How to cook Thai Soup (Tom Yum Soup)

Here’s a wonderful recipe for making authentic Tom Yum Soup, known for its aromatic and vibrant flavors. This recipe is easy to follow and will deliver a delicious bowl of this classic Thai dish.

Tom Yum Soup in the photo.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces, smashed
• 4-5 slices galangal (or ginger as a substitute)
• 4-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 2-3 Thai bird chilies (or more, depending on your spice preference), smashed
• 200 grams (about 7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined (or fish/tofu)
• 200 grams (about 7 oz) mushrooms (such as straw or oyster mushrooms), halved
• 1 medium tomato, quartered
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed, to taste)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Optional Additions:

• 1-2 teaspoons sugar (to balance flavors)
• Chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), for extra depth of flavor

Instructions:

1. Make the Broth:

   • In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.

2. Infuse the Aromatics:

   • Add the smashed lemongrass, galangal, torn kaffir lime leaves, and smashed bird chilies to the pot. Allow these to simmer for 5-10 minutes to release their flavors into the broth.

3. Add Veggies:

   • Add the sliced onion and quartered tomato into the broth. Let them cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Add Proteins:

   • Gently add the shrimp (or fish/tofu) and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque (or until tofu is heated through).

5. Season the Soup:

   • Stir in the fish sauce, and taste the broth. You may add sugar if you like a little sweetness. Adjust the seasoning to your preference—add more fish sauce for saltiness or lime juice for acidity.

6. Finishing Touch:

   • Remove the pot from heat. Add freshly squeezed lime juice to brighten up the flavors.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. If desired, serve with extra lime wedges on the side for those who prefer added acidity.

Tips:

• Customizations: Feel free to add more vegetables, like cherry tomatoes or baby corn, or swap the proteins with chicken, squid, or even add tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Spiciness: Control the heat by adjusting the number of chilies used. You can also remove the seeds for milder heat.
• Storage: Tom Yum is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Tom Yum Soup! It's sure to impress your family and friends with its aromatic and tangy flavors.