Tom Yam Paste | Ask Nigella.com (2024)

Full question

What is tom yam paste and where is it available or what is best to use instead? Also what is the substitute for canola oil?

Our answer

Nigella uses tom yam paste in her Crunchy Salad With Hot And Sour Drressing (from NIGELLA EXPRESS) and Hot And Sour Soup (from NIGELLA BITES). Tom yam (also called tom yum) paste is a paste made from a base of shallot, lemongrass, chillies, galangal (or sometimes ginger), lime leaves and fish sauce. It is used in the Thai hot and sour tom yum soup. It can be found in many major UK supermarkets and also in Asian grocers and on-line. A good substitute is quite difficult but a red Thai curry paste would probably be the closest alternative. However you may need to add a few squeezes of lime juice and a pinch of sugar to help with the balance of hot, spicy, sweet and sour flavours if using a curry paste.

Canola oil is a flavourless vegetable oil made from rapeseed. Any flavourless vegetable oil, such as sunflower or corn oil, could be used as a substitute.

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Tom Yam Paste | Ask Nigella.com (2024)

FAQs

Tom Yam Paste | Ask Nigella.com? ›

Our answer

How do you use Tom Yum paste? ›

Cut open, the paste will come out easily.
  1. Boil 2 cups (480 ml.) water.
  2. Add the contents of this packet in boiling water.
  3. Add 200 g. deveined shrimps and 100 g. mushroom.
  4. Add fish sauce or salt and lime juice to taste.

What is the difference between tom yam and Tom Yum? ›

Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad. Indeed, tom yum is characterised by its distinct hot and sour flavours, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth.

Is tom yam paste spicy? ›

Dried red Thai chili peppers: These peppers add the fruity, earthy, spicy flavor to the Tom Yum paste.

What is tom yam in English? ›

It is a soup that normally includes shrimp. The strong, hot, and sour flavors make it very popular in Thai cuisine. The name "tom yam" is composed of two Thai words. Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam means 'mixed'.

Is Tom Yum paste healthy? ›

It is generally believed that the ingredients used in making Tom Yum Goong are beneficial in improving one's health condition. Some researchers even suggested that these ingredients are effective in curing cancers.

What is the difference between Tom Kha paste and Tom Yum paste? ›

Tom Kha often calls for more galangal or ginger flavor than lemongrass, where Tom Yum tends to be more lemongrass than galangal. Tom Kha also often comes with more mushrooms, which add umami, and fewer other vegetables since adding too many can dilute the sweetness.

Why do people love Tomyam? ›

The aroma from various kinds of herbs, be it shallot, lemongrass combined with the bold sour of the lime, the spiciness from fresh chilies, and its mellow sweet flavor make Tom Yum Kung a top favorite to people around the world.

Is Tom Yam good for you? ›

Tom Yum Soup is good for you, with just 156 calories per serving and very low fat.

How long is Tom Yum paste good for after opening? ›

Please store in a cool and dry place. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 6 month.

What is a substitute for Tom Yum paste? ›

A good substitute is quite difficult but a red Thai curry paste would probably be the closest alternative. However you may need to add a few squeezes of lime juice and a pinch of sugar to help with the balance of hot, spicy, sweet and sour flavours if using a curry paste.

What does Tom Yum paste taste like? ›

The beauty of tom yum is the balance of the spice, sweet, savory and tartness. Nanthavatsiri says that people often add too many chilies when cooking Thai cuisine in general, which can overpower one's palate.

Why is Tom Yum so good? ›

The combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors creates a taste explosion that is unlike any other soup. This makes it a perfect dish for those who crave bold and adventurous flavors. Health Benefits: Tom Yum soup is made with a variety of fresh herbs and spices that are known for their health benefits.

What does tom mean in Thai? ›

The Thai word for “boil” or tom (pronounced “dtome”) features prominently on Thai menus and tom yum goong is probably one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world.

What food is famous in Thailand? ›

To help you, here is a list of the top ten most popular Thai dishes that you absolutely have to try.
  • Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles. ...
  • Tom Yum Goong: Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup. ...
  • Kaeng Lueang. Yellow Curry. ...
  • Gaeng Daeng. Red Curry. ...
  • Gaeng Keow Wan Gai. Green Curry. ...
  • Khao Soi. Thai Coconut Curry Noodle Soup. ...
  • Khao Pad. ...
  • Laab.

How do you use Pantai Tom Yum paste? ›

Tom Yum Paste can be used not only in Tom Yum recipes but also as a base flavor for other soups and dishes, like Tom Yum Fried Rice. To make Tom Yum Soup, add two tablespoons of Tom Yum Paste to three cups of boiling water. Add shrimp, chicken or seafood for the Tom Yum Soup of your choice.

How to use Tom Yum instant hot and sour paste? ›

Put 2 spoons of paste in 3 cups of boiling water. 2. Add shrimp and mushroom as required. Remark : use fish, chicken or other meat also delicious.

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