Tom Saap
Tom Saap is a vibrant and spicy Thai hot and sour soup, traditionally made with pork ribs. This recipe features tender pork, fragrant herbs, and a bold, tangy broth, perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 2 hr 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Per serving
- 779 kcal
Allergen information: may contain fish and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
Ingredients
- 1,000 gpork spare ribs, cut into 5cm pieces
- 2.5 cupwater
- 2 pcslemongrass, smashed and sliced
- 50 ggalangal, sliced
- 5 pcskaffir lime leaf, torn
- 2 pcsshallot, halved
- 3 tbspfish sauce
- 4 tbsplime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tspchili powder
- 1 tspdried chili flake
garnish
- 0.25 cupcilantro, roughly chopped
- 2 pcsspring onion, sliced
Equipment
ladle · slotted spoon · large pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
Blanch the pork spare ribs by placing them in a large pot with enough cold water to cover. Bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the ribs thoroughly under cold water.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: Blanching removes impurities and helps create a clearer broth.
- 2
Return the blanched pork spare ribs to the clean pot and add the water, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and shallots.
About 5 min
- 3
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 90 minutes, or until the pork is very tender and easily pulls from the bone.
About 1 hr 30 min
Cook’s note: Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 15 minutes of simmering for a clearer broth.
- 4
Remove the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and shallots from the pot using a slotted spoon. You can discard them as their flavor has been extracted.
About 5 min
- 5
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, chili powder, and dried chili flakes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for sourness, or chili for heat.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Balance is key in Tom Saap; aim for a harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and savory.
- 6
Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro and spring onion.
Cook’s note: Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice on the side.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 778.7kcal
- Protein
- 61.8g
- Carbs
- 12.8g
- Fat
- 53g
- Fibre
- 1.4g
- Sugar
- 1.6g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover Tom Saap in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Polenta e Osei
Experience a taste of Lombardy with this traditional Polenta e Osei, a hearty dish featuring creamy, golden polenta crowned with exquisitely roasted small birds. Infused with aromatic sage and rosemary, and rendered bacon, this meal offers a rich, savory flavor profile and comforting textures perfect for a special occasion.
1 hr 30 minsnack
Millie's Popcorn Balls
A classic sweet and crunchy treat made with freshly popped corn and a homemade candy syrup. These popcorn balls are perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun movie night snack. They are simple to make, but require care when handling the hot sugar syrup.
1 hr 440 kcalside dish
Quinoa Tabbouleh
This refreshing quinoa tabbouleh is a modern twist on a classic Mediterranean salad, replacing traditional bulgur with protein-rich quinoa. It's packed with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a perfect light side dish.
45 min 219 kcalsnack
Risoles
These Indonesian risoles feature a savory filling of chicken and vegetables, encased in a delicate, thin crepe-like wrapper. The risoles are then breaded and deep-fried to a golden crisp, offering a delightful contrast of textures.
1 hr 30 min 862 kcalappetizer
Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)
Experience the rich, savory flavors of Bavaria with this traditional Obatzda, a creamy cheese spread perfect for any gathering. Combining aged Camembert with sweet butter, pungent onion, and a hint of paprika and caraway, this spread offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes. Serve it with crusty rye bread or classic Bavarian pretzels for an authentic beer garden experience.
45 min 428 kcallunch
Quinoa Salad with Feta
This refreshing quinoa salad combines fluffy quinoa with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a bright lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect light meal or a vibrant side dish, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
35 min 361 kcalmain course
Traditional Flammekueche
Flammekueche, also known as Tarte Flambée, is a classic Alsatian dish featuring a thin, crispy crust topped with a rich crème fraîche mixture, smoky bacon, and sweet onions. It's a rustic and satisfying meal, perfect for a casual dinner or appetizer.
35 min 646 kcal