Tom Yum Soup

Introduction

When I first tried Tom Yum Soup, I was instantly hooked. The bold, zesty flavors that danced in my mouth – the perfect balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet – were unlike any other soup I had ever tasted. It’s no wonder that Tom Yum is a beloved Thai dish, enjoyed not just in Thailand but around the world. Whether served as a starter or a main dish, it’s comforting and incredibly aromatic. The combination of fresh herbs, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, paired with the shrimp and a punch of lime juice, makes every spoonful an experience to savor. My family couldn’t stop raving about it after I made it at home, and now it’s a regular in our household. If you love bold flavors and enjoy experimenting with spice, this Tom Yum Soup recipe is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Tom Yum Soup is a Thai classic that offers a tantalizing balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This version is packed with fresh ingredients, including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, which infuse the broth with rich, fragrant undertones. The shrimp adds a satisfying protein element, and the mushrooms provide an earthy balance. The addition of lime juice and fish sauce brings a delicious tang, while a pinch of sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. This dish is incredibly customizable – whether you like it spicy or prefer a creamy version with coconut milk, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your taste. Plus, it’s easy to make, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.

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Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Soup Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
• 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 3 slices galangal (can substitute with ginger if unavailable)
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies, crushed (adjust to your spice preference)

Main Ingredients:

• 200 grams (about 7 ounces) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or button mushrooms work well)
• 1 small tomato, quartered
• 1 small onion, sliced

For Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust based on your preference for sweetness)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional:

• 1/2 cup coconut milk (for a creamy version)

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Instructions

Prepare the Base

1. Boil the Broth: In a large pot, combine chicken broth and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.

Infuse the Flavors

2. Add Aromatics: Once the broth is boiling, add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and crushed Thai bird chilies to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the aromatics to infuse the liquid with their fragrant flavors.

Cook the Main Ingredients

3. Add Shrimp and Vegetables: Stir in the shrimp, mushrooms, tomato, and onion. Continue simmering for 5-7 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque, and the vegetables are tender. The shrimp should not be overcooked to preserve its delicate texture.

Season the Soup

4. Add Seasoning: Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed to achieve the right balance of spicy, sour, salty, and sweet. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor, feel free to add extra lime juice or fish sauce.

Optional Creamy Version

5. Add Coconut Milk: If you want a richer, creamier soup, stir in coconut milk at this point. Allow the soup to gently heat through without boiling, as you don’t want the coconut milk to curdle.

Finalize and Serve

6. Remove Aromatics: Before serving, remove the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal slices from the soup, as they are not meant to be eaten.
7. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup (approx. 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 960mg
• Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 170mg

(Note: The nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients used, such as the type of shrimp or coconut milk. The addition of coconut milk will increase the fat content.)

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Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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How to Serve

Tom Yum Soup can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal complete:

• Serve with Steamed Rice: For a more filling meal, serve your Tom Yum Soup with a side of jasmine rice. The rice helps balance the spicy broth.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Besides cilantro, you can also top the soup with extra Thai basil or mint for added freshness.
• Pair with Thai Spring Rolls: If you’re feeling adventurous, serve the soup with crispy Thai spring rolls or fried wontons for a complete Thai-inspired meal.
• Add Extra Lime: For those who love an extra kick of citrus, squeeze fresh lime juice on top just before eating.
• Serve as an Appetizer: This soup is light enough to serve as a starter for a multi-course meal.

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Additional Tips

1. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the number of Thai bird chilies or remove their seeds before crushing them. You can always add more chili later if you want to increase the heat.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. If you can’t find them, you can use lemongrass paste, lime zest, and ginger as substitutes.
3. Make it Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and use tofu or other vegetables like baby corn and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version.
4. Make Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time. Just store the broth (without shrimp) in the fridge and add the shrimp just before serving.
5. Adjust the Sweetness: The sugar in Tom Yum helps to balance the sourness from the lime juice and fish sauce. If you prefer it less sweet, feel free to reduce or omit the sugar.

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FAQ Section

1. Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, chicken can easily replace shrimp in this soup. Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. Is Tom Yum Soup very spicy?
Tom Yum can be spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the number of Thai bird chilies used. Remove the seeds for less spice.

3. Can I freeze Tom Yum Soup?
While the soup can be frozen, the shrimp may become rubbery when reheated. It’s best to freeze the broth and add fresh shrimp when reheating.

4. What can I substitute for fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari for a vegan version.

5. Can I make this soup without coconut milk?
Yes, the soup will still be delicious without coconut milk, but it will have a more traditional broth-based flavor.

6. Is Tom Yum Soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free fish sauce or substitute it with tamari.

7. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can use dried lemongrass and lime leaves if fresh ones are unavailable.

8. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or baby corn for extra texture and flavor.

9. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.

10. What type of shrimp should I use?
Use fresh, wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor. However, frozen shrimp works well too, just make sure they are peeled and deveined.

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Conclusion

Tom Yum Soup is the epitome of Thai comfort food: a delightful dance of bold, aromatic, and refreshing flavors. Whether you prefer it spicy or creamy, with shrimp or vegetables, this versatile soup can easily be tailored

to your taste. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a family meal, or even for impressing guests at a dinner party. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and authenticity. If you’ve never made it at home, this recipe is the perfect place to start – once you do, it’ll become a regular in your cooking repertoire!

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