How to Make Tom Yum – Authentic Tom Yum (Recipe Guide)

We will write a full guide on how to make Tom Yum one of the most popular dishes in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Tom Yum is a vibrant and aromatic Thai soup known for its distinctive hot and sour flavors. This soup typically features shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), but variations include chicken (Tom Yum Gai) or a vegetarian option. Below is a guide to making authentic Tom Yum Goong.

Read here best Thai food and best Thai Breakfast.

Read here best sim card in Thailand, Thailand vs Philippines and Thailand travel tips

WHERE TO STAY IN THAILAND

Accommodation in Thailand is around €10 for a dorm. And while a hotel that is a double room in a budget can go up to €40.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

How to Make Tom Yum

Tom Yum Recipe Ingredients

For the Soup:
4 cups (950 ml) chicken or seafood stock
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on for presentation)
2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
3 slices galangal (or ginger if galangal is unavailable)
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces (remove the stem)
2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)
200 grams (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (straw mushrooms are authentic, but button mushrooms work too)
2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tablespoons fish sauce, or to taste
1-2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed, to taste
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the sourness)
For Garnishing:
Fresh cilantro
Additional lime wedges

Get the best deals for your home and kitchen needs

Step By Step How to Make Tom Yum

1. Prepare the Broth

Boil the Herbs: In a medium pot, bring the chicken or seafood stock to a boil. Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies. Boil for 5-10 minutes to infuse the broth with these flavors.

2. Add the Aromatics

Add Onion and Mushrooms: Add the onion and mushrooms to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes until the mushrooms are soft.

3. Add the Shrimp

Cook the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can make the shrimp tough.

4. Season the Soup

Add Seasonings: Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust these ingredients to taste; the soup should have a balanced hot, sour, and salty flavor profile.

5. Add the Tomatoes

Simmer the Tomatoes: Add the tomato wedges, simmer for an additional minute or two just to warm them through – they should retain some of their shape and texture.

6. Serve

Garnish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and additional lime wedges on the side for extra tanginess.

Tips for Making Tom Yum

For the most authentic flavor, use fresh lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai bird’s eye chilies. These are key to the unique flavor of Tom Yum. The charm of Tom Yum lies in its robust sour and spicy taste, which can be adjusted according to personal preference. Start with less chili and lime juice, and adjust as you taste.

Since the cooking time is short, using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best texture and flavor. Tom Yum is typically served as a starter, but it can also be a main course if served with rice.

How Many Calories Has A Tom Yum

Chicken or Seafood Stock (1 cup) is around 10-20 calories.
Large Shrimp (3-4 pieces) is around 30-50 calories.
Lemongrass, Galangal, Kaffir Lime Leaves, Bird’s Eye Chilies: These ingredients contribute minimal calories.
Mushrooms (½ cup, sliced) is around 15 calories for half a cup.
Tomatoes (½ medium): A half of a medium tomato has about 11 calories.
Onion (1/4 cup, sliced): About 15 calories.
Fish Sauce (2 tablespoons): About 10 calories.
Lime Juice (1 tablespoon): Approximately 4 calories.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): About 16 calories.

A single serving of Tom Yum is around 100-130 calories.