Hot and Sour Prawn Soup is a bold, flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory notes. Inspired by Thai cuisine, this soup features succulent prawns in a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, ginger, lime, and chilies. The heat from the chilies and the sourness from the lime juice create a delightful contrast, while the prawns add a satisfying, meaty bite. This soup is light yet packed with flavor, making it an ideal appetizer or a light meal. It’s a great way to enjoy seafood with a twist of exotic spices, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Hot and Sour Prawn Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb prawns (peeled and deveined)
- 4 cups chicken or seafood broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
- 2-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, chopped (adjust for heat)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (like sambal oelek)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken or seafood broth to a simmer. Add the smashed lemongrass, sliced ginger, chilies, and kaffir lime leaves (if using). Let the broth simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Add the prawns and mushrooms: Once the broth is fragrant, add the prawns and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the prawns turn pink and are cooked through.
- Season the soup: Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more lime juice or chili paste if you prefer a tangier or spicier soup.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the lemongrass and lime leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.
This Hot and Sour Prawn Soup is a vibrant, aromatic dish that’s perfect for seafood lovers. The balance of heat and tanginess makes it a refreshing yet comforting soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy it as a light meal or a flavorful appetizer!
