Help - why did my Tom Yum soup go bitter [Moved from South board]

[atlantanative]

I made Tom Yum soup yesterday and it was great - went back today and it had a bitter taste - what happened? I left a halved lime and some lemongrass in there - should I have taken it out? I tried to put a little sugar in to offset it, but don't want to make it sweet. Any thoughts?

[alkapal]

i'm with the "lime culprit" crowd.

[dreamsicle]

I made Tom Yum Kung a few days ago too. I didn't add limes to the soup, but left the lime leaves and other dried spices in it. There doesn't seem to be a bitter taste in my soup, so I suspect it's the lime giving that bitter flavor as well.

[atlantanative]

Thank you all for all the responses - it seems the lime is the consensus so here goes trial #2 with only lime JUICE!

[waver]

I have had the same problem. It might well be the lime or possibly the leaves, but I also think it could be the cilantro stems (if your recipe has them). Maybe don't use cilantro until you serve it.

[C. Hamster]

It's the lime. IMO it should never been IN the soup. Just the juice. Lime leaves can be left in.

[scubadoo97]

Absolutely it's the lime. Ever had left over sangria with cut citrus fruit in it the next day? The bitterness from the rind will really come out.

[carolinadawg]

FYI-I think you'll get more responses if you re-post this on the "Home Cooking" board.

[gg007]

I think carolinadawg is probably right about the "Home Cooking" board, but, I feel compelled to put in my two cents here, anyway.

I've made several versions of Tom Yum, and other Hot and Sour soups. They all seem to lack the "hot and sour" on the second day. Just add more "hot and sour", to correct. I think the bitterness must be due to the leftover lime half-- the peel and pith of a lime are very bitter.