Tom Yum Soup is a warm and zesty Thai dish that’s packed with bold flavors. It features a tasty broth filled with shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh herbs like cilantro and lemongrass.
This soup is like a hug in a bowl! I love slurping it up on a chilly day. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to match your mood—spicy or mild, it’s always a win! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth is essential for flavor. If you want a lighter version, you can use homemade broth or even water, but the depth of flavor may be less.
Lemongrass: It’s crucial for that signature aroma. If you can’t find it, you can use lime zest as a substitute, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Kaffir Lime Leaves: These add a unique scent. If unavailable, try using a small amount of normal lime zest, but use it sparingly.
Galangal: This root gives Tom Yum its distinct taste. Ginger can be used instead in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be the same—galangal is worth seeking out!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is great, but you can also use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they’re thoroughly thawed. Alternatively, some use tofu or chicken for a different texture.
How Do You Get the Most Flavor from the Broth?
Getting a flavorful broth is key to a great Tom Yum Soup. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with quality broth, whether it’s homemade or store-bought.
- Add aromatics at the start—lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal should simmer in the broth for at least 10 minutes to really bring out their flavors.
- If you prefer a clear broth without chunky bits, strain your aromatics after simmering, but feel free to leave them in for extra taste.
This helps make each bite aromatic and delicious, elevating your soup to another level!
What’s the Best Way to Balance Flavors?
The beauty of Tom Yum Soup is the balance of sour, salty, and spicy tastes. To achieve this:
- Add fish sauce for saltiness and umami. Start with 2 tablespoons, and taste before adding more.
- Use fresh lime juice to introduce sourness; this should be added at the end for a bright flavor.
- If you want heat, add bird’s eye chilies during cooking or chili paste at the end, adjusting to your heat preference.
- Never forget to taste test as you go! Adjust the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar until it’s just right.
Balancing these flavors is crucial to bring out the unique characteristics of Tom Yum Soup.
Tom Yum Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust for spice level)
- 200 grams (about 7 oz) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup straw mushrooms or button mushrooms, halved
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) or dry chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Fresh Thai basil or coriander leaves for garnish
- 2-3 cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tom Yum Soup can be prepared in about 20-25 minutes. You’ll start by simmering the broth with fragrant ingredients, then add in the main ingredients and let everything cook together. A quick and easy dish perfect for any day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Broth:
In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Once boiling, we’ll add our aromatic ingredients.
2. Add the Aromatics:
Add the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, and bird’s eye chilies to the boiling broth. Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes. This is where the flavors will start to come alive!
3. Optional Straining:
If you’d like a clearer broth, you can strain out the lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal pieces. But if you enjoy that intense flavor, feel free to leave them in!
4. Add Vegetables:
Next, toss in your mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and onion (if you’re using it). Let them simmer in the broth for about 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to add the star of the show! Add the fresh shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season to Perfection:
Stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, sugar, and chili paste or flakes (if using). Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want to balance the sour, salty, and spicy flavors to your liking.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the pot from heat. Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls.
8. Final Touches:
Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro and Thai basil or coriander leaves for an extra fresh flavor. Ready to enjoy!
9. Enjoy Your Soup:
Serve hot and enjoy the zesty, fragrant flavors of your homemade Tom Yum Soup. Perfect for a cozy meal!
This recipe captures the classic bright, spicy, and aromatic flavors you see in delicious Tom Yum Soup, paired beautifully with plump shrimp and fresh herbs. Enjoy your cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before adding them to the soup. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the shrimp with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also skip the fish sauce or substitute it with soy sauce or a little extra salt for added flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in a microwave, ensuring the shrimp is heated through without overcooking.
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve with Tom Yum Soup?
Tom Yum Soup is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with rice or fried rice to absorb the broth. A refreshing salad would also pair well to balance the flavors!
