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Best Tom Yum Soup

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Tom Yum is a classic Thai hot-and-sour soup made with aromatic herbs, shrimp, mushrooms, and a balance of tangy lime juice, spicy chilies, and savory fish sauce. This version delivers bold, vibrant flavors in a quick and comforting bowl.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water or stock (chicken or seafood)
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into pieces
  • 4 slices galangal (or fresh ginger if unavailable)
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 3–4 bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 2 shallots or 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup mushrooms (straw, oyster, or button), halved or sliced
  • 1 small tomato, cut into chunks
  • 2–3 tbsp fish sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (or more to taste)
  • 1 tsp palm sugar or white sugar
  • 1 tbsp nam prik pao (Thai roasted chili paste, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
  • Extra chili slices or flakes, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Bruise lemongrass, slice galangal, tear kaffir lime leaves, and halve chilies to release flavors.
  2. In a medium pot, bring water or stock to a gentle boil. Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, garlic, and chilies. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
  3. Add mushrooms and tomatoes. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in fish sauce, sugar, and nam prik pao (if using). Taste and adjust for saltiness, sweetness, or heat.
  5. Add shrimp and simmer just until pink and cooked through, about 1–2 minutes. Do not overcook.
  6. Turn off the heat and stir in fresh lime juice. Adjust sourness to your preference.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, chili slices, and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Add coconut milk or evaporated milk for a creamy version (Tom Yum Nam Khon).Use chicken, fish, or tofu as alternative proteins.Add vegetables like baby corn, bok choy, or carrots for variety.Reduce chili or remove seeds for a milder soup.For meal prep, make broth ahead and add shrimp fresh before serving.

Nutrition

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