Tom Yum Soup is a hot and sour Thai dish that packs a punch with its zesty flavors! It’s made with shrimp, fresh herbs, and a tasty broth that brings everything together.
This soup is perfect for those chilly nights when you need a warm hug in a bowl. I love adding a squeeze of lime just before serving—talk about refreshing! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Stock: You can use chicken or seafood stock as a base for this soup. If you prefer a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well too. I’ve found that homemade stock gives the best flavor, but store-bought is convenient and still delicious!
Shrimp: Large shrimp take this dish to a new level. If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have allergies, you can use tofu, chicken, or even mushrooms for a meat-free version. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Lemongrass: This ingredient adds vibrant citrus notes. If you can’t find it, lemon zest can work in a pinch, although it won’t be quite the same. I suggest still trying to find lemongrass when possible, as it really enhances the soup’s freshness.
Kaffir lime leaves: These leaves give the soup its unique aroma. If you can’t get them, use a little lime zest instead, but fresh kaffir lime leaves are truly worth seeking out!
How Do You Make Sure Your Soup Is Full of Flavor?
The secret to an aromatic and flavor-packed Tom Yum Soup lies in the way you prep your ingredients and use them in the cooking process. Start by simmering the broth with the herbs to release their essential oils.
- Bring your stock to a boil and throw in the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Let them simmer to infuse the broth for 5-10 minutes.
- Adding mushrooms and chilies next helps bring out their flavors, so let those cook until the mushrooms are tender.
- Finally, don’t forget to adjust your seasonings! Taste as you go to get just the right balance of salty, spicy, and sour with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste.
Following these steps will definitely help you achieve a robust and delicious soup. Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Tom Yum Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 4 cups chicken or seafood stock
- 2 stalks 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, crushed
For the Main Ingredients:
- 10 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (keep shells for stock if desired)
- 5-6 medium-sized straw mushrooms or button mushrooms, halved
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
For Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
- 2-3 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
- 1 small red chili, sliced thinly (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tom Yum Soup can be ready in about 25 minutes! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients, and the cooking takes around 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Stock:
Start by bringing the chicken or seafood stock to a boil in a medium pot. This will be the flavorful base for the soup.
2. Infuse the Broth:
Once the stock is boiling, add the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, and galangal slices. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes. This will let all those wonderful flavors meld together and aromatize your broth!
3. Add Vegetables and Heat:
Next, toss in the mushrooms, tomatoes, and the crushed bird’s eye chilies. Let the soup continue to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Season the Soup:
Now it’s time to add flavors! Stir in the fish sauce, chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), and sugar. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning until it’s perfect for you; we want to balance the salty, spicy, and sour notes!
5. Cook the Shrimp:
Add the peeled shrimp to your boiling broth. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them!
6. Add the Final Touches:
Once the shrimp are cooked, turn off the heat and stir in fresh lime juice for that zesty finish. This is what gives Tom Yum its signature hot and sour flavor.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and Thai basil if you’d like. You can also top with sliced red chili for an extra kick!
8. Enjoy Your Meal:
Serve your delicious Tom Yum Soup hot, ideally paired with steamed jasmine rice on the side. This meal is sure to warm you up and fill your kitchen with enticing aromas!
Enjoy cooking your Tom Yum Soup, and happy eating!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with tofu, chicken, or even fish. Just remember to adjust the cooking time—chicken will need a bit longer, while tofu can be added for just a few minutes to warm through.
How to Store Leftover Tom Yum Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of fresh broth or water to maintain the soup’s consistency.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
While fresh herbs like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are preferred for their vibrant flavors, you can use dried versions. Use about one-third of the quantity for dried herbs, as they tend to concentrate flavors. However, fresh is always best if you can find it!
What Can I Serve with Tom Yum Soup?
For a complete meal, serve your Tom Yum Soup with steamed jasmine rice on the side. Alternatively, pair it with rice noodles or a fresh salad if you prefer a lighter option.
