If you love vibrant, zesty flavors that instantly transport you to the bustling streets of Thailand, this Tom Yum Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful balance of spicy, sour, and savory notes with fresh herbs that make every spoonful comforting yet exciting. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned fan, this soup manages to feel both exotic and approachable—a true kitchen favorite that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Tom Yum Soup Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a vital role in delivering an authentic taste. From the fragrant lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves to the spicy chilies and fresh shrimp, every component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or aroma to make the soup truly unforgettable.
- Chicken broth: The rich, savory base that carries all the beautiful flavors.
- Water: Used to balance and adjust the soup’s intensity perfectly.
- Lemongrass stalks: Adds a bright, citrusy note, crucial for that fresh Thai flavor.
- Kaffir lime leaves: Imparts a unique, aromatic citrus essence distinctive to Tom Yum.
- Galangal slices: This root brings a sharp, peppery zest and subtle ginger undertones.
- Thai bird chilies: Crushed to provide the signature spicy kick.
- Shrimp: Fresh and peeled, it offers a tender, sweet protein contrast.
- Mushrooms: Their earthiness softens the spice, adding a lovely texture.
- Tomato: Introduces a slight tang and juicy sweetness.
- Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Fish sauce: Essential for umami, contributing a salty, savory punch.
- Lime juice: Brightens the soup with crisp, refreshing sourness.
- Sugar: Balances acidity and heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro: Adds a fresh, vibrant herbaceous finish.
- Coconut milk (optional): For a creamy twist that mellows the heat without losing flavor.
How to Make Tom Yum Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by bringing the chicken broth and water to a boil in a pot. Add the smashed lemongrass stalks, torn kaffir lime leaves, and galangal slices. Let these simmer gently for about 10 minutes so the broth gets infused with their intense, fragrant flavors. This step builds the aromatic foundation that makes Tom Yum Soup Recipe so distinctive.
Step 2: Add the Heat and Vegetables
Next, toss in the crushed Thai bird chilies, sliced mushrooms, tomato quarters, and sliced onion. Simmer for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and infuse their flavors without losing that refreshing brightness.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the bubbling pot. They only need about 3-4 minutes to turn perfectly pink and tender—don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery! The shrimp takes on all the delicious broth flavors here, becoming the star protein of this Tom Yum Soup Recipe.
Step 4: Season to Perfection
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust as needed—Tom Yum thrives on balanced seasoning with spicy, salty, and sour notes playing together. If you want a creamier version, add the coconut milk now, stirring gently to combine without breaking the soup’s delicate structure.
How to Serve Tom Yum Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Tom Yum Soup Recipe from wonderful to unforgettable, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top just before serving. The herbs add an uplifting brightness and beautiful pop of green color that makes it feel fresh and vibrant. For those who love a bit more punch, extra sliced chilies or a squeeze of lime are perfect finishing touches.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with simple jasmine rice, which helps mellow the heat and soak up the flavorful broth. You can also serve it alongside other Thai favorites like sticky rice or fresh vegetable spring rolls to create a delightful meal. The light textures and fresh flavors of sides complement the soup’s lively character wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Tom Yum Soup Recipe in small, individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or extra herbs. You can also hollow out a small coconut or mini pumpkins for a unique and festive presentation that will wow guests. This soup’s lively colors and fragrant ingredients lend themselves well to playful and stunning plating ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Tom Yum Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully as it rests, though the shrimp texture may soften a bit, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within that timeframe for peak taste and texture.
Freezing
While the broth freezes well on its own, freezing the complete soup with shrimp and fresh herbs is not ideal as it can affect texture and flavor. You can freeze the broth base separately and add fresh shrimp and herbs when reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Tom Yum Soup Recipe gently over low heat to avoid breaking the delicate flavors. Add fresh lime juice, cilantro, or chilies after warming to regain that just-cooked brightness and vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I make Tom Yum Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace shrimp with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version that still captures the soup’s iconic flavors.
What if I can’t find galangal?
If galangal isn’t available, fresh ginger is the best substitute. While the flavor won’t be identical, ginger still provides the spicy, aromatic punch crucial for this soup.
How spicy is Tom Yum Soup?
Tom Yum Soup Recipe is known for its lively heat, but you can easily adjust the number of chilies or remove the seeds to make it milder without losing flavor complexity.
Can I use other proteins besides shrimp?
Definitely! Chicken, fish, or even mixed seafood work beautifully in Tom Yum Soup Recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking delicate proteins.
What’s the purpose of kaffir lime leaves?
Kaffir lime leaves add a unique aromatic citrus flavor that defines Tom Yum Soup. If unavailable, you can substitute with a mix of lime zest and bay leaves, though the taste won’t be quite the same.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a Tom Yum Soup Recipe right at home—its vibrant flavors feel like a warm hug and an adventure all at once. I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a little bit of Thailand’s magic into your kitchen. Trust me, once you taste this perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes to brighten any day.
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Tom Yum Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Tom Yum Soup is a classic Thai hot and sour soup featuring fragrant herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, balanced with spicy bird chilies and savory shrimp. This 30-minute recipe yields a flavorful, comforting dish that can be made with or without coconut milk for a creamy twist.
Ingredients
Broth and Herbs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 3 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 2–3 Thai bird chilies, crushed
Main Ingredients
- 200 grams (about 7 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small tomato, quartered
- 1 small onion, sliced
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (for a creamy version)
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: In a large pot, combine chicken broth and water. Add smashed lemongrass stalks, torn kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, and crushed Thai bird chilies. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Add vegetables and shrimp: Add sliced mushrooms, quartered tomato, and sliced onion to the broth. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then add peeled and deveined shrimp. Continue to cook until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the soup: Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, balancing salty, sour, and sweet flavors.
- Add coconut milk (optional): For a creamy Tom Yum variation, stir in the coconut milk and heat gently without boiling to prevent curdling.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot, ideally with steamed jasmine rice or as a starter to a Thai meal.
Notes
- Galangal can be substituted with fresh ginger if unavailable, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- Adjust the number of bird chilies according to your desired spice level.
- The coconut milk is optional; traditional Tom Yum is clear and spicy, while coconut milk adds creaminess and mellows heat.
- Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit shrimp.
