Tom Yum Soup

Introduction

Tom Yum Soup is a famous Thai dish that is spicy, sour, and full of flavor. It warms your heart and lifts your spirits. This soup is loved by many and is easy to make at home. If you enjoy bold flavors, you will adore this recipe!

Why Make This Recipe

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy! It’s packed with fresh ingredients like shrimp, mushrooms, and herbs, making it a wonderful choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, you can whip it up in no time! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal with family.

How to Make Tom Yum Soup

Making Tom Yum Soup is simple and quick. Just follow these easy steps and you will have a warm, tasty bowl of soup in about 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
3-4 stalks lemongrass (cut into 3-inch pieces, smashed)
3-4 kaffir lime leaves (torn into pieces)
2-3 slices galangal or ginger (optional if galangal is unavailable)
3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies (crushed, adjust to taste)
200g (7 oz) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
200g (7 oz) mushrooms (sliced, preferably straw mushrooms)
2-3 medium tomatoes (cut into wedges)
1 small onion (sliced)
3 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp sugar
2-3 tbsp Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Optional: Thai chili oil or extra lime wedges for serving

Directions:

In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.
Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger slices, and bird’s eye chilies. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add the mushrooms, tomatoes, and onions to the pot. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and Thai chili paste. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Let the soup simmer for another minute or two.
Remove from heat and discard the lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves.
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with optional chili oil or lime wedges.

How to Serve Tom Yum Soup

Serve your Tom Yum Soup hot in a bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a nice touch. You can also add a few lime wedges or a drizzle of chili oil on top for extra flavor!

How to Store Tom Yum Soup

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2-3 days. Just reheat before serving. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it, but the shrimp may not taste as fresh when thawed.

Tips to Make Tom Yum Soup

Adjust the spiciness by using fewer chilies.
If you cannot find galangal, just use ginger as a substitute; it still tastes great.
For a vegetarian version, simply use vegetable broth and add more veggies like bell peppers and tofu.

Variation

You can add other proteins like chicken or tofu instead of shrimp. Feel free to mix in different vegetables like bok choy or snow peas for more variety.

FAQs

Can I make Tom Yum Soup without shrimp?
Yes! You can skip the shrimp and use more vegetables or tofu for a vegetarian version.

What can I use instead of Thai bird’s eye chilies?
You can use regular red chili flakes or jalapeños for a milder spice.

How spicy is Tom Yum Soup?
The spiciness depends on how many chilies you add. Adjust it to your taste for a milder or spicier soup.

Enjoy making this delightful Tom Yum Soup that brings a taste of Thailand to your kitchen!