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This guide makes it simple to cook the perfect tom yum soup recipe Thai with fresh herbs and bold ingredients

Tom Yum Soup Recipe Thai

This tom yum soup recipe Thai is an authentic and flavorful dish packed with bold, spicy, and tangy goodness. Infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and shrimp, this easy-to-make Thai soup delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a cozy, nourishing meal!
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Cuisine: thai
Keyword: Tom Yum Soup Recipe Thai
Servings: 4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water or chicken stock
  • 12 large prawns whole or peeled
  • 2 stalks lemongrass smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves torn into pieces
  • 1- inch piece of galangal thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 Thai bird’s eye chilies sliced, adjust for spice preference
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 medium tomato cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste Nam Prik Pao
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ cup evaporated milk or coconut milk for creamy version
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Extra lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Prepare the Broth:
  • Bring water or chicken stock to a boil in a large pot.
  • If using whole prawns, add the shells and heads to the pot for extra flavor. Simmer for 10 minutes, then strain and return the broth to the pot.
  • Infuse with Aromatics:
  • Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, garlic, and chilies to the broth.
  • Simmer for another 10 minutes to extract maximum flavor.
  • Cook the Vegetables & Protein:
  • Add mushrooms, tomatoes, and peeled shrimp to the broth.
  • Cook until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Season the Soup:
  • Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed for a perfect balance of salty, sour, spicy, and sweet.
  • Make It Creamy (Optional):
  • For a creamy version, stir in Thai chili paste and evaporated milk (or coconut milk).
  • Serve & Garnish:
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
  • Serve with extra lime wedges for an extra tangy kick.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal instead of dried substitutes.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer Thai bird’s eye chilies.
  • If using frozen shrimp, add an extra teaspoon of fish sauce for more depth.
  • Pair with jasmine rice for a complete, traditional Thai meal.
  • Lime juice should always be added at the end to maintain its fresh, citrusy brightness.