Easy Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

The Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe is not as sour as it sounds. The Cambodian word for “sour soup” is “samlor machu,” and I wish there was a more accurate English version.

It’s not very sour, and the sour taste is only one of several in this comforting soup; subtle elements of sweetness, saltiness, and spice (but not extreme spice) also come through.

The components used in the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe might vary greatly from region to region. Lemongrass, galangal, cilantro, and other regional herbs, green onions, fish sauce, sugar, chilies, and a variety of meats are common ingredients.

Tamarind and/or lime are frequently used to provide the sour taste. The recipe calls for lime juice. This Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe, along with rice and several tasty garnishes, may constitute a full dinner in Cambodia.

---

Want more ideas to round-out your Cambodian Adventure?
A lot of great options are in these posts!

• The Budget Cambodia Travel Guide

---

Use this Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe as a starting point and adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your own tastes. The soup foundation can be prepared with either water alone, or with any combination of the additional liquids listed. It doesn’t take long to throw together the soup after you have all the ingredients diced and ready to go.

In Cambodia? Taking A Cooking Class

Siem Reap is a must-visit destination for anybody traveling through Cambodia. It’s the busy little town outside of the incredible Angkor Wat and the stunning Angkor monuments.

Because of all the visitors who have been coming to Siem Reap in the last 20 years, it has become a major cultural center for the entire world. In addition to the temples, there is also a plethora of other activities to partake in.

I highly recommend taking a cooking class to learn about the distinctive flavors and traditions of Cambodian cuisine when you need a break from seeing temples.

3 Reasons People Love the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

1. Flavorful and Aromatic: The special flavor and scent combination in a Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe is what makes it so popular. Flavors of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy come together to produce a delightful and complex taste that will make your mouth water.

Herbs and spices including lemongrass, ginger, and galangal are used to improve the dish’s aroma and taste.

2. Nutritious: This dish is nutritious since it contains several vitamins and minerals. Coconut milk, which is high in heart-healthy fats, and veggies, which are packed with fiber and minerals, are common components.

3. Easy to Make: This dish has an impressively sophisticated taste profile for how simple it is to prepare. You can make a fantastic lunch that will please your whole family with just a few inexpensive supplies and some time and effort.

How To Make Our Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

Ingredients: (8 Servings)

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 can (13.5 oz) of coconut milk
2 tablespoons palm sugar
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons tamarind paste
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 tomato, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
1 tablespoon chopped galangal
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and lemongrass, and cook until the onion is translucent.

2. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is no longer pink.

3. Stir in the red and yellow bell peppers, tomato, ginger, galangal, and chili flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

4. Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the palm sugar, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and lime juice. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir to combine.

6. Simmer the soup for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve the soup over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Information For the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

Calories: 400
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Cholesterol: 72 mg
Sodium: 1080 mg
Potassium: 636 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 10 g

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

Large saucepan or Dutch oven
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk or fork
Serving bowls and rice bowls
Serving spoon

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

The best way to store leftovers is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A glass container or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid works well. To reheat, simply place the container in the microwave or on the stove and heat until warm.

Substitutions For the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

Chicken: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version of the dish.
Coconut milk: For those who are lactose intolerant, you can substitute the coconut milk with coconut cream or coconut water.
Fish sauce:

Substitutions For the Vegetarian Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or miso paste.
Tamarind paste: If you can’t find tamarind paste, you can substitute it with lemon juice or vinegar.

Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation

Soak the tamarind paste in warm water for a few minutes before using it to make it easier to dissolve.
Toast the dried chili flakes in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the dish to enhance their flavor.
Use fresh herbs and spices, such as lemongrass and ginger, for a more robust flavor.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

Steamed rice
Fried rice
Spring rolls
Fresh fruit salad
Fried bananas
Sticky rice with mango

How To Serve the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

Serve the Cambodian sweet and soup over a bed of steamed rice.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve with additional fish sauce on the side for those who prefer a saltier taste.
Serve with spring rolls or fried rice for a complete meal.

FAQs About the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup Recipe

What makes the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe unique?
The Cambodian sweet and soup recipe is unique for its combination of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. The addition of herbs and spices, such as lemongrass, ginger, and galangal, also sets it apart from other sweet and sour dishes.

What type of protein can I use in the recipe?
The recipe traditionally uses chicken, but you can also use shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian version of the dish.

Can I make the recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the recipe by substituting the chicken with tofu or using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I make the recipe spicier or milder?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the recipe by increasing or decreasing the amount of dried red chili flakes used.

How long can I store leftovers of the Cambodian Sweet and Sour Soup recipe?
Leftovers of the Cambodian sweet and soup recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the container in the microwave or on the stove and heat until warm.

Final Thoughts

When exploring the stunning and mysterious nation of Cambodia, I stumbled upon a seemingly insignificant cuisine that has since become my absolute favorite. I refer to the Cambodia Sweet and Sour Soup recipe, a delicious mixture that you must try. Please allow me to explain why I am so taken with this wonderful work of art.

I fell in love with the Cambodia Sweet and Sour Soup recipe at first sight with its eye-popping hues and heady scent. There’s something about it that always takes me right back to Cambodia, with its crowded streets and peaceful temples.

Being an avid explorer and self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve learned to value the ways in which a meal can capture the essence of a destination, and this one doesn’t disappoint. As soon as I tasted it, it became emblematic of my time in Cambodia and all the wonderful things I experienced there.

The Cambodia Sweet and Sour Soup recipe is a classic Khmer dish that features the finest regional ingredients and spices. The meal begins with a tamarind soup that is both sour and sweet due to the addition of palm sugar.

Each bite becomes a new culinary journey because to the inclusion of fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. The skill and creativity of Cambodian chefs is on full display in this soup.

The adaptability of this dish is one of my favorite aspects about it. It’s a blank slate that can be used to showcase a variety of proteins, from exquisite shrimp to soft chicken or tofu. Green beans, eggplant, and bean sprouts are all examples of crisp, fresh veggies that pair well with the tender meats.

Fresh herbs, such as Thai basil and mint, are sprinkled on top for a finishing touch that adds a burst of vibrant, fragrant aromas.

Not only do the flavors and textures in the Cambodia Sweet and Sour Soup recipe stand out, but so too does the recipe’s ability to capture the spirit of Cambodian cuisine, which has deep roots in the country’s history and culture.

This meal enlightened me to the vestiges of French colonization and the impacts of Cambodia’s neighbors, namely Thailand and Vietnam. It’s a lovely tribute to the Khmer people, who have maintained their cultural traditions through the years without losing their taste for delicious food.

One of my favorite travel memories is sitting down to a warm bowl of one of Cambodia Sweet and Sour Soup recipe choices with a native or a fellow traveler. It wasn’t only the soup; it was also the people I met and the bonds we forged.

Whenever I make this dish at home, I think back on the kindness and generosity shown to me by my Cambodian hosts.

You May Want to Join Our Boondocking Group on Facebook For More Information

You May Want to Join Our Campfire Recipes Group on Facebook For More Information

For More Photos Visit Our Instagram at World Recipes Daily – Our Big Escape

---