Tom Yum Soup is a famous Thai dish that’s full of flavor! It’s a spicy and sour soup made with fresh ingredients like shrimp, mushrooms, and herbs. Yum!
Every spoonful warms you up and makes your taste buds dance. I love to enjoy it with a side of rice to soak up the tasty broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass gives the soup its refreshing flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use the zest of a lemon or lime, although the taste won’t be exactly the same.
Galangal: This root has a distinct flavor, but ginger can work as a substitute if galangal is hard to find. Just remember, ginger will create a slightly different taste but still delicious!
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal, but frozen shrimp works well too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or mixed vegetables instead.
Kaffir Lime Leaves: These add a unique aroma. If you can’t get them, a bit of lime zest can help mimic the flavor, but be careful not to add too much.
Fish Sauce: It’s essential for the salty flavor. If you’re vegetarian, use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute.
How Do I Enhance the Soup’s Flavor with Techniques?
The secret to an amazing Tom Yum Soup lies in the infusion of flavors. When simmering the broth, let the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves work their magic by taking time to steep.
- First, bring your broth to a boil, then lower to simmer after adding the herbs.
- When you add the shrimp, avoid overcooking. They only need 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
- Taste the soup before serving. Adjust the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to balance the flavor to your preference.
These steps will lead to a delightful soup that packs a punch of flavors! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Tom Yum Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 6 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
Main Ingredients:
- 200 g (about 7 oz) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (straw mushrooms or button mushrooms)
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to spice preference)
Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2-3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves for garnish
- 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tom Yum Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you’ll be enjoying your homemade soup in roughly 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a pot, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. This will be the flavorful base of your soup!
2. Add Aromatics:
Add the smashed lemongrass, galangal slices, and torn kaffir lime leaves to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will infuse the broth with wonderful flavors!
3. Introduce the Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced mushrooms and smashed chilies to the pot. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes to let the mushrooms soften and the spice build.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now it’s time to add the shrimp! Cook until they turn pink and are fully cooked through, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking—nobody likes rubbery shrimp!
5. Season to Perfection:
Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Give it a taste and adjust the ingredients to balance the flavors—you want it to be perfectly sour, salty, and a touch sweet!
6. Optional Additions:
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add tomato wedges at this point for a bit of sweetness and color. Just let them heat through for a minute or so.
7. Final Touches:
Once the soup is done, remove it from heat and, if you prefer, discard the lemongrass stalks, galangal slices, and kaffir lime leaves. They’ve done their job!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves on top for that lovely herbal touch.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your Tom Yum Soup immediately, preferably with steamed jasmine rice on the side for a complete meal. Get ready to enjoy the spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors that make this dish a classic!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead of Homemade?
Yes, store-bought chicken or vegetable broth can be a great time-saver! Just look for low-sodium options so you can control the saltiness better when seasoning the soup.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the shrimp with tofu or a variety of seasonal vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will keep all the aromatic flavors while making it meat-free!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, but keep in mind that shrimp may become tough if reheated too often.
What If I Can’t Find Kaffir Lime Leaves?
If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, a little bit of lime zest can add a similar citrus flavor! Just be cautious not to overpower the soup, as fresh leaves bring unique notes that zest alone can’t replicate.
