Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is a quintessential Thai dish, celebrated globally for its vibrant and aromatic profile. This soup captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine, offering a masterful balance of sour, spicy, salty, and savory flavors in every spoonful. Perfectly light yet deeply satisfying, it is an ideal starter or a main course when paired with the right accompaniments.

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Creating an authentic Tom Yum broth starts with infusing the stock with crushed aromatics. As the lemongrass, galangal, and chiles simmer, they release oils that transform a simple base into a complex, medicinal, and invigorating soup that clears the senses and warms the soul.

Ingredients

• Broth Base
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 3 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
• 2 Thai birds eye chiles, sliced (adjust to taste)
• Vegetables & Aromatics
• 200 g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• Protein
• 300 g (10 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined (or tofu for vegetarian option)
• Seasonings & Finish
• 3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp chili paste (nam prik pao), optional
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Lime wedges, to serve

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 medium pot, bring the stock to a gentle boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chiles, garlic, and onion. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors infuse.

Step 2

Add mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.

Step 3

Add shrimp (or tofu) and simmer just until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 2–3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili paste if using. Taste and adjust seasoning for salt, sourness, and heat as desired.

Step 5

Remove from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cilantro and green onions. Serve with lime wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To achieve the best results, use a medium pot and a knife and cutting board to prep all ingredients before starting. While the aromatics like lemongrass and galangal are essential for flavor, they are not typically eaten; you may use a strainer to remove them before serving if you prefer a clearer broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock, use tofu instead of shrimp, and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce. You can also customize the texture by adding straw mushrooms or baby corn. Please note that the standard recipe contains shellfish and fish allergens.

Serviervorschläge

Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls using a ladle. For a more substantial meal, pair this soup with a side of steamed jasmine rice, which helps soak up the flavorful broth. Don't forget to serve with extra lime wedges on the side for those who prefer an extra citrusy kick.

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This Tom Yum Soup is not only a delight for the palate but also fits into a balanced diet with 180 calories and 22g of protein per serving. Enjoy this taste of Thailand in the comfort of your own home!

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

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Recipe FAQ

→ What makes Tom Yum soup taste authentic?

The key to authentic Tom Yum lies in the holy trinity of Thai aromatics: lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. These ingredients should be smashed or torn before adding to the broth to release their essential oils. Using fresh Thai chiles rather than dried ones provides the characteristic heat, while fresh lime juice (not bottled) delivers the essential sour element. The addition of nam prik pao (chili paste) adds depth and a slight sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile.

→ Can I make Tom Yum vegetarian?

Absolutely. Substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock, replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative, and use firm tofu instead of shrimp. The tofu should be added in the final few minutes just to heat through. The aromatic base of lemongrass, galangal, and lime remains the same, so you'll still get that characteristic Tom Yum flavor profile.

→ How spicy is this Tom Yum soup?

As written with two Thai birds eye chiles, this soup has a medium-high spice level that provides noticeable heat without being overwhelming. Thai chiles are quite potent, so if you prefer milder heat, start with one chile or remove the seeds. For those who love intense spice, you can increase to three or four chiles. Always remember you can add more heat, but you can't take it away.

→ Can I make Tom Yum soup ahead of time?

The broth base can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors often develop and improve overnight. However, add the shrimp (or tofu) and fresh vegetables just before serving, as they can become overcooked and rubbery if reheated. The fresh garnish of cilantro and green onions should also be added right before serving to maintain their bright flavor and appearance.

→ What should I serve with Tom Yum soup?

Steamed jasmine rice is the perfect accompaniment to Tom Yum, helping to temper the heat and providing a neutral base for the bold flavors. For a complete Thai meal, consider serving it alongside spring rolls, green papaya salad, or a mild curry dish. The soup works as both an appetizer or, when served with rice, as a satisfying light main course.