The Best Homemade Tom Yum Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade Tom Yum soup recipe is packed with bold flavors and is surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy night in. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, with minimal prep and cook time. The tangy, spicy broth is customizable, so you can adjust the heat to suit your taste. Using fresh ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and shrimp guarantees an authentic Thai experience. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe
Tom Yum Soup is a popular Thai dish known for its bold, tangy, and spicy flavors. This homemade version brings the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen with a perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes.
Ingredients:
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 kaffir lime leaves, torn
3-4 slices galangal or ginger
2-3 Thai chilies, crushed (adjust to taste)
200g shrimp or chicken, peeled and deveined (optional)
200g mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon chili paste (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar
Fresh cilantro and Thai basil for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring the broth to a boil.
- Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Add mushrooms and protein (shrimp or chicken) and cook until just done, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, chili paste (if using), and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro and Thai basil.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the fish sauce or replace it with soy sauce.
- Adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the number of chilies.
Equipment:
Medium-sized pot, cutting board, knife
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine:
Thai
Serving:
Serves 2-3
Nutrition
Tom Yum Soup is not only flavorful but also packs essential nutrients. Below is a breakdown of its nutrition per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade tom yum soup with steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the flavorful broth, and it’s even better with fresh spring rolls on the side. The rice adds a comforting, filling element, while the spring rolls bring a light, crunchy contrast. It’s a simple combo that makes the meal feel complete.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
While tom yum soup’s bold flavors shine on their own, pairing it with steamed jasmine rice turns the dish into a satisfying meal. I love how the delicate, floral aroma of jasmine rice complements the soup’s tangy, spicy kick. When it comes to cooking techniques, I keep it simple: rinse the rice until the water runs clear, then steam it to perfection, ensuring each grain stays fluffy. Exploring rice varieties is fun, but jasmine’s soft texture and subtle sweetness make it my go-to choice. It’s the perfect side to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth!
Fresh Spring Rolls
If you’re looking for a light, revitalizing side to balance the rich flavors of a meal, fresh spring rolls are an excellent choice. I love how crisp and colorful they are, filled with fresh veggies, herbs, and sometimes shrimp or tofu. They’re fun to make, and wrapping them feels like a mini art project. The best part? Pairing them with a creamy dip sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and a squeeze of lime. It’s rich, tangy, and compliments the rolls perfectly. These rolls are rejuvenating, healthy, and add a nice contrast to any hearty dish like Tom Yum soup.
