Thai Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour dish bursting with fresh flavors. It features shrimp, mushrooms, and fragrant herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves for a wonderful aroma.
You can’t help but smile when you take a sip of this soup! 🌶️ It warms you up from the inside out. I love enjoying it with some jasmine rice to make a perfect meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemongrass: This gives the soup a fresh, citrusy flavor. If you can’t find it, lime zest or lemon zest can be a good substitute, though it’s not quite the same.
Kaffir Lime Leaves: These leaves add a unique aroma. If unavailable, try lime zest or bay leaves, but the flavors won’t be identical.
Galangal: This root adds warmth and spice. Fresh ginger can stand in if you can’t find galangal, but use a smaller amount as ginger is stronger.
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is often best, but frozen shrimp works just as well. You can also use tofu or chicken for a different twist!
Mushrooms: I love straw mushrooms for their texture, but button mushrooms or shiitake work great too. Feel free to use whichever you have on hand!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Broth?
Getting your broth just right is essential, as it is the heart of the soup. Start by boiling your chicken stock or water, then add your aromatic ingredients. The key is to let them simmer to release their flavors.
- Bathe your lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies in the boiling broth for at least 7 minutes. This extracts all the fragrant oils!
- Add your onion, mushrooms, and tomatoes afterward, so they stay tender and fresh, not mushy.
Stay patient and let the broth do its magic – it makes all the difference in taste!
Delicious Thai Tom Yum Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 4 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed or chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1-inch piece galangal, sliced
For the Soup:
- 200g (7 oz) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup straw mushrooms or sliced button mushrooms
- 2-3 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
- 1-2 cubes soft tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces (optional)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Thai basil leaves
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful Thai Tom Yum Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes from start to finish, so you can enjoy a bowl of warm, comforting soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with a Flavorful Broth:
In a pot, bring the chicken stock or water to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the smashed lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai bird’s eye chilies. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse all the lovely flavors into the broth. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!
2. Add the Veggies:
Now it’s time to add the sliced onion, mushrooms, and halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Continue simmering for another 3-5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender, and the flavors meld beautifully.
3. Spice It Up:
Stir in the chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) and fish sauce to enhance the flavor. Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning if you like it a bit saltier with more fish sauce. Remember, it’s all about finding your perfect balance!
4. Add the Shrimp and Tofu:
Next, gently add the shrimp and tofu cubes into the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a lovely pink. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can get tough!
5. Finish Up with Lime:
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lime juice. This gives your soup that classic sour zing that makes Tom Yum soup so special!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Pour your delicious soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves. Don’t forget to serve with lime wedges on the side—squeeze some extra lime juice over your soup for an extra burst of freshness!
Enjoy your warm, spicy, and tangy Thai Tom Yum Soup! It’s a perfect dish to share and savor.
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or even fish. If using chicken, make sure to cut it into thin slices and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the pot.
How Do I Store Leftover Tom Yum Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat the shrimp as they can become rubbery!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and omit the shrimp. You can add more tofu or a variety of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
What Can I Serve with Tom Yum Soup?
Tom Yum soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs well with jasmine rice or rice noodles. You can also serve it with a side of spring rolls or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
