Tom Yum Soup is a delicious Thai dish with a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for the first time or have tried it before, this soup brings the taste of Thailand to your kitchen. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Tom Yum Soup, along with helpful tips and variations.
Why We Love This Tom Yum Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons why Tom Yum Soup stands out among other soups. Not only does it bring a perfect balance of flavors, but it’s also incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and filled with fresh ingredients that make each spoonful a vibrant experience.
- A Flavor Explosion: One of the main reasons Tom Yum Soup is so beloved is the depth of its flavor. With the kick of chili, the tang of lime, and the aroma of fresh herbs, each bite is an exciting burst of flavor. It’s a soup that offers the perfect balance of heat, sourness, and savory notes.
- Quick and Easy: Whether you’re in a rush or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a steaming bowl of Tom Yum Soup without any fuss.
- Health Benefits: Tom Yum Soup is low in calories yet high in flavor and nutrients. It’s packed with fresh herbs, vegetables, and lean proteins, making it a light but satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu, Tom Yum Soup can be easily customized to your taste. Want it spicier? Add more chili. Want a richer soup? Try adding coconut milk. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
Shrimp – Shrimp is a key ingredient in this Tom Yum Soup recipe, providing a sweet, delicate flavor that complements the bold spices in the broth.
Lemongrass – Lemongrass is essential in this Tom Yum Soup recipe for its citrusy, fragrant flavor. It’s used to infuse the broth with a refreshing note.
Kaffir lime leaves – Kaffir lime leaves bring a sharp, fragrant lime flavor that’s unmistakable in Tom Yum Soup. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it is a signature part of the soup’s flavor profile.
Bird’s eye chilies – Bird’s eye chilies are used to bring heat and spiciness to the Tom Yum Soup recipe. These small but fiery chilies are key for achieving the soup’s signature spiciness.
Mushrooms – Mushrooms, typically straw or oyster mushrooms, are commonly added to Tom Yum Soup for their earthy flavor and texture. They absorb the broth’s spices and add a satisfying bite.
Chicken broth – Chicken broth forms the base of the Tom Yum Soup recipe, bringing depth of flavor. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or even shrimp stock if you want an extra seafood flavor.
How to Make Tom Yum Soup
Making Tom Yum Soup at home is simple, especially when you follow these easy-to-understand steps. Here’s a quick guide on how to make this soup from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, Thai bird’s eye chilies, and onion. Let the broth simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors from the herbs and spices to infuse into the liquid. This step is essential for building the signature Tom Yum flavor.
Step 2: Add Protein and Vegetables
Once your broth is aromatic, it’s time to add your choice of protein. Whether you’ve chosen shrimp, chicken, or tofu, add it to the pot along with the sliced mushrooms. Allow the shrimp to cook until it turns pink (about 3-5 minutes), or if using chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked through (about 10 minutes).
Step 3: Season the Soup
Now that your broth and protein are ready, it’s time to add the seasoning. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and tamarind paste (if using). Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you prefer a more tangy flavor, add more lime juice. If you’d like it saltier, add more fish sauce.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined, remove the pot from heat. Serve your Tom Yum Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges, adding an extra burst of freshness. For an extra kick, you can drizzle in some chili paste or serve alongside rice for a more filling meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Tom Yum Soup
To elevate your Tom Yum Soup to the next level, here are a few expert tips:
For Maximum Flavor: Let the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies simmer for a longer time to extract the maximum flavor from the herbs. The longer the herbs steep in the broth, the more aromatic and flavorful your soup will be.
Adjust the Heat: Tom Yum Soup is traditionally spicy, but you can control the heat based on your preference. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with fewer bird’s eye chilies and gradually add more if desired. You can also remove the chilies from the broth before serving if you want the flavor without the burn.
Balance the Flavors: The perfect Tom Yum Soup should have a harmonious balance of sourness from the lime, saltiness from the fish sauce, and heat from the chilies. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go to achieve the right flavor profile.
Herb Freshness Matters: Fresh lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are crucial for an authentic Tom Yum flavor. Avoid using dried herbs as they won’t provide the same vibrant and fragrant aroma.
Variations of Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some popular variations:
Tom Yum Goong (Shrimp): The classic Tom Yum, made with succulent shrimp. The natural sweetness of shrimp enhances the soup’s flavor and gives it a delicate touch.
Tom Yum Gai (Chicken): A heartier option, made with chicken breast. This variation provides a satisfying, meaty texture to the soup.
Vegetarian Tom Yum: For a vegetarian-friendly version, swap the meat for tofu and use vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies like baby corn, bell peppers, or bok choy.
Creamy Tom Yum: If you love a richer, creamier version of Tom Yum, add a bit of coconut milk to the broth. The coconut milk softens the heat from the chilies and adds a creamy texture to the soup.
Serving Suggestions for Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with side dishes that complement its flavors.
Pair with Jasmine Rice: Serve your Tom Yum Soup with a side of steamed Jasmine rice. The fragrant rice complements the spicy soup and helps balance the strong flavors.
Thai-style Salad: Pair your soup with a refreshing Thai cucumber salad. The cool, crisp vegetables and tangy dressing provide a wonderful contrast to the heat of the soup.
Add Extra Garnishes: To add more layers of flavor, top your soup with fresh herbs like basil and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds an extra burst of freshness.
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FAQs About Tom Yum Soup Recipe
What is the best protein to use in Tom Yum Soup?
Shrimp is the most traditional protein, but chicken or tofu also work wonderfully. Each protein adds its own unique flavor to the soup.
Is Tom Yum Soup healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean protein. It’s low in calories, making it a healthy meal option.
Can I make Tom Yum Soup spicier?
Absolutely! Add more bird’s eye chilies or chili paste to increase the heat level. Just be careful, as this soup can become quite spicy.
How can I make my Tom Yum Soup more flavorful?
Let the herbs and spices simmer longer to extract the maximum flavor. Also, taste and adjust the seasoning until you achieve a perfect balance of sour, salty, and spicy.
Can I store leftover Tom Yum Soup?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it and reheat it when ready to enjoy.
tom yum soup recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 stalk Lemongrass cut into pieces and bruised
- 4-6 leaves Kaffir lime leaves torn into pieces
- 3-4 Bird’s eye chilies smashed
- 1 small Onion sliced
- 2-3 Thai chilies sliced
- 1 cup Mushrooms sliced
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Fish sauce
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lime juice fresh
- 1 tbsp Tamarind paste optional
- to taste Salt
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a large pot. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and onion. Let the broth simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add the shrimp (or chicken or tofu) and mushrooms. Cook until the shrimp turns pink (about 3-5 minutes) or chicken is fully cooked (about 10 minutes).
- Add fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and tamarind paste (if using). Stir and taste the broth, adjusting seasoning if needed. For a more tangy flavor, add more lime juice, or add more fish sauce for saltiness.
- Remove the pot from heat and serve hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Optionally, drizzle chili paste or serve with rice for a filling meal.