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Tom Yum Soup

 

Tom Yum Soup is one of the most iconic and popular dishes in Thai cuisine, known for its hot  and sour flavor profile. The name "Tom Yum" comes from two Thai words: "Tom", which refers to the boiling process, and "Yum", which refers to a spicy and sour salad-like mix of ingredients. This soup is beloved for its fragrant and aromatic base, rich with herbs, and its balance of bold flavors.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and lightly smashed
  • 4-5 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (optional)
  • 1-inch piece galangal (or ginger), sliced thinly
  • 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)
  • 200g shrimp or prawns (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 cup mushrooms (such as straw mushrooms or button mushrooms), sliced
  • 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Thai roasted chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
  • 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced fresh chili (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth:

    • In a medium pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil.
    • Add the lemongrass, galangal (or ginger), kaffir lime leaves (if using), and chilies. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

  2. Add Mushrooms and Shrimp:

    • Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
    • Add the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is fully cooked.

  3. Season the Soup:

    • Stir in the fish sauce, Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), lime juice, and sugar (if using).
    • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for sourness, or chili paste for extra heat.

  4. Finish and Serve:

    • Remove from heat and discard the lemongrass and lime leaves if desired.
    • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and extra sliced chili if you like it spicier.

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