Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (2024)

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Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (1)

Last week I was looking over all the recipes we’ve posted up until now, and one glaring thing really stood out to me. WE HAVEN’T POSTED ANY THAI RECIPES! Like, what the hell have I been doing folks? So, it should come at no surprise that today we are going to be making a classic Thai dish. And since it’s finally soup weather here in Colorado I figured there was no better Thai recipe to make then delicious tom yum soup.

Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with tom yum all you need to know is that it’s a light soup that’s a perfectly balanced combination of salty, sour, and spicy flavors. And while today’s recipe for tom yum soup does have a long list of ingredients, don’t let that scare you. This is really one of the easiest soups you can make. Thiers no sauteing involved, and no special concoctions that you have to mix together. All you have to do is add the ingredients to a pot, let them simmer for a little, and in 30 minutes you will have a wonderfully delicious soup. So if you’re getting hungry then let’s get to making our tom yum soup.

Tips, Tricks & Suggestions

  • Today we are going to be using chicken in our tom yum soup. However, if you want to be a little more traditional and use shrimp then feel free to do it. Just make sure to add the shrimp 6 minutes before you plan on eating, or else it can get overcooked.
  • Another popular Thai soup is tom kha which essential is tom yum with coconut milk added to it. If you want to turn this soup into tom kha then simply sub out 2 cups of the chicken broth with 2 cups of coconut milk, and omit the sugar.
  • Today I have decided to list all of the aromatic ingredients as optional. The reason for this is that red curry paste basically includes all of these ingredients in a cooked paste form. So while they aren’t necessary I do recommend using them as they will really give your tom tum a more pronounced flavor.
  • Once you’ve made this recipe a couple of times and figured what it should taste like, try and experiment with the type of veggies you add to it. Some of my favorite things to add in are sliced zucchini and sliced carrots.
  • I always recommend that you use homemade chicken broth when you make soup.

Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Prep time: 5 to 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 to 30 minutes

Servings: 6 bowls

Ingredients

2 Quarts of chicken broth

1 Large chicken breast, cut into thin strips

2 Cups of mushrooms, sliced

1 Large white onion, cut into thick strips

2 Medium-sized tomatoes, cut into thick strips

2 Tablespoons of fish sauce

2 Teaspoons of sugar

1 Teaspoon of salt

2 Tablespoons of Thai red curry paste, or nam prik pao if you can find it

Juice from 4 limes

Optional aromatics:

1 Inch sized piece of ginger, sliced thin

2 Stocks of lemongrass, cut into inch-sized pieces

2 to 6 Thai chili peppers, sliced thin

4 Cloves of garlic, sliced thin

5 to 6 kaffir lime leaves, ripped into pieces

Garnish:

Cilantro, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Simmer stock with aromatics: Get out a large pot and pour the 2 quarts of chicken stock in it. Place this over medium-high heat and toss in any of the optional aromatics that you plan on using. Once it comes to a simmer cover the pot and let it all simmer for 20 minutes.Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (2)
  1. Add the chicken, mushrooms, and onion: After 20 minutes toss in the chicken, mushrooms, and onion. Cover the pot again and let everything simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (3)
  1. Add the tomato along with the fish sauce, salt, sugar, red curry paste, and lime juice. Stir everything together and let this simmer for 2 more minutes.Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (4)
  1. Taste and adjust if needed: Taste the tom yum broth. If it is too salty or spicy then add a little more sugar to balance it out. If it’s too sour then add some more salt to balance it out.
  1. Serve and garnish with cilantroTom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (5)

Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (6)

Print Recipe

Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 2 Quarts of chicken broth
  • 1 Large chicken breast cut into thin strips
  • 2 Cups of mushrooms sliced
  • 1 Large white onion cut into thick strips
  • 2 Medium-sized tomatoes cut into thick strips
  • 2 Tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 Teaspoons of sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon of salt
  • 2 Tablespoons of Thai red curry paste or nam prik pao if you can find it
  • Juice from 4 limes

Optional aromatics:

  • 1 Inch sized piece of ginger sliced thin
  • 2 Stocks of lemongrass cut into inch-sized pieces
  • 2 to 6 Thai chili peppers sliced thin
  • 4 Cloves of garlic sliced thin
  • 5 to 6 kaffir lime leaves ripped into pieces

Garnish:

  • Cilantro roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Simmer stock with aromatics: Get out a large pot and pour the 2 quarts of chicken stock in it. Place this over medium-high heat and toss in any of the optional aromatics that you plan on using. Once it comes to a simmer cover the pot and let it all simmer for 20 minutes.

  • Add the chicken, mushrooms, and onion: After 20 minutes toss in the chicken, mushrooms, and onion. Cover the pot again and let everything simmer for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked.

  • Add the tomato along with the fish sauce, salt, sugar, red curry paste, and lime juice. Stir everything together and let this simmer for 2 more minutes.

  • Taste and adjust if needed: Taste the tom yum broth. If it is too salty or spicy then add a little more sugar to balance it out. If it’s to sour then add some more salt to balance it out.

  • Serve and garnish with cilantro

Inspiration from other blogs

From Rasa Malaysia

From Eating Thai Food

Tom Yum Soup - Recipes - Home Cooks Classroom (2024)

FAQs

What does Tom Yum mean in Thai? ›

Originated in Thailand, this is sometimes called Tom Yam and is a soup that normally includes shrimp in a hot and sour serving. The words Tom Yam mean “boiling” or “hot” and “spicy and sour” which perfectly describes this soup. As a staple Thai dish, this famous Tom Yum Goong is served in Thai Square.

Is tom yum soup healthy? ›

It's a healthy pick. Tom yum has fewer than 100 calories per cup. It also has shrimp, veggies, and fragrant spices, such as lemongrass. Tom yum and other broth-based soups, like tofu-vegetable or wonton, are usually lower in fat and calories than soups made with coconut milk, such as tom kha.

What to eat with tom yum soup? ›

In Thailand, Tom Yum Soup is often served alongside sticky rice. You can even add rice to your bowl then spoon the soup over it.

What are the different types of Tom Yum soup? ›

There are two different types of Tom Yum soup. The original Tom Yum is a clear soup called Tom Yum Nam Sai. The later version, which is commonly seen and widely adored, is a vibrant-coloured, richer and creamier soup called Tom Yum Nam Khon as it has roasted chilli paste, evaporated milk or coconut cream added to it.

What is Tom Yum broth made of? ›

Tom yum soup is a sour Thai soup. It is usually cooked with shrimp, which is called “Tom Yum Goong,” or tom yum soup with shrimp. That's what we're making today! Fragrant herbs and aromatics flavor the broth, including galangal, lemongrass, makrut (AKA kaffir) lime leaves, and Thai bird's eye chilies.

Why does Tom Yum taste so good? ›

At the heart of Tom Yum Soup lies its soulful broth, a fragrant elixir infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Lemongrass imparts a zesty citrus aroma, while kaffir lime leaves contribute a distinctive citrusy fragrance.

What is the healthiest Thai food to eat? ›

10 of Our Favorite Healthy Thai Dishes, According to a Dietitian
  • Papaya salad.
  • Pomelo salad.
  • Spring rolls.
  • Clear spicy Thai soup.
  • Hainanese chicken with rice.
  • Steamed fish.
  • Coconut lemongrass clams.
  • Garlic stir-fried vegetables.
Aug 19, 2022

Are you supposed to eat everything in Tom Yum soup? ›

For the Tom Yum Soup

Note: The galangal, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves are traditionally left in the soup as garnish, but are not meant to be eaten. Make sure you let your guests know not to eat the herbs or remove them after they're done infusing.

Is Tom Yum good for your stomach? ›

Galanga is another common ingredient used in making Tom Yum Goong that is originated from Southeast-Asian countries. It is a herb that is particular useful in treating stomach issues, cough, and even heart disease with its antibacterial properties.

How long does tom yum soup last in the fridge? ›

This is an easy soup to whip up and the leftovers will keep in the fridge for a week! Tom Yum soup originated in Thailand and it's a healing blend of spice, citrus, hot and sour. The medicinal benefits of this soup are abundant!

What is the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Yum Po Tak soup? ›

Tom yam gai (Thai: ต้มยำไก่) is the chicken version of the soup. Tom yam po taek (Thai: ต้มยำโป๊ะแตก) or tom yam thale (Thai: ต้มยำทะเล) is a variant of the soup with mixed seafood, like prawns, squid, clams and pieces of fish.

What do Thai people eat with soup? ›

As I wrote in my guide to putting together a balanced Thai meal, soup is usually served alongside other dishes centered around a rice-based meal. This lies in stark contrast with Western meals, where it's common to eat soup by itself or as a first-course.

Is Tom Yum soup anti inflammatory? ›

Health Benefits: Tom Yum soup is made with a variety of fresh herbs and spices that are known for their health benefits. Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal are all used in the soup and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

What's the difference between Tom Yum and Tom Saap? ›

It's a lot like the more popular clear tom yum (which was born in central Thailand). Both use the same aromatics like lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime, though authentic tom saap features pork and chicken feet as the main protein instead of tom yum's usual seafood toppings.

What is the difference between Tom Kha and Tom Yum soup? ›

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

What does tom mean in Tom Yum? ›

The name "tom yam" is composed of two Thai words. Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam means 'mixed'. Historian Giles Milton contends that the origins of Tom Yum can be traced back to India, where there is a variation of hot and sour shrimp soup known as "sour prawn soup." Tom yum.

What's the difference between Tom Kha and Tom Yum? ›

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

What does Yum Yum mean in Thailand? ›

Yum, meaning “mix,” is a hearty dish consisting mostly of meat, fish, or seafood together with many other typically Thai ingredients which may include peanuts, fruit, and herbs.

What is the Flavour of Tom Yum? ›

A distinctive flavor of Tom yum is its blend of hot and sour, with generous amounts of aromatic spices and herbs.

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