Tom Yum Gai Thai Soup

Tom Yum Gai is a vibrant, aromatic Thai soup featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, tomatoes, and a bold, spicy-sour broth. Infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal, this dish captures the essence of traditional Thai cuisine in every steaming spoonful.

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This classic soup is renowned for its bold profile, balancing the heat of Thai birds eye chiles with the bright acidity of freshly squeezed lime juice. It is a satisfying meal that is both comforting and energizing, perfect for any season.

Ingredients

• Chicken: 350 g (12 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• Broth: 1.2 L (5 cups) chicken stock, 2 stalks lemongrass (smashed), 5 kaffir lime leaves (torn), 3 slices galangal (or fresh ginger), 2 Thai birds eye chiles (smashed)
• Vegetables: 150 g (5 oz) oyster or button mushrooms (sliced), 2 medium tomatoes (cut into wedges), 1 small onion (sliced)
• Seasonings: 2 tbsp nam prik pao (Thai roasted chili paste), 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
• Garnish: 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), 1–2 extra Thai chiles (sliced)

Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

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Instructions

Step 1

In a large saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a gentle boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and smashed chiles. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 2

Add the chicken slices and simmer for 3–4 minutes until just cooked through. Skim off any foam.

Step 3

Stir in the mushrooms, tomatoes, and onion. Simmer for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Step 4

Add nam prik pao, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Stir well and simmer for 2 more minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 5

Remove from heat. Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust sourness or salt as desired.

Step 6

Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and extra chiles, if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best preparation, ensure you use a large saucepan to allow the aromatics enough room to infuse the stock properly. Using a sharp knife and a sturdy cutting board will help you slice the chicken and vegetables thin and even, ensuring they cook perfectly in the simmering broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this dish by adding 1 tbsp of evaporated milk to the broth for a creamy Tom Yum. If you prefer seafood, substitute the chicken with shrimp to make Tom Yum Goong. Additionally, feel free to adjust the number of chiles to control the spiciness to your preference.

Serviervorschläge

Serve the soup piping hot in ceramic bowls, garnished generously with fresh cilantro and extra sliced chiles. Provide fresh lime wedges on the side so guests can adjust the sourness. This dish is excellent on its own or served alongside a portion of steamed jasmine rice.

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Whether you are seeking a quick weeknight meal or an authentic Thai experience, this Tom Yum Gai recipe is a versatile and impressive addition to your repertoire. Enjoy the balance of aromatic herbs and bold spices in every bowl.

Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.

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Recipe FAQ

→ What makes Tom Yum Gai different from other Thai soups?

Tom Yum Gai features the distinctive spicy-sour flavor profile from fresh chiles, lime juice, and aromatic herbs like lemongrass and galangal. The addition of nam prik pao (roasted chili paste) adds depth and umami that sets it apart from clearer Thai soups.

→ Can I make this soup less spicy?

Reduce the number of Thai birds eye chiles or remove them entirely after infusing the broth. You can also serve fresh chiles on the side so diners can adjust heat individually.

→ What can I substitute for galangal?

Fresh ginger makes an acceptable substitute for galangal, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Use slightly less ginger as it has a stronger bite than galangal.

→ Is nam prik pao essential?

Nam prik pao provides authentic depth and richness, but the soup will still be delicious without it. You can substitute with a small amount of chili garlic sauce for similar complexity.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding fresh lime juice before serving to brighten the flavors. The broth may intensify over time.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and may stay more tender during simmering. Slice them thinly against the grain for best results.