Tom Yum Soup Recipe with Authentic Thai Flavors and Easy Ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is one of those dishes that brings a burst of Thai flavors right into your kitchen, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves quick meals with big tastes. This recipe is simple to whip up in less than 35 minutes, making it ideal for home cooks, busy parents, or students looking for something easy yet exciting. You’ll appreciate how the fresh herbs and spices create a balanced mix of sour, spicy, and savory notes that feel both comforting and adventurous.

Beyond its ease, Tom Yum Soup packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. It’s low in fat with about 156 calories per serving, and ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves offer nutrients that support digestion and boost immunity. This recipe is adaptable too, so whether you’re a diet-conscious individual or a food enthusiast experimenting with flavors, you can tweak it to fit vegan, low-calorie, or gluten-free needs without losing that authentic Thai vibe.

What really sets this soup apart is its versatility in versions try the clear style for a light, refreshing bowl or the creamy option by adding evaporated milk and Thai roasted chili sauce for a richer twist. For busy professionals or newlyweds starting out, it’s a go-to that feels special without much effort. If you’re a traveler who misses Thai street food, this recipe will bring those memories back with ease.

Health and Flavor Highlights

Loaded with fresh ingredients, Tom Yum Soup provides 21g of protein and antioxidants from spices, making it a smart choice for seniors or anyone watching their intake. The mild spiciness adds a fun kick without overpowering, and you can adjust it to your liking. Plus, it’s a low-fat option at just 2g of fat per serving, so baking enthusiasts might even pair it with lighter sides for a full meal.

Imagine the aroma of simmering lemongrass and garlic filling your home it’s like a mini vacation in a pot. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll want to come back to this recipe time and again for its straightforward steps. For more on how fresh herbs enhance meals, check out our guide on using fresh herbs in everyday cooking.

Essential Ingredients for Tom Yum Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to capturing the authentic Thai flavors in Tom Yum Soup. This section breaks down everything you need for both the clear and creamy versions, making it simple for home cooks to get started. We’ll use a structured list to ensure you have the exact measurements for a perfect batch every time.

• 300g whole prawns or shrimp with heads and shells
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock or broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass (outer layers peeled)
• 1.5 cm piece galangal (sliced)
• 5 kaffir lime leaves (torn)
• 2 Thai or birdseye chilies
• 3 garlic cloves
• 120g oyster mushrooms
• 1 roma tomato (cut into wedges)
• 1/2 medium white onion (cut into 1 cm thick wedges)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• Fresh coriander or cilantro for garnish

For the creamy version, add the following:

• 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai roasted chili sauce (Nam Prik Pa)
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk

These ingredients ensure a flavorful base that’s easy to prepare. If you’re new to Thai cooking, remember that items like galangal add that sharp, gingery spice, so don’t skip them. For tips on substitutions, we’ll cover those later to keep things flexible for your dietary needs.

How to Prepare the Perfect Tom Yum Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Tom Yum Soup at home is straightforward and fun, especially with this step-by-step guide that keeps things simple for beginners. Start by preparing your ingredients to make the process smooth and enjoyable. The total time is about 35 minutes, with 15 minutes for prep and 20 for cooking, so it’s perfect for busy schedules.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Begin by peeling the prawns, saving the heads and shells for the broth to boost flavor. Bash the garlic, chilies, and lemongrass to release their aromas this step makes a big difference. Slice the galangal and tear the kaffir lime leaves, then set everything aside for easy access.

Step 2: Make the Broth

In a large pot, add the prawn heads and shells along with the bashed garlic, chilies, and lemongrass. Crush the kaffir lime leaves and toss them in, followed by the galangal, chicken stock, and water. Bring this to a simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Strain and Add Vegetables

Strain the broth to remove the solids, then return it to the pot. Add the onions and mushrooms, simmering for 3 minutes until they start to soften. Next, throw in the tomatoes for 1 minute, followed by the prawns for 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Stir in the sugar and fish sauce, letting it simmer for another minute to blend the tastes. Add the lime juice last to keep its fresh zing, then taste and adjust as needed. For the creamy version, mix in the Thai roasted chili sauce and evaporated milk along with the sugar for a smoother texture.

