The Best Homemade Tom Yum Soup Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this Homemade Tom Yum Soup—it’s bursting with bold flavors and is simpler to make than you might think. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing friends, this recipe brings the taste of Thailand right to your kitchen.
- It’s customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite proteins or veggies to make it just right for you.
- Packed with fresh ingredients: From fragrant lemongrass to zesty lime leaves, every bite is a flavor explosion.
- Quick and satisfying: Whip up a restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Recipe
Tom Yum Soup is a classic Thai dish known for its bold, spicy, and tangy flavors. This aromatic soup combines fragrant herbs, fiery chilies, and zesty lime for an invigorating yet comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 1-inch piece galangal or ginger, sliced
- 2-3 Thai chilies, bruised (adjust to taste)
- 200g shrimp or chicken, peeled and deveined
- 200g mushrooms (straw or button), sliced
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 small tomato, cut into wedges
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- In a pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Add shrimp or chicken and mushrooms. Cook until the protein is done (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add tomato wedges and simmer for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat, discard lemongrass and galangal. Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, omit fish sauce and use soy sauce instead.
- Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chilies.
Equipment:
- Medium-sized pot
- Knife and cutting board
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Thai
Serving: 2-3 people
Nutrition
This homemade Tom Yum Soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 800 mg |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Calcium | 50 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade tom yum soup with steamed jasmine rice—it soaks up all that spicy, tangy broth perfectly. If I’m craving something heartier, fresh crusty bread works just as well for dipping and scooping. Either way, these sides make the meal feel complete without stealing the spotlight from the soup’s bold flavors.
Steamed Jasmine Rice
Steamed jasmine rice pairs perfectly with homemade tom yum soup, balancing its bold, tangy flavors with a light, fluffy texture. I always make a batch when I’m serving this soup because it soaks up the broth beautifully, making every bite satisfying. Jasmine rice has a subtle floral aroma that complements the lemongrass and lime in the soup without overpowering it. I rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which keeps it from clumping. It’s so simple to prepare—just water, rice, and a pinch of salt. Trust me, it’s the ideal sidekick to this vibrant, flavorful dish.
Fresh Crusty Bread
Fresh crusty bread also makes a fantastic companion to tom yum soup, offering a satisfying texture contrast to the broth’s rich, spicy flavors. I love tearing off a piece and dipping it into the hot, tangy soup, letting it soak up all the lemongrass, chili, and lime goodness. The crunch of the crust paired with the soft interior feels like the perfect match. Sometimes, I’ll even toast it lightly for extra warmth and crispiness. It’s simple, but it turns the meal into something cozy and hearty. Fresh bread truly elevates the experience, making every bite feel complete.
