrimp paste (available at Asian food stores)
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 3 heaping tsp. palm sugar OR brown sugar
- 2-3 spring onions, sliced
- optional: 1-2 Tbsp. coconut milk (this thins it out to make blending easier - if you want a thick paste, don't add it)
Preparation:
- Place all ingredients in a mini food chopper or food processor. Blitz to create a fragrant Tom Yum spice paste.
- This paste is excellent over fish fillets or steaks, shrimp and other shellfish, or chicken or pork pieces before grilling/cooking. With fish and seafood, there is no need to marinate (the lime juice will cause you to lose some of the juices) - just slather the paste over and cook right away .
- If cooking for 2, use only half the paste as a marinade and save the rest to make a delicious side sauce. Place 1/2 the paste in a small sauce pan. Add 3-4 Tbsp. coconut milk OR fresh cream. Stir as you bring the sauce to a light simmer (avoid boiling, or you will lose the fresh flavor of this sauce). Drizzle over your entree, or serve on the side. Equally delicious over rice or new potatoes.
- To use this paste for soup, bring a pot of good-tasting chicken stock to a boil. Add spice paste a few Tbsp. at a time, taste-testing as you go, until you're happy with the flavor/spice level. Add more fish sauce instead of salt as needed. Add shrimp or tofu, plus desired vegetables. Coconut milk should be added for a creamier soup.
Tips for Using this Spice Paste:
