Zingy Tom Yum Soup: A Spicy Thai Delicacy Recipe

Adventurers seeking bold flavors will fall in love with this tom yum soup that captures Thailand’s culinary spirit.

Fragrant lemongrass and fiery chilies dance together in a broth bursting with complexity.

Bright herbs and tender shrimp create a symphony of taste sensations.

Each spoonful transports you to bustling Bangkok street markets with its intense aromatics.

Comfort meets excitement in this classic recipe that promises to awaken your palate.

Locals have perfected this dish through generations of passionate cooking.

Warm up your kitchen and let the magic of authentic thai cuisine unfold.

FAQs

• What makes Tom Yum Soup unique in Thai cuisine?

Tom Yum Soup is renowned for its complex flavor profile that perfectly balances spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet tastes, representing the hallmark of authentic Thai cooking.

• Is Tom Yum Soup typically spicy?

Yes, the soup is traditionally quite spicy, using Thai bird chilies that provide a sharp, intense heat characteristic of many Thai dishes. The spice level can be adjusted according to personal preference.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I can't find authentic Thai components?

While authentic ingredients like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves are ideal, you can use substitutes like ginger for galangal and lime zest for kaffir lime leaves, though the flavor profile will slightly change.

• Why do some recipes have a creamy version of Tom Yum Soup?

The creamy version (Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon) adds coconut milk, which softens the intense spiciness and creates a richer, smoother texture compared to the traditional clear broth version.

Why Tom Yum Soup: A Spicy and Sour Thai Delicacy Impresses

Savor Quick Exotic Flavors: Unleash the magic of Tom Yum Soup with these irresistible reasons!

• Speedster Meal: Whip up this authentic Thai soup in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes and time is short.
• Flavor Explosion: Experience a bold taste adventure with the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and aromatic ingredients that dance on your taste buds, creating a culinary symphony.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack a healthy punch with lean protein from shrimp, low-calorie vegetables, and immune-boosting herbs that deliver maximum nutrition in every spoonful.
• Versatile Comfort: Adapt the recipe easily by swapping shrimp with chicken or tofu, making it a flexible crowd-pleaser for various dietary preferences and cravings.

Tom Yum Soup: A Spicy and Sour Thai Delicacy Essentials

• Chicken Broth, Water: Core liquid foundation for the soup, providing depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.

• Lemongrass: Citrusy and fragrant herb that gives Tom Yum its signature tangy essence, choose fresh stalks with firm green tops.
• Kaffir Lime Leaves: Intense citrus aroma that adds distinctive Thai flavor, select dark green and glossy leaves without blemishes.
• Galangal: Spicy and sharp root similar to ginger, offering a unique zesty undertone, pick firm and fresh pieces.

• Shrimp: Primary protein adding sweetness and texture, select fresh or frozen medium-sized shrimp.
• Mushrooms: Provides earthy flavor and soft texture, white or straw mushrooms work best.
• Tomato, Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute natural sweetness and depth to the soup.

• Thai Bird Chilies: Intense heat source for the soup, choose bright red and firm chilies.
• Fish Sauce: Salty and umami element, select high-quality Thai brands for authentic taste.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and balances the flavors, use fresh lime juice.
• Sugar: Helps balance the spicy and sour notes, use white granulated sugar.

• Coconut Milk: Creates a rich and creamy version of Tom Yum, select full-fat coconut milk.

• Fresh Cilantro: Adds fresh herbaceous finish to the soup, choose bright green leaves.

Tom Yum Soup Prep for Bold Thai Flavors

Step 1: Brew Aromatic Base

Create a flavorful foundation by bringing chicken broth and water to a rolling boil in a large pot over medium heat.

The initial simmering process will set the stage for an incredible taste experience.

Step 2: Infuse Exotic Herbs

• Lemongrass stalks
• Kaffir lime leaves
• Galangal chunks
• Crushed Thai bird chilies

Reduce heat and let the herbs dance and release their magical essence for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Introduce Protein and Vegetables

• Shrimp
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Onions

Cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp transform into a beautiful pink color and vegetables become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Balance Flavor Profile

• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Granulated sugar

Taste and adjust to create a perfect harmony of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet sensations.

