Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Tom Yum Soup is a classic Thai dish known for its vibrant, bold flavors. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet, typically made with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. This comforting soup is quick to make and incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try for fans of Thai cuisine.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken or vegetable brothlemongrass stalkskaffir lime leavesgalangal slicesThai chilies (or red chili paste)mushrooms (such as oyster or button)shrimp (or chicken/tofu for variation)fish saucefresh lime juiceturbinado or white sugargreen onionscilantro

directions

Bring the broth to a simmer in a large pot over medium heat.

Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chilies to the pot and simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the broth.

Add the mushrooms and cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender.

Add shrimp (or chicken/tofu) and cook until just done, about 2-3 minutes for shrimp or longer for chicken.

Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, adjusting to taste.

Remove from heat and discard lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal slices.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions and cilantro.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Substitute coconut milk for part of the broth for a creamy version called Tom Kha.

Use squid or firm fish instead of shrimp for a seafood twist.

Add tomatoes for a slightly sweeter, richer broth.

Use tofu and vegetable broth for a vegan version.

storage/reheating

Store Tom Yum Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently over medium heat until hot, but avoid boiling to prevent overcooking the shrimp or tofu.

FAQs

What does Tom Yum mean?

“Tom” refers to the boiling process, while “Yum” refers to the spicy and sour flavor combination typical of Thai salads.

Is Tom Yum Soup very spicy?

It can be quite spicy, but you can adjust the number of chilies to your taste.

Can I make Tom Yum without galangal?

If unavailable, you can substitute with fresh ginger, though it will slightly alter the flavor.

Is fish sauce necessary?

Fish sauce adds a key umami flavor, but for a vegan version, you can use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.

Can I freeze Tom Yum Soup?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the broth without the shrimp for up to 2 months.

What mushrooms work best?

Oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms, or even button mushrooms work well.

How do I make it less sour?

Adjust the amount of lime juice to suit your preference.

What protein alternatives can I use?

Chicken, tofu, squid, or firm white fish are great options.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes, make the broth ahead and add the protein just before serving to keep it fresh.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, but make sure to use a gluten-free fish sauce or soy sauce substitute.

Conclusion

Thai Tom Yum Soup is a deliciously aromatic and flavorful dish that’s easy to make and perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With its bright, fresh taste and adaptable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a longtime fan. Give it a try and enjoy the taste of Thailand right at home!