Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Tom Yum Soup Recipe That Brings Thailand to Your Kitchen

If you’ve ever been captivated by the bold and vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, you’re not alone. As someone who has spent years exploring international flavors, nothing quite hits the spot like the spicy, tangy, and aromatic Tom Yum Goong—a traditional Thai soup brimming with shrimp and fresh herbs. It's a dish that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Bangkok, no passport required.

In this post, I’ll share an easy Tom Yum Soup recipe using paste, making it accessible for home cooks who crave authentic Thai food without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, I’ll share some product recommendations to make your cooking experience even better, as well as a must-read book to deepen your love for Thai cuisine.

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Why Tom Yum Soup Is a Must-Try

Tom Yum Soup, particularly Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine. Its unique balance of spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet flavors is what makes it a standout dish. The soup’s base is infused with fragrant herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, creating a depth of flavor that’s impossible to forget.

This recipe is for anyone who:

Loves experimenting with bold, international flavors.

Wants an authentic Thai dish made easy with modern shortcuts.

Craves a spicy seafood soup that’s packed with nutrients and taste.

Ingredients for Authentic Tom Yum Soup

Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this traditional yet easy recipe:

For the Soup Base:

4 cups of water or chicken stock

2 stalks of lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed

4 slices of galangal

6 kaffir lime leaves, torn into halves

4-5 Thai chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)

For Flavoring:

2 tablespoons of Tom Yum paste (I recommend Mae Ploy or Pantai brands)

1 tablespoon of fish sauce (or more to taste)

2 teaspoons of sugar

Juice of 2 limes

Main Ingredients:

10-12 medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 cup of mushrooms, sliced (straw mushrooms or button mushrooms work well)

1 small tomato, cut into wedges

2 tablespoons of evaporated milk or coconut milk (optional for a creamy version)

For Garnish:

A handful of fresh cilantro leaves

Red chili slices (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Tom Yum Soup

1. Prepare the Aromatic Base

In a medium-sized pot, bring 4 cups of water or chicken stock to a gentle boil. Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies. Let them simmer for about 5 minutes to release their aroma.

2. Add the Tom Yum Paste

Stir in 2 tablespoons of Tom Yum paste. This is the shortcut ingredient that captures the authentic essence of Thai food, without the need for blending spices from scratch.

3. Introduce the Main Ingredients

Add the shrimp, mushrooms, and tomato. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

4. Balance the Flavors

Season with fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning to suit your palate. If you prefer a creamier version, add the evaporated milk or coconut milk at this stage.

5. Garnish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, and enjoy your steaming bowl of Tom Yum Goong!

Making It Even Better: Product Recommendations

1. Mae Pranom Thai Tom Yum Chili Paste

For anyone new to cooking Thai food, Mae Pranom Tom Yum paste is a lifesaver. It’s packed with authentic flavors of lemongrass, chili, and shrimp paste, and it’s incredibly easy to use. Just a spoonful transforms your soup into something spectacular.

Why You’ll Love It:

Convenient and versatile for various Thai recipes.

Perfectly balanced flavors for authentic results.

Grab your jar of Mae Pranom Tom Yum Paste on Amazon here and elevate your cooking game today!

2. Stainless Steel Soup Pot

A good-quality pot is essential for making soups like Tom Yum. The Cuisinart 3-Quart Stainless Steel Pot is perfect for this recipe. It heats evenly and has a sturdy design that will last for years.

Why It’s a Kitchen Must-Have:

Non-reactive surface for cooking with acidic ingredients like lime.

Compact size, ideal for making soups for small families.

Get your Cuisinart Soup Pot on Amazon here for flawless cooking!

Deepen Your Culinary Skills: A Must-Read Book

“Simple Thai Food: Classic Recipes from the Thai Home Kitchen” by Leela Punyaratabandhu

This cookbook is a treasure trove of authentic Thai recipes, explained in a way that’s approachable for home cooks. Leela’s passion for Thai cuisine shines through, making this book both educational and inspiring.

What You’ll Learn:

The history and cultural significance of Thai dishes.

Techniques for perfecting the balance of flavors in your cooking.

Order “Simple Thai Food” on Amazon here and take your love for Thai cooking to the next level!

My Journey with Tom Yum Soup

The first time I tried making Tom Yum Soup, I was overwhelmed by the sheer variety of ingredients. But over time, I discovered that using high-quality Tom Yum paste simplifies the process without sacrificing authenticity.

I remember serving this soup to a group of friends during a cozy dinner, and they couldn’t stop raving about how it tasted just like the version they had in Thailand. Seeing their reactions reminded me why I love cooking—it’s all about bringing people together and sharing experiences through food.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other seafood instead of shrimp?

Absolutely! Squid, mussels, or fish fillets work wonderfully in Tom Yum Soup.

2. What’s the difference between clear and creamy Tom Yum?

clear version is traditional, while the creamy one includes evaporated or coconut milk for a richer texture.

3. Is Tom Yum paste necessary?

If you want authentic flavors without spending time sourcing individual ingredients, Tom Yum paste is indispensable.

Bring Thailand to Your Kitchen Today

This easy Tom Yum Soup recipe is a perfect way to explore the rich and bold flavors of Thai cuisine. With just a few ingredients and the help of Tom Yum paste, you can recreate the magic of Thailand in your own kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, grab the recommended products, and dive into the world of authentic Thai food.

Start cooking your Tom Yum Soup today and experience the taste of Thailand like never before