Tom_Yum_Soup

Tom Yum Soup Recipe: A Flavorful Thai Classic

ByJulia C. Harper

Tom Yum Soup, a beloved Thai dish, is a refreshing blend of spicy, sour, salty, and aromatic flavors. This vibrant soup is famous for its bold taste, making it the perfect option for a cozy dinner or a starter to impress guests. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love the ease of preparing this flavorful dish at home. In this article, we’ll share a detailed recipe for Tom Yum Soup, plus tips, storage instructions, nutrition breakdown, and frequently asked questions to make sure you get it just right.

Tom Yum Soup Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 stalk of lemongrass, chopped into 3-inch pieces
  • 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to your spice level)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1-2 medium tomatoes, quartered
  • 6-8 oz of mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, button, or oyster mushrooms work well)
  • 1/2 lb of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2-3 tbsp of fish sauce (for that signature umami flavor)
  • 2 tbsp of lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1-2 tbsp of chili paste (optional, for added depth)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: Thai chili oil or coconut milk for variation

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the aromatics: Once the broth is boiling, add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and sliced onion. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
  3. Add the tomatoes and mushrooms: Toss in the tomatoes and mushrooms. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Season the soup: Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice, adjusting to taste. If you like it spicier, add a bit more chili paste or fresh chilies.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the soup from the heat and discard the lemongrass and lime leaves. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a drizzle of chili oil if desired.

Recipe Notes:

  • Adjusting spice levels: The heat level can be controlled by adjusting the number of bird’s eye chilies. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to reduce the amount or remove the seeds from the chilies.
  • Coconut milk variation: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a bit of coconut milk to the soup. It will balance out the heat and give a slightly richer taste.
  • Protein options: While shrimp is traditional, you can substitute with chicken, tofu, or even fish fillets.

Time and Serving:

  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4 people, making it perfect for a small dinner or a light meal for your family.

How to Store Tom Yum Soup:

  • Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • Freezing: Tom Yum Soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the broth separately from the shrimp and vegetables. When reheating, add the shrimp and vegetables fresh to maintain their texture.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 150-180 kcal
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbs: 8g
  • Fat: 4g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg (can be adjusted by controlling fish sauce and broth sodium content)
  • Vitamin C: 30% of your daily intake (thanks to the lime juice and tomatoes!)

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

  1. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh herbs like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. They will make a big difference in flavor!
  2. Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning toward the end. You might need a little extra fish sauce or lime juice depending on your preferences.
  3. Add Heat Gradually: If you’re unsure about how spicy you want the soup, add fewer chilies and taste it as you go.

How to Serve Tom Yum Soup:

Tom Yum Soup is often served as a starter in Thai meals, but it can also be enjoyed as a main dish, especially with a side of steamed rice. The bold flavors pair beautifully with a light vegetable salad or even Thai spring rolls.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Ladle for serving
  • Measuring spoons
  • Citrus juicer (for fresh lime juice)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth, tofu instead of shrimp, and skipping the fish sauce in favor of soy sauce or a vegetarian alternative.

The level of spice can be controlled. Traditional Tom Yum is spicy, but you can adjust the number of chilies or omit them entirely for a milder soup.

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding other vegetables like bok choy, zucchini, or baby corn to the soup. Just make sure to add them at the right time so they cook to perfection.

Yes, you can. If you’re short on time, store-bought Tom Yum paste is a convenient option. Just remember to adjust the fish sauce and lime juice to balance the flavors.

Final Thoughts:

Tom Yum Soup is the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory. Its fresh ingredients and quick preparation make it an ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress your friends with a homemade Thai dish, Tom Yum Soup is a great choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of this aromatic soup!

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