Tom-Yum: a flavour packed health boost

Tom-Yum is a traditional Thai seasoning known for its distinctive hot and sour flavours. The major ingredients in Tom-Yum include kaffir (makrut) lime leaves, galangal, lemongrass, chilli, garlic and red onion (shallot).

What does the research say?

Research shows that Tom-Yum paste has both antibacterial and antioxidant health benefits. Of all the ingredients within the Tom-Yum mix, garlic contributes the highest antimicrobial properties. Whereas red chilli and kaffir lime leaves provide the greatest source of antioxidants. The essential oils present in kaffir lime leaves have been shown to have both anti-bacterial and antioxidant health
benefits.

Make Tom-Yum from scratch or buy it premade?

Buying premade Tom-Yum paste is easy and convenient, however making your own with fresh ingredients is easier than you think!

The great thing about making your own Tom-Yum is that you can choose what goes in it! Select fresh chillies that are either mild or hot depending on how spicy you like your paste to be. If you are sensitive to onion and/or garlic, then leave them out and you can still get the flavour punch and health benefits of a delicious Tom-Yum. Premade Tom-Yum is often high in salt and other ingredients including flavour enhancers and thickeners, which are not added when making a paste from scratch.

So, next time you are at the farmers markets or grocery store and see the fresh culinary ingredients to make your own Tom-Yum, why not give it a go?

This paste recipe can be used as a Tom Yum Soup base, added to stir fries, or as a marinade for chicken and seafood. Freeze any leftover paste in an ice cube tray and use within 3 months.

References
Siripongvutikorn S, Thummaratwasik P, Huang Y-w. Antimicrobial and antioxidation effects of Thai seasoning, Tom-Yum.
LWT – Food Science and Technology. 2005;38(4):347-52.