How to Make Tom Yum Soup: Classic Thai Recipe

Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Bring the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen with this Tom Yum Soup recipe! Known for its rich and tangy taste, Tom Yum Soup combines shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, and other classic Thai ingredients. Perfectly balanced with a blend of spicy, sour, and creamy elements, this soup is a comforting choice for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Main Ingredients:
  • Whole prawns/shrimp (with heads and shells) – 400g
  • Water – 1 L
  • Shrimp stock – 750 ml
  • Lemongrass, cut – 30g
  • Galangal, sliced – 30g
  • Lemon and lime leaves – as required
  • Red chili slices – 4 pcs
  • Cooking oil – 1 tsp
• Soup Add-Ins:
  • Oyster mushrooms, thickly sliced – 80g
  • Tomato, cut into wedges – 1
  • Medium onion, cut into wedges – 1
  • Sugar – to taste
  • Tom Yum paste – 2.5 tbsp
  • Evaporated milk – 80 ml
  • Fish sauce – 1 tbsp
  • Lemon juice – 1 tsp
  • Fresh coriander or cilantro, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Stock

1. Remove heads and shells from shrimp; set aside the meat.
2. Heat oil in a stockpot, add shrimp heads and shells, stir until they change color (about 3 minutes).
3. Add water, bring to a boil, skim any foam, then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Strain the stock and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Soup Broth

1. In the stockpot, heat Tom Yum paste for 1 minute.
2. Add galangal, lemongrass, and red chilies, slightly crushing to release flavors.
3. Tear and add lime leaves, then pour in shrimp stock. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Ingredients and Finish Soup

1. Add shrimp, onions, and mushrooms. Simmer 3 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes, simmer for 1 more minute.
3. Stir in sugar, fish sauce, and lemon juice. Adjust to taste.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle soup into bowls, adding shrimp and vegetables.
2. Add a splash of evaporated milk to each bowl.
3. Garnish with coriander, chili slices, and a cooked shrimp head, if desired.

Optional Variation: Creamy Tom Yum with Coconut Milk

Substitute coconut milk for evaporated milk for a creamier, coconut-infused flavor.

Try our other Thai recipe – kung pao chicken

Tips for the Perfect Tom Yum Soup

• Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves add authentic flavor.
• Watching Shrimp Cooking Time: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• Balancing Flavors Carefully: Adjust sugar, lime, and fish sauce for a harmonious balance of sweet, sour, and salty.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 15g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tom Yum Soup as a starter or alongside Thai-style fried rice for a complete meal. The soup’s spicy, tangy notes pair perfectly with a cool Thai iced tea.

Tom Yum Soup offers authentic Thai flavors, making it ideal for spice lovers and those seeking a delicious, satisfying meal. Enjoy every spoonful of this vibrant, flavorful soup!