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Tom Yum Soup Thai Classic

Category: Comforting Soups & Stews

Tom Yum Soup is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine, celebrated for its delicate balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. A fragrant broth is infused with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, then enriched with mushrooms, tomatoes, and your choice of shrimp, chicken, or tofu for added heartiness. Thai chili paste imparts vibrant heat, while tamarind and fresh lime juice provide a signature tang. The finishing touch of fresh cilantro and lime wedges brightens every spoonful. This versatile bowl can easily be adapted for plant-based or seafood enthusiasts, delivering comfort with every bite.

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Updated on Sat, 12 Jul 2025 02:15:51 GMT
A bowl of soup with shrimp and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of soup with shrimp and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

This vibrant Tom Yum Soup delivers the signature sour and spicy flavors of Thailand in one comforting bowl. Each spoonful melds fragrant lemongrass and galangal with rich mushroom umami. I love how flexible it is—choose shrimp chicken or tofu to suit your cravings or whatever you happen to have in the fridge.

I first tasted Tom Yum at a bustling night market in Chiang Mai and became obsessed with recreating that punchy broth at home. Even my teens ask for it when the weather cools down.

Ingredients

  • Shrimp chicken breast or firm tofu: provides protein and customization for all diets
  • Veggie broth chicken or shrimp stock: builds a savory base
  • Fresh lemongrass stalks: deliver a signature citrusy balance
  • Galangal slices: add a floral earthy kick unique to Thai cuisine
  • Kaffir lime leaves: amp up aroma and give depth—look for glossy green leaves if fresh
  • Cilantro stems: infuse the broth with a clean herbal flavor
  • Thai chili paste: brings heat and complexity—seek Nam Prik Pao or sambal for smoky depth
  • Mushrooms especially shiitake: create satisfying texture and rich umami
  • Shallot: sliced thin for subtle sweetness
  • Fresh tomato: for a burst of acidity and color
  • Fish sauce: brings salty depth—taste before adding more to suit your preference
  • Tamarind concentrate or lime juice: finishes with a tangy brightness
  • Fresh chilies: if you like extra fire
  • Sugar: rounds out the flavors—adjust depending on chili paste sweetness
  • Fresh cilantro leaves: for garnish and freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Broth:
Combine your chosen stock water lemongrass galangal kaffir lime leaves and chopped cilantro stems in a large soup pot. Toss in the mushrooms. Heat to a boil over medium-high then lower heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This step creates the aromatic foundation so let the lemongrass and galangal fully infuse the broth
Build the Soup Base:
After simmering the aromatics and mushrooms add in sliced shallots tomato chili paste fish sauce and sugar. Stir thoroughly until everything dissolves and melds. Let this stew for a couple of minutes so the flavors can deepen
Cook the Protein:
Gently add shrimp tofu or thinly sliced chicken to the simmering broth. If using chicken be sure pieces are no more than a quarter inch thick so they cook evenly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes just until the protein is opaque and cooked through. Avoid overcooking as shrimp and chicken can become rubbery
Finish with Acid:
Turn off the heat before adding tamarind concentrate or lime juice. Stir and taste—adjust with a little more fish sauce or lime juice if needed. Adding acids at the end keeps flavors fresh and prevents bitterness
Garnish and Serve:
Ladle soup into bowls and crown with plenty of fresh cilantro leaves. Offer lime wedges and extra chilies for those who love an extra zing
A bowl of soup with shrimp and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of soup with shrimp and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

My favorite part of Tom Yum is the kaffir lime leaf—its aroma instantly reminds me of family feasts where my kids would rush to the table hoping for the first steamy bowl. Watching them slurp noodles and broth always makes me smile.

Storage Tips

Tom Yum Soup keeps well refrigerated for up to three days in a sealed container. Since the flavors intensify with time I recommend making it a day ahead if you want the herbs and spices to really shine. If using tofu add it just before serving so it stays crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find galangal substitute with a small piece of fresh ginger to mimic some of the floral notes. Lemon zest adds brightness if fresh kaffir lime leaves are not available. For a vegetarian version use soy sauce instead of fish sauce to keep that savory punch

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tom Yum Soup steaming hot with a side of jasmine rice which helps mellow the heat for those sensitive to spice. For an extra touch top with fried shallots or a drizzle of chili oil for crunch and a little more fire

A bowl of soup with shrimp and vegetables. Pin
A bowl of soup with shrimp and vegetables. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural Context

Tom Yum has long roots in Thai cuisine and is loved across the country for its invigorating heat and medicinal qualities. Traditionally enjoyed as a restorative starter or main dish it is as common in bustling street markets as it is in family kitchens across Thailand

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives Tom Yum its distinctive flavor?

Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chili paste create a bright, complex taste.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace shrimp or chicken with firm tofu and use vegetable broth for full flavor.

→ Why add tamarind and lime juice at the end?

Adding acids late preserves their tangy notes and prevents bitterness during simmering.

→ Which mushrooms work best?

Shiitake mushrooms add earthiness, but button or oyster mushrooms can also be used.

→ How spicy is this dish?

Spiciness can be adjusted by varying chili paste and fresh chili amounts to suit your taste.

→ Can I make the soup ahead?

The broth can be prepared in advance. Add proteins and fresh herbs just before serving.

Tom Yum Soup Thai Classic

Fiery Thai Tom Yum with lemongrass, shrimp, mushrooms, and zesty lime. Make vegetarian with tofu option.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
40 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Thai

Yield: 4 Servings (Approximately 4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Soup Base

01 950 ml vegetable broth, chicken stock, or shrimp stock
02 240 ml water
03 2 lemongrass stalks, cut into 8–10 cm pieces, smashed
04 2–4 slices galangal, lightly smashed
05 2–6 kaffir lime leaves, squeezed or roughly torn
06 15 g cilantro stems, cut into 1.5 cm pieces

→ Main Ingredients

07 280 g shrimp, thinly sliced chicken breast, or firm tofu, cooked crisp if desired
08 170 g shiitake mushrooms, halved
09 60 g shallot, thinly sliced lengthwise
10 90 g fresh tomato, sliced into 4 cm pieces

→ Seasonings

11 1–2 tablespoons Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), roasted chilli sambal, or substitute with red curry paste or Sambal Olek
12 30–37 ml fish sauce, more to adjust
13 30–45 ml tamarind concentrate or lime juice
14 1 teaspoon sugar
15 fresh chilies, to taste

→ Garnish

16 15 g fresh cilantro leaves
17 lime wedges

Steps

Step 01

Combine the stock, water, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and cilantro stems in a large soup pot. Add the mushrooms and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower to a simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 02

Add shallots, tomatoes, Thai chili paste, fish sauce, and sugar to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 03

Introduce shrimp, chicken, or tofu to the broth and cook gently for 3–5 minutes, or until the protein is just cooked through.

Step 04

Stir in the tamarind concentrate or lime juice and immediately take the pot off the heat. Taste and adjust with extra fish sauce, salt, or lime juice if necessary.

Step 05

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. For crispy tofu, prepare separately in advance and add just before serving for best texture.
  2. Add tamarind and lime juice at the very end to avoid bitterness.
  3. Check your chili paste for sweetness before adding sugar; skip sugar if paste is already sweet.
  4. Make a robust shrimp broth by simmering shrimp shells and heads for extra depth.
  5. If using chicken, slice thinly for even cooking and ensure it is opaque throughout before serving.

Tools Required

  • Large soup pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Ladle

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains fish (fish sauce)
  • Contains crustacean shellfish if made with shrimp
  • Contains soy if using tofu

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 175
  • Fats: 3.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17.7 g
  • Proteins: 9.2 g