Tom Yum Tilapia: Spicy Thai Fish Soup with No Fishy Taste

Discover the recipe for tom yum tilapia, a hot, sour and fragrant Thai classic that is simple, healthy and full of flavor, along with the tricks that keep the fish from tasting fishy.

Come into the kitchen and make tom yum tilapia (Nile tilapia in a hot and sour herbal broth). The main ingredients are a whole tilapia, mushrooms of your choice and galangal. You bring the herbs to a boil first, add the fish, then the straw mushrooms, and finish with sugar, fish sauce and lime juice. The fish stays soft but firm, never mushy, never fishy, and the broth is perfumed with Thai herbs. Serve it over steaming rice and it is even better.

Before we get to the recipe, let us take a quick look at why tilapia is good for you and how to make fish tom yum without any fishy smell.

Health benefits of tilapia

1. Supports the brain and nervous system. Tilapia contains omega-3 fatty acids, which support memory and may help lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
2. An excellent source of protein that helps build muscle and repair the body.
3. Low in fat and calories, which makes it ideal for anyone watching their weight or eating healthily.
4. Low in sodium, so it suits people managing kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
5. Heart-friendly. Its lean, cholesterol-free protein helps reduce fat build-up in the body, supporting the prevention of atherosclerosis, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
6. Helps slow premature aging. Natural collagen in the fish helps protect cells and keeps skin hydrated, bright and firm.

Secrets to fish tom yum with no fishy taste

• Choose the freshest fish. The eyes should be clear, not cloudy; the gills bright red and the scales tight. Fresh fish smells far less fishy and tastes sweeter than fish that has sat around.
• Wash the fish with salt. Rub salt all over the fish, then rinse under clean water 2 to 3 times until the fishy smell is gone before cooking.
• Skim the scum and do not stir. Skim off the foam that rises as the fish cooks, and avoid stirring until the fish is done, otherwise it breaks apart and releases a fishy smell.

Tom Yum Tilapia Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 whole tilapia, cleaned and cut into chunks
• Straw mushrooms, or any mushrooms you like
• 2 cups sliced galangal (fresh ginger can stand in, though the flavor differs)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
• 5 kaffir lime leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Juice of 2 limes
• Fish sauce, to taste
• Dried chilies, to taste
• Fresh chilies, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the galangal, lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
2. Add the fish and salt, turn the heat up and bring back to a rolling boil, skimming off any foam. Cook until the fish is just done.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Add the fresh chilies and season with sugar. Turn off the heat, then stir in the fish sauce and lime juice.
5. Finish with the dried chilies, ladle into bowls and serve hot with rice.

Spicy, sour tom yum tilapia with soft, intact fish, no fishy taste and the full fragrance of Thai herbs. Hungry yet? Tie on your apron and head to the kitchen.