Tom Yum Soup Recipe: Authentic Thai Spicy and Sour Soup with Shrimp

Tom Yum Soup Recipe: Authentic Thai Spicy and Sour Soup with Shrimp

Tom Yum is a famous Thai soup known for its bold, aromatic, and tangy flavors. The name “Tom Yum” is derived from two Thai words: “Tom” meaning boiling or hot, and “Yum” meaning a spicy and sour salad. This soup typically features a rich broth made with fresh herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai bird’s eye chilies, combined with lime juice and fish sauce to create its signature sour and spicy profile. Commonly made with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong) or other seafood, this soup is an essential part of Thai cuisine, offering a perfect balance of heat, sourness, and umami. Tom Yum is perfect as an appetizer or a light meal and is enjoyed for its refreshing, bold flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and cut into 4-inch pieces
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if galangal is unavailable)
• 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian version)
• 2 tbsp lime juice (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For the Protein (optional):

• 250g shrimp (peeled and deveined) or any preferred protein like chicken or tofu

For Serving:

• Fresh cilantro leaves (garnish)
• Extra lime wedges (for serving)
• Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

• In a large pot, add 4 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, add the smashed lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, bird’s eye chilies, and sliced onions. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to release the flavors of the herbs.

2. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:

• Add the quartered tomatoes to the pot and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices into the broth.

3. Season the Broth:

• Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to the pot. Stir well to balance the salty, sour, and sweet flavors. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary (more lime juice for sourness, fish sauce for saltiness, or sugar for sweetness).

4. Add Protein:

• Add the shrimp (or your choice of protein) to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked. If you’re using tofu, cook it for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

5. Finish the Soup:

• Once the shrimp is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. If you prefer a clearer broth, you can strain out the herbs and spices before serving, though some people like to leave them in for added flavor.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
• Serve with extra lime wedges and Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) on the side for added spice and flavor.

7. Optional Additions:

• You can also add mushrooms, tofu, or other vegetables to enhance the texture and flavor of the soup.
• For a creamier version, add a splash of coconut milk.

Tips:

• Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of bird’s eye chilies according to your spice preference. For a milder version, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.
• Broth Base: If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
• Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal are key to the authentic taste of Tom Yum soup. However, if you can’t find them, you can use substitutes (such as ginger for galangal) but the taste might not be quite the same.
• Serving Suggestions: Tom Yum can be served with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or enjoyed as a standalone soup.

Health Benefits:

Tom Yum is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients. The spices and herbs, such as lemongrass and ginger, offer digestive benefits, while shrimp is a good source of lean protein. The soup’s balance of fresh, zesty flavors makes it light yet satisfying.

Enjoy this comforting and invigorating Thai classic, whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer or as a light main course!