Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Tom Yum Soup is a fragrant, spicy, and sour soup that is a staple in Thai cuisine. Known for its bold flavors, it combines a harmonious mix of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili with shrimp or chicken. This iconic soup is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing, making it perfect for any season.

ingredients

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

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed
3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to desired spice level)
3-4 slices galangal or ginger
1 medium onion, quartered
1 medium tomato, cut into wedges
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
12 oz shrimp (or chicken breast), peeled and deveined
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp lime juice (adjust to taste)
1 tsp sugar
Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

directions

In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, galangal, and onion to the pot. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
Add the tomato and mushrooms, and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
Stir in the shrimp (or chicken), fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and the chicken is fully cooked.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice or fish sauce if desired.
Remove from heat and discard the lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal slices.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for a richer flavor.
Use tofu or vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Replace shrimp with fish or beef for a different twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Tom Yum Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat. The soup may thicken over time, so you can add a bit of water or broth to thin it out if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Tom Yum Soup without shrimp?
Yes, you can use chicken, tofu, or just vegetables to make it vegetarian.

What gives Tom Yum Soup its signature flavor?
The combination of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, and chilies creates the unique spicy, sour, and savory taste.

Can I make Tom Yum Soup in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the broth and ingredients ahead of time, then cook the shrimp and vegetables when you’re ready to serve.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, by adding more or fewer bird’s eye chilies or adjusting the amount of chili paste, you can control the level of heat.

What is the best broth to use?
Chicken or vegetable broth works best for a rich flavor base, but you can also use seafood broth for a deeper seafood taste.

Conclusion

Thai Tom Yum Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish that is perfect for those who enjoy bold, aromatic flavors. With its spicy, sour, and savory profile, this soup is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold day or craving something with a little kick, this Tom Yum Soup will not disappoint.