Tom Yum Soup Recipe | Spicy and Sour Thai Soup with Bold Flavors

Tom Yum Soup is a quintessential Thai dish, famous for its perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. With its refreshing herbal base, combined with the heat of Thai chilies and the tang of lime and lemongrass, this soup is an explosion of flavor in every spoonful.

The beauty of Tom Yum Soup lies in its versatility. While the classic version is made with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), you can easily swap out the protein for chicken, tofu, or mushrooms, making it a great option for everyone, whether you’re a seafood lover or a vegetarian.

Here’s how you can make this incredible soup at home.

What Is Tom Yum Soup?

Tom Yum (pronounced “tom yum”) is a classic Thai soup that is both spicy and sour, created with a rich broth of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients. The name itself gives you a clue:

• Tom refers to the boiling process.
• Yum refers to the Thai flavor profile, which is a combination of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet.

Typically made with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), but it can also be made with chicken, fish, or tofu, this soup is aromatic, light, and flavorful. The main flavor components are lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal (a type of ginger), and Thai chilies. This soup is perfect when you need something fresh, spicy, and healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is easy to prepare and uses simple, fresh ingredients that give the soup its bold flavors.

For the broth

• 6 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass (cut and bruised)
• 4-5 kaffir lime leaves (torn or shredded)
• 4-5 slices galangal (or fresh ginger if unavailable)
• 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies (or adjust to your spice level)
• 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar (to balance the sourness)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (or to taste)

For the protein and vegetables

• 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined) or chicken (cut into thin slices)
• 1 cup mushrooms (straw mushrooms or oyster mushrooms work best)
• Optional: 1 small tomato (sliced) or baby corn for added texture

For garnish (optional)

• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Lime wedges
• Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for added depth (optional)
• Extra Thai bird’s eye chilies for garnish (optional)

How to Make Tom Yum Soup

Making Tom Yum Soup is relatively simple, and the process comes together quickly. The key is to balance the flavors of the broth before adding the protein and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the broth
   • In a large pot, add the water or broth and bring it to a boil.
   • Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chilies to the pot.
   • Let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes to allow the herbs to infuse the liquid.
2. Add the flavorings
   • Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking (more fish sauce for saltiness, more lime for extra tang, or sugar to balance the acidity).
3. Add the vegetables
   • Once the broth is flavorful, add the mushrooms and tomato (if using). Let them cook for 5–7 minutes until tender.
4. Add the protein
   • If you’re using shrimp, add them to the pot and cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.
   • If you’re using chicken, add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
5. Taste and adjust
   • Taste the soup one last time and adjust the seasoning—add more lime juice if you want it tangier, or more fish sauce for saltiness.
6. Serve
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, and a drizzle of chili paste or fresh chilies for added spice (optional).

Serve hot and enjoy the vibrant, bold flavors!

Tips for the Best Tom Yum Soup

Here are a few tips to ensure your Tom Yum Soup turns out perfect

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal provide the best aroma and flavor. If you can’t find these ingredients, try an Asian market or use dried versions.
• Adjust spice levels: The heat in Tom Yum comes from Thai bird’s eye chilies. Start with fewer chilies if you’re not a fan of intense spice, and adjust the heat to your liking.
• Balance flavors: The key to Tom Yum Soup is balancing the sour, salty, sweet, and spicy elements. Taste as you go and adjust with more lime, fish sauce, or sugar until you find the perfect balance.
• Add a chili paste: For extra depth, stir in a tablespoon of Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao). It adds a smoky, savory richness to the soup.

What to Serve with Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides to round out the meal.

Great pairings

• Steamed jasmine rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Thai spring rolls: Fresh or fried spring rolls with a dipping sauce complement the soup’s flavors.
• Thai fried rice: For a more filling meal, serve the soup with a side of Thai-style fried rice.
• Green salad: A simple green salad with a light dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the heat of the soup.

For drinks, try a cold Thai iced tea or coconut water to balance the spiciness.

Health Benefits of Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with health benefits

• Shrimp is high in protein and low in fat, making it a great option for a lean protein.
• Lemongrass has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can support your digestive and immune systems.
• Kaffir lime leaves and galangal have detoxifying properties and aid digestion.
• Chilies boost metabolism and are packed with vitamin C.
• Mushrooms are full of antioxidants and add flavor without extra calories.

This is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Make-Ahead Tips

Tom Yum Soup is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re meal prepping, here are some tips

• Prep the broth ahead: You can prepare the broth and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat and add the protein and vegetables.
• Store leftovers: The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove. The soup may get spicier as it sits, so you may want to add a little more lime juice to balance the flavor.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup without the shrimp or protein. Add fresh protein when you reheat it. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months.

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FAQS

1. Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

Yes! Tom Yum Soup can be made with chicken, tofu, or fish. Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work well, and you can also use mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

2. Can I make Tom Yum Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using tofu instead of shrimp or chicken, and replacing fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian-friendly version. The broth will still be packed with flavor from the herbs and lime.

3. How do I make Tom Yum Soup less spicy?

If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the number of Thai bird’s eye chilies or leave them whole to infuse the broth without releasing too much heat. You can also remove the chilies before serving.

4. Can I use dried herbs for Tom Yum Soup?

Fresh herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal provide the best flavor, but you can substitute dried versions if fresh ones are not available. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be less vibrant with dried herbs.

5. What is Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)?

Thai chili paste, or Nam Prik Pao, is a flavorful, mildly spicy paste made from roasted chilies, garlic, shallots, and spices. It adds a smoky, deep flavor to Tom Yum Soup. You can find it in most Asian markets or make it at home.

6. Can I make Tom Yum Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the broth ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 1–2 days. When you’re ready to serve, heat the broth and add the protein and vegetables. The flavors will even deepen after a day or two, making it even better.

7. Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, you can use store-bought vegetable or chicken broth, but the soup will taste fresher and more authentic if you make your own. You can also enhance store-bought broth with extra herbs like lemongrass and lime leaves.

8. How do I make Tom Yum Soup less salty?

If the soup is too salty, add more lime juice or a bit of sugar to balance the saltiness. You can also dilute it with a little water or extra broth if needed.

9. Can I use other vegetables in Tom Yum Soup?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like baby corn, bell peppers, or spinach. Just be sure to add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft or overcooked.

10. Is Tom Yum Soup healthy?

Yes, Tom Yum Soup is naturally low in calories, high in vitamins, and full of antioxidants. The ingredients—like chilies, lemongrass, and mushrooms—have anti-inflammatory properties, and the soup is full of protein and fiber.