Tom Yum Soup Recipe: A Spicy and Tangy Thai Classic

ByEmma

Tom Yum Soup is a beloved Thai dish known for its vibrant flavors, balancing spicy, sour, and aromatic ingredients. It’s the perfect comfort food when you’re craving something light yet packed with flavor. Here’s how you can make an authentic Tom Yum Soup at home!

Ingredients for Tom Yum Soup

To make this flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth (for a more authentic taste, use chicken broth)
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, cut into 4-inch pieces and smashed
  • 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
  • 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust for spice level)
  • 3-4 slices of galangal (or ginger as a substitute if unavailable)
  • 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced (straw mushrooms or button mushrooms work well)
  • 1-2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon of lime juice (fresh is best)
  • 1 tablespoon of chili paste (optional for extra depth of flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar (balances the sourness)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Pro Tip:

Kaffir lime leaves and galangal are essential for achieving that authentic Thai flavor. If you can’t find these ingredients at your local store, specialty Asian markets or online shops usually carry them.

Instructions to Make Tom Yum Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by bringing your chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal (or ginger), and bird’s eye chilies. Lower the heat and let the broth simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Shrimp

Once the broth is aromatic and infused with the spices, add the mushrooms and tomatoes to the pot. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes. Afterward, add the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.

Step 3: Season the Soup

Now it’s time to bring the balance of flavors into play. Add the fish sauce, lime juice, chili paste (optional), and sugar. Stir well and taste to adjust the seasoning. If you want a more sour flavor, add extra lime juice, or increase the fish sauce for a saltier taste.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Once the soup is perfectly balanced, remove it from the heat. Ladle it into bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Pro Tip:

For an extra kick, feel free to add more chilies or a touch of Thai chili oil to give the soup more heat and depth. Adjust the lime juice to your preferred level of tanginess—it’s a crucial component in achieving the authentic Tom Yum flavor!

Variations of Tom Yum Soup

  • Tom Yum Goong: This is the shrimp-based version of Tom Yum, which we made in this recipe. The shrimp adds a natural sweetness to balance the spiciness and sourness.
  • Tom Yum Gai: Replace shrimp with chicken for a poultry-based version. The cooking steps remain the same.
  • Tom Yum with Coconut Milk (Tom Yum Nam Khon): If you want to make the soup creamy, add a can of coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds richness and softens the sharp flavors of the soup.

Why You’ll Love Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is the epitome of balance in Thai cuisine, offering an explosion of umami, spice, sourness, and freshness in every spoonful. It’s also packed with healthy ingredients, including shrimp, mushrooms, and herbs—perfect for a light, yet satisfying meal. Plus, it’s quick to make, and you can customize the spice level based on your preference.

Pro Tip:

For a richer flavor, you can toast the lemongrass and galangal in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the broth. This step helps release their essential oils, enhancing the fragrance of your Tom Yum Soup.

Enjoy your homemade Tom Yum Soup with some steamed rice or on its own as a perfect starter or main dish!

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