Why Make This Recipe

Tom Yum Soup is a classic Thai dish known for its bold and refreshing flavors. This soup is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients. The combination of shrimp, herbs, and spices makes it a delightful choice for any meal. Making this soup at home allows you to customize the flavors according to your taste.

How to Make Tom Yum Soup

Ingredients

• Shrimp (500g, peeled and deveined)
• Lemongrass (2 stalks, chopped)
• Kaffir lime leaves (5)
• Galangal (1 thumb-sized, sliced)
• Thai chili (3, crushed)
• Fish sauce (3 tbsp)
• Lime juice (3 tbsp)
• Mushrooms (1 cup, sliced)
• Tomatoes (2, quartered)
• Chicken broth (4 cups)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. Start by boiling the chicken broth in a pot. Add the chopped lemongrass, lime leaves, sliced galangal, and crushed Thai chili. Let it boil for about 10 minutes to release the flavors.
2. Next, add the shrimp, sliced mushrooms, and quartered tomatoes to the pot. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked.
3. Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4. Finally, serve the soup in bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

How to Serve Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or with a side of steamed rice. A squeeze of extra lime juice can enhance the flavors even further. For an authentic experience, serve it with Thai chili paste on the side.

How to Store Tom Yum Soup

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. When reheating, ensure it is warmed thoroughly before serving. Avoid freezing the soup, as the shrimp and vegetables may not hold their texture well.

Tips to Make Tom Yum Soup

• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai chilies.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
• You can add other ingredients like tofu or bok choy to make it heartier.
• For a clearer broth, strain the soup before serving.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with tofu or your favorite vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This way, you can still enjoy the wonderful flavors of Tom Yum Soup while keeping it meat-free.

FAQs

1. Is Tom Yum Soup spicy?
Yes, Tom Yum Soup can be spicy due to the Thai chilies. You can adjust the spice level according to your preference.

2. Can I make Tom Yum Soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the broth and add the shrimp and vegetables just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

3. What if I can’t find galangal?
If you can’t find galangal, you can substitute it with ginger, though the flavor will be slightly different.