Garnish with fresh coriander before serving hot. This method keeps the soup mildly spicy and full of authentic flavors. If you’re interested in more Thai recipes, explore our section on easy Thai dishes for beginners to expand your skills.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Tom Yum Soup

One of the best things about Tom Yum Soup is how easy it is to tweak for different tastes and needs. Whether you’re a vegan or just watching your calories, small changes can make a big impact. Let’s look at some simple swaps that keep the soup’s signature sour and spicy kick intact.

• Substitute shrimp with firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based protein option.
• Use chicken breast or fish if you prefer other animal proteins.
• Swap mushrooms for veggies like zucchini or baby corn to add variety.
• Replace fish sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free and vegan versions.
• Adjust Thai chilies to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.

For those on a low-calorie plan, stick to vegetable broth and skip any extras like milk. These tips help food enthusiasts and diet-conscious folks enjoy the soup without worry, all while maintaining its authentic Thai flavors.

Mastering Tom Yum Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can level up your Tom Yum Soup with some pro tips and fun twists. Fresh herbs and aromatics are key to getting that true Thai taste, so always use them if you can. Toasting dry spices before adding them deepens the flavor, making your soup even more irresistible.

Flavor and Technique Enhancements

Squeeze lime juice at the end to keep its acidity sharp, and try adding coconut milk for a creamy variation, though remember that traditional creamy Tom Yum uses evaporated milk instead. If you’re adding chicken or extra veggies, do it early in the simmering process for even cooking.

The soup keeps well in the fridge for two days, and you can add prawns fresh when reheating to avoid overcooking. For more ideas, check out the health benefits of key ingredients like lemongrass.

How to Store Tom Yum Soup: Best Practices

Storing Tom Yum Soup properly helps keep its fresh flavors intact for later. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. If you’re meal prepping, divide it into portions for easy grab-and-go meals during the week.

• Freeze the broth separately without herbs or lime juice to maintain texture.
• Reheat on low heat and add fresh ingredients like lime juice before serving.
• Add prawns fresh when reheating to prevent them from getting tough.

This approach is great for working professionals or students with packed schedules. The soup’s mild spiciness means it reheats beautifully, letting you enjoy authentic Thai flavors anytime.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup

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🍜 Experience the authentic taste of Thailand with this aromatic soup that balances spicy, sour, and savory flavors in every spoonful
🦐 Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai street food to your home kitchen

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

– 300g whole prawns or shrimp with heads and shells

– 3 cups water

– 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock or broth

– 2 stalks lemongrass (outer layers peeled)

– 1.5 cm piece galangal (sliced)

– 5 kaffir lime leaves (torn)

– 2 Thai or birdseye chilies

– 3 garlic cloves

– 120g oyster mushrooms

– 1 roma tomato (cut into wedges)

– 1/2 medium white onion (cut into 1 cm thick wedges)

– 1 teaspoon sugar

– 3 tablespoons fish sauce

– 3 tablespoons lime juice

– Fresh coriander or cilantro for garnish

– 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai roasted chili sauce (Nam Prik Pa)

– 1/3 cup evaporated milk

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients Begin by peeling the prawns, saving the heads and shells for the broth to boost flavor. Bash the garlic, chilies, and lemongrass to release their aromas this step makes a big difference. Slice the galangal and tear the kaffir lime leaves, then set everything aside for easy access.

Step 2: Make the Broth In a large pot, add the prawn heads and shells along with the bashed garlic, chilies, and lemongrass. Crush the kaffir lime leaves and toss them in, followed by the galangal, chicken stock, and water. Bring this to a simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Strain and Add Vegetables Strain the broth to remove the solids, then return it to the pot. Add the onions and mushrooms, simmering for 3 minutes until they start to soften. Next, throw in the tomatoes for 1 minute, followed by the prawns for 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Step 4: Season and Finish Stir in the sugar and fish sauce, letting it simmer for another minute to blend the tastes. Add the lime juice last to keep its fresh zing, then taste and adjust as needed. For the creamy version, mix in the Thai roasted chili sauce and evaporated milk along with the sugar for a smoother texture. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving hot. This method keeps the soup mildly spicy and full of authentic flavors. If you’re interested in more Thai recipes, explore our section on easy Thai dishes for beginners to expand your skills.

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Notes

🍋 Add lime juice at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright, fresh flavor and prevent it from becoming bitter
🦐 Don’t overcook the prawns – they only need 2 minutes to turn pink and can become rubbery if cooked too long
🌿 Fresh aromatics are essential for authentic flavor – if unavailable, use pastes but reduce quantity as they’re more concentrated

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 156
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 2821mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 191mg