Tom Yum Soup
A bold and aromatic Thai soup with a signature hot-and-sour kick. Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and makrut lime leaves infuse a clear shrimp broth, finished with succulent prawns and a drizzle of chili oil. Ready in minutes, it's a vibrant appetizer or light main course.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the aromatics and vegetables.
Bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife and cut them into 2-inch pieces. Peel and thinly slice the galangal. Tear the makrut lime leaves, discarding the tough central stem. Lightly crush the bird's eye chilies. Quarter the tomatoes, halve the mushrooms, and slice the onion.
TIPBruising lemongrass releases the essential oils that give the soup its signature fragrance. - boil · ~8 min
Build the aromatic broth.
1.Place water in a soup pot and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.2.Add lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, and bird's eye chilies. Boil for 3 minutes until intensely fragrant.3.Add quartered tomatoes, sliced onion, and halved mushrooms. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. - simmer · ~3 min
Cook the shrimp.
1.Add shrimp to the simmering broth and cook just until pink and opaque (2-3 minutes).2.Do not overcook — shrimp become rubbery if left too long.TIPShrimp are done the moment they curl into a 'C' shape. If they curl into a tight 'O', they are overdone. - mix
Season the soup.
1.Remove the pot from heat immediately after shrimp are cooked.2.Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt.3.Taste and adjust — it should be distinctly sour from lime, salty from fish sauce, with a hint of sweetness.TIPAlways add lime juice off the heat. Cooking lime juice dulls its bright, sour punch. - garnish
Serve immediately.
1.Ladle the soup into bowls, distributing shrimp and mushrooms evenly.2.Drizzle each bowl with chili oil.3.Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander leaves.TIPServe piping hot. Tom Yum waits for no one — the aromas fade as it cools.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Bruise lemongrass with the back of a knife to release maximum essential oils for a fragrant broth.
- 2Tear makrut lime leaves instead of cutting to expose more surface area and unlock their citrusy aroma.
- 3Cook shrimp just until they curl into a 'C' shape — a tight 'O' means they are overcooked and rubbery.
- 4Always add lime juice off the heat; boiling destroys its bright, sour freshness.
- 5Taste the broth before serving and adjust with more fish sauce or lime juice until the hot-sour balance is perfect.
- 6Serve the soup immediately after garnishing — the delicate aromatics fade quickly as the soup cools.
Adapt it for your goals.
Creamy Tom Yum (Tom Yum Nam Khon)
Add 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or coconut milk in the last minute of simmering for a richer, creamier broth that mellows the spice and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
Vegetarian / VeganVegetarian / Vegan
Replace shrimp with firm tofu cubes and use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce instead of regular fish sauce. Add extra mushrooms for umami.
High ProteinHigh Protein
Double the shrimp or add sliced chicken breast along with the shrimp. Adjust cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked without overcooking the shrimp.
Low SodiumLow-Sodium
Use a low-sodium fish sauce or substitute with light soy sauce, and omit the added salt. Let the natural flavors of the aromatics shine.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Lemongrass, galangal, and bird's eye chilies are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and support overall wellness.
Low in Calories
This clear broth soup is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a light yet satisfying option for weight-conscious eaters.
Supports Immune Health
The combination of garlic-free aromatics like galangal and lime leaves contains compounds traditionally used to support the immune system, especially during cold season.
High-Quality Lean Protein
Shrimp provide a lean source of complete protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance, with minimal saturated fat.
Hydrating and Satisfying
With a water-based broth and fresh vegetables, this soup helps maintain hydration and provides a nutrient-dense, comforting meal.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, thaw them completely and pat dry before adding to the broth. Adjust cooking time slightly as frozen shrimp release more water.
