Description
An elegant, aromatic Thai Broth featuring bright citrus, warming spices, and a clear, silky texture. Perfect as a starter or paired with a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock — preferably low-sodium, warm
- 2 stalks lemongrass — bottom third, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2-inch piece galangal or ginger — thinly sliced
- 4 kaffir lime leaves — slightly torn to release oils
- 1 small shallot — halved
- 4 cups fresh mushrooms (shiitake or oyster), halved or sliced for texture
- 2–3 tbsp fish sauce (or tamari for vegetarian) — taste and adjust
- 1–2 tbsp lime juice — freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp palm sugar or light brown sugar — to balance acidity
- 1 small red chili — thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp cilantro — finely chopped
- 1 scallion — thinly sliced on the bias
- Light chili oil or toasted sesame oil — a few drops to finish (optional)
Instructions
- Bruise lemongrass with the back of a knife, thinly slice galangal, and tear kaffir lime leaves.
- Warm the stock in a large saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam—do not boil.
- Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and shallot. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the broth smells floral and bright.
- Add mushrooms and simmer 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot or bowl.
- Season the strained broth with fish sauce, lime juice, and palm sugar.
- Reheat gently to serving temperature and finish with chopped cilantro and scallions.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chili oil or sesame oil.
Notes
Use good quality stock for the best depth of flavor. Adjust acidity by adding lime juice at the end for brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg