Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Chicken broth: The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Lemongrass: Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor, essential for authentic Tom Yum.

Galangal: A root similar to ginger, but with a more peppery and citrusy taste.

Kaffir lime leaves: Impart a unique lime fragrance and flavor to the soup.

Shrimp: Adds a sweet and succulent protein element to the soup.

Mushrooms: Provide an earthy flavor and texture contrast.

Fish sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the soup.

Lime juice: Brings a tangy and fresh acidity to balance the flavors.

Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the sour and spicy elements.

Tom yum paste: A concentrated blend of spices and herbs that gives the soup its signature flavor.

Red chili: Adds heat and a vibrant color to the soup.

Cilantro: Provides a fresh and herbaceous finish.

When preparing lemongrass, make sure to smash it with the back of a knife to release its aromatic oils, enhancing the flavor of your Tom Yum Soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Provides a similar depth of flavor and is suitable for vegetarians.

• lemongrass - Substitute with lemon zest and ginger: Mimics the citrusy and slightly spicy notes of lemongrass.

• galangal - Substitute with ginger: Ginger has a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though slightly less pungent.

• kaffir lime leaves - Substitute with lime zest and bay leaves: Lime zest provides the citrus aroma, and bay leaves add a subtle depth.

• shrimp - Substitute with chicken or tofu: Chicken offers a similar protein content, while tofu is a great vegetarian option.

• mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini or bell peppers: Both provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the soup well.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a bit of anchovy paste: Soy sauce provides the umami flavor, and anchovy paste adds a hint of fishiness.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey or maple syrup: Both provide sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• tom yum paste - Substitute with red curry paste and a bit of lime juice: Red curry paste offers a similar spice level, and lime juice adds the necessary acidity.

• red chili - Substitute with jalapeño or serrano peppers: Both provide a similar heat level and can be easily found in most markets.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley or basil: Both herbs offer a fresh, aromatic quality, though with a slightly different flavor.

• Allow the tom yum soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Glass containers are ideal as they do not retain odors and are easy to clean.
• For short-term storage, place the containers in the refrigerator. The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you plan to store the tom yum soup for a longer period, consider freezing it. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
• When using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space and allow for quicker thawing.
• Label the containers or bags with the date of storage to keep track of freshness.
• To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Alternatively, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Reheat the tom yum soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid boiling as it can alter the texture of the shrimp and mushrooms.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving to revive the vibrant flavors.

• Stovetop method: Pour the leftover Tom Yum Soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp and mushrooms are heated through and the broth is steaming hot. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

• Microwave method: Transfer the Tom Yum Soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Check to make sure the soup is hot throughout, and heat for an additional minute if necessary.

• Double boiler method: Place the Tom Yum Soup in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. This gentle method helps to preserve the delicate flavors of the lemongrass and galangal.

• Slow cooker method: Pour the leftover Tom Yum Soup into a slow cooker. Set it to low and heat for 1-2 hours, or until the soup is hot. This method is great if you're not in a rush and want to keep the soup warm for an extended period.

• Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the Tom Yum Soup into an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the soup is hot throughout. This method is useful if you're reheating a large quantity.

• Pot: Used to bring the chicken broth to a boil and simmer the ingredients.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the galangal, red chili, and mushrooms.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and tom yum paste accurately.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Smashing tool: Needed to smash the lemongrass to release its flavors.

• Bowl: For holding the chopped cilantro and other prepped ingredients before adding them to the soup.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time.

Buy peeled shrimp: Purchase peeled and deveined shrimp to skip the tedious prep work.

Use a food processor: Quickly chop lemongrass and galangal using a food processor.

Pre-slice mushrooms: Buy pre-sliced mushrooms to cut down on prep time.

Ready-made tom yum paste: Use store-bought tom yum paste for convenience.

Quick simmer: Simmer broth and spices together while prepping other ingredients.