Step 5: Optional Creamy Twist

For a luxurious version, swirl in coconut milk and warm gently until the soup reaches a silky consistency.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Remove the pot from heat and discard the woody herb stalks.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and crown with fresh cilantro sprigs for a stunning presentation.

Spicy-Sour Perfection for Tom Yum Soup Fans

• Keep the heat low when adding aromatics to prevent burning and ensure a rich, deep flavor extraction.
• Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, adding fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for sourness, and sugar for sweetness until you achieve a perfect harmony.
• Adjust the number of Thai bird chilies based on your spice tolerance, removing seeds for a milder version or adding more for extra heat.
• Easily substitute shrimp with chicken, tofu, or mixed seafood to create a versatile soup that suits different dietary preferences.
• Chop and prepare ingredients beforehand to make the cooking process smooth and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Tom Yum Soup.

Warm Up Tom Yum Soup Leftovers

• Store leftover Tom Yum soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the lid is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
• Keep shrimp and liquid separately to prevent seafood from becoming rubbery and soggy during storage.
• Warm soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and preserve delicate flavors.
• Add a splash of fresh chicken broth when reheating to restore the soup's original consistency and brightness.

Flavors That Fit Tom Yum Soup

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a slightly sweet, high-acid Riesling that complements Tom Yum's spicy and sour profile, cutting through the soup's intense flavors while refreshing the palate.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Create a perfect balance by offering steamed jasmine rice alongside the soup, which helps absorb the broth and provides a neutral base to offset the soup's spiciness.
• Match with Fresh Spring Rolls: Prepare light Vietnamese-style spring rolls with shrimp or vegetables, providing a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot and tangy Tom Yum soup.
• Complement with Thai Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light cucumber salad with a sweet-tangy dressing, offering a refreshing side that helps cool down the soup's fiery heat.

Tom Yum Soup Traditional or Modern Takes

• Vegetarian Broth: Replace chicken broth with vegetable stock, swap shrimp for tofu or mixed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based version.
• Seafood Variation: Use a mix of seafood like scallops, squid, and mussels instead of just shrimp for a richer oceanic flavor profile.
• Coconut Milk Base: Create a creamy tom yum by adding full-fat coconut milk at the beginning, transforming the soup into a thicker, more luxurious Thai-style coconut soup.
• Low-Sodium Option: Reduce fish sauce, use low-sodium broth, and add fresh herbs like Thai basil or extra lime juice to maintain robust flavor without excess salt.

Tom Yum Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Tom yum soup delights palates with its bold Thai flavors, dancing between fiery chili heat and tangy lime zest. Fragrant lemongrass and fresh seafood create a complex broth that invites you to savor each spoonful of this classic Southeast Asian comfort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Seafood:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
• 3 slices galangal
• 1 small tomato, quartered
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 23 Thai bird chilies, crushed

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Optional: 1/2 cup coconut milk for a creamy version

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor base by bringing chicken broth and water to a rolling boil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium heat.
2. Introduce aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and crushed Thai bird chilies into the simmering liquid, reducing heat to allow gentle extraction of complex herbal essences for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Carefully incorporate shrimp, sliced mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, and onion fragments into the fragrant broth, allowing ingredients to cook and meld together until shrimp transform to a vibrant pink and vegetables soften slightly.
4. Enhance the soup’s depth by introducing fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and a touch of sugar, meticulously tasting and calibrating the flavor profile to achieve a harmonious balance between spicy, tangy, salty, and subtly sweet notes.
5. For a luxurious variation, gently swirl coconut milk into the simmering mixture, warming it through without disrupting the delicate flavor composition.
6. Terminate cooking process by removing pot from heat, strategically discarding robust herb stems and leaves that have contributed their essence.
7. Transfer the aromatic soup into serving vessels, adorning each portion with delicate sprigs of fresh cilantro for a final flourish of color and herbal brightness.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the number of Thai bird chilies, catering to different spice tolerances without losing authentic flavor.
• Swap protein options easily by using chicken, tofu, or mixed seafood instead of shrimp for versatile meal adaptations.
• Select fresh, high-quality ingredients like plump shrimp and crisp mushrooms to elevate the soup’s vibrant taste and authentic Thai profile.
• Create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken broth with vegetable stock and eliminating fish sauce, ensuring bold flavor through extra herbs and spices.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg