Worth The Hunt
The Recipe · No.1187 · Gaeng Som

Gaeng Som, and where to source it

Gaeng Som — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Gaeng Som Thai 5best2buy.com

Blend a spoonful of the cooked fish into the curry paste so it dissolves into the broth and gives body without any coconut milk.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Makes4 bowls
CuisineThai
Cost$$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains  fish · shellfish · soy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 bowls
gaeng som curry paste
1/4 cup
60 g
Local / market
firm white fish fillet
1 lb
450 g
Local / market
tamarind paste
3 tbsp
45 g
fish sauce
3 tbsp
45 ml
palm sugar
1 tbsp
15 g
Local / market
daikon and green beans
2 cups
300 g
Local / market
shrimp paste
1 tsp
5 g
fresh turmeric
1 thumb
20 g
Local / market
cabbage or napa, chopped
2 cups
150 g
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Bring water to a boil and poach a small piece of the fish until just cooked, then pound or blend it into the curry paste to loosen it.6 min
  2. Whisk the fishy paste into the boiling water to make a thin orange broth and let it simmer.4 min
  3. Season with tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar, aiming for a sharp sour-salty balance.3 min
  4. Add the firmer vegetables first and cook until nearly tender, then the softer greens.6 min
  5. Slip in the remaining fish and simmer gently until just cooked through, then serve with plenty of rice.5 min
The Toolkit

soup pot · blender or mortar · ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Gaeng Som in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze Gaeng Som? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Gaeng Som ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Gaeng Som gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Gaeng Som vegan? — No

No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1187