easy tom yum soup recipe.

 

🍲🌶️ Authentic Tom Yum Soup Recipe – Spicy, Sour, and Loaded with Thai Flavor

Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4 | Course: Soup, Appetizer | Cuisine: Thai
Difficulty: Easy–Medium

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Tom Yum Soup

If you love bold, exotic flavors, this Tom Yum Soup will hit all the right notes. A balance of sour, spicy, salty, and savory, it’s Thailand’s most iconic soup for good reason. Made with lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, and chili, this recipe is easy to follow and restaurant-worthy — ready in just 30 minutes!

🛒 Ingredients

Base Ingredients:

• 4 cups water or chicken stock
• 3 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
• 4–5 slices fresh galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
• 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 2 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to heat preference)
• 200g (7 oz) shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup mushrooms (straw, oyster, or button)
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2–3 sprigs cilantro (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• 1–2 tsp Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for Tom Yum Nam Khon (creamy version)
• 2 tbsp evaporated milk or coconut milk (optional for creamy version)

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🔥 Instructions

Step 1: Build the Broth

In a medium pot, bring the water or broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. Simmer for 5–10 minutes to infuse.

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Step 2: Add Shrimp & Veggies

Add the mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer just until pink and cooked through (about 2–3 mins).

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Step 3: Flavor & Finish

Add fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir and taste — balance the flavors: salty, sour, and spicy.

👉 For creamy Tom Yum: Stir in chili paste and evaporated milk/coconut milk now.

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Step 4: Serve Hot

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot.

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🧡 Tips & Variations

Option	How to Adjust
Vegan Version	Use tofu instead of shrimp, and soy sauce instead of fish sauce
Spicier Soup	Add more Thai chilies or chili paste
Milder Soup	Use fewer chilies and remove seeds
Creamy Tom Yum	Use coconut milk for a richer texture
Add Protein	Try chicken, scallops, or firm white fish

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❓ FAQ

Q: What’s the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Kha?
Tom Yum is hot and sour with a clear or creamy broth. Tom Kha includes coconut milk and galangal, giving it a richer, creamier flavor.

Q: Can I use ginger instead of galangal?
Yes. While galangal is traditional, ginger works in a pinch.

Q: Can I freeze Tom Yum soup?
Freeze the broth only. Add fresh shrimp and mushrooms when reheating for best texture.

Similar Recipes You May Like:

1. Tom Kha Gai (Thai Coconut Chicken Soup)
   A creamy, aromatic soup with coconut milk, galangal, and lime — milder but closely related in flavor profile.

2. Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon)
   A richer, creamy version of Tom Yum with evaporated milk or coconut milk for extra body.

3. Thai Clear Vegetable Tom Yum
   A lighter plant-based variation featuring mushrooms, tofu, and classic Tom Yum herbs.

4. Thai Lemongrass Chicken Soup
   Fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies — similar aromatic base with a simpler profile.

5. Thai Seafood Hot and Sour Soup
   A mixed seafood version with shrimp, squid, and fish, delivering bold spicy-sour flavors like traditional Tom Yum.

🧾 Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~120 kcal
• Protein: ~12g
• Carbs: ~6g
• Fat: ~4g
• Sodium: Moderate (from fish sauce)