Tom Yum Soup Recipe

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

Shrimp: Adds a succulent and sweet seafood flavor to the soup.

Lemongrass: A fragrant herb that imparts a citrusy aroma and taste.

Galangal: A root similar to ginger, but with a sharper, more peppery flavor.

Kaffir lime leaves: Adds a unique citrusy note that is essential for authentic Thai flavor.

Fish sauce: A salty, umami-rich liquid that enhances the overall taste.

Lime juice: Provides the tangy and refreshing element to the soup.

Mushrooms: Adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor.

Cherry tomatoes: Contributes a slight sweetness and acidity.

Thai chilies: Brings the heat and spiciness to the soup.

Cilantro: A fresh herb used as a garnish to add a burst of color and flavor.

When preparing lemongrass, make sure to bruise the stalks with the back of a knife before cutting them into pieces. This helps release the essential oils and enhances the flavor of the broth.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: If you prefer a vegetarian version, vegetable broth provides a similar base flavor without the meat.

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, tofu can mimic the texture of shrimp and absorb the soup's flavors well.

• lemongrass - Substitute with lemon zest and ginger: If you can't find lemongrass, a combination of lemon zest and ginger can provide a similar citrusy and spicy flavor.

• galangal - Substitute with ginger: Galangal has a unique flavor, but ginger is a more commonly available root that can provide a similar spicy and aromatic profile.

• kaffir lime leaves - Substitute with lime zest and bay leaves: Kaffir lime leaves have a distinct flavor, but lime zest and bay leaves can offer a somewhat similar citrusy and herbal note.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce and a dash of lime juice: For a vegetarian option, soy sauce combined with lime juice can mimic the salty and tangy flavor of fish sauce.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar acidic and tangy flavor if lime juice is unavailable.

• sliced mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be used as an alternative to mushrooms, offering a different texture but still absorbing the soup's flavors well.

• halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced regular tomatoes: Regular tomatoes can be used if cherry tomatoes are not available, providing a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

• crushed thai chilies - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can provide the heat needed if Thai chilies are not accessible.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a garnish if cilantro is not preferred or available, offering a fresh, green flavor.

• Allow the Tom Yum Soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal as they do not absorb odors and are easy to clean.
• If you plan to consume the soup within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow the soup to expand as it freezes.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor of the ingredients.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid boiling the soup as it can overcook the shrimp and vegetables.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional fish sauce or lime juice if needed, as freezing can sometimes dull the flavors.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to enhance the aroma and add a burst of freshness.

• For stovetop reheating, pour the leftover Tom Yum Soup into a pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a gentle simmer. This method helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and vegetables.
• If using a microwave, transfer the 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. Be cautious not to overcook the shrimp.
• For a slow cooker, set it to low and pour in the Tom Yum Soup. Heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is ideal for maintaining the flavors and textures of the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
• To reheat on a stovetop with added freshness, bring the soup to a gentle simmer and add a splash of chicken broth or water if it has thickened. You can also add a few fresh cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of lime juice to revive the flavors.
• For an immersion blender method, if the soup has separated or the cilantro has wilted, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly. This will help reincorporate the ingredients and give it a smoother texture. Then, heat on the stovetop or microwave as mentioned above.

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

• Knife: Essential for cutting the lemongrass, galangal, and other ingredients.

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

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, fish sauce, and lime juice accurately.

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup and ensuring even cooking.

• Tongs: Useful for adding and removing shrimp from the pot.

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.

• Serving bowls: Used to present the finished Tom Yum Soup.

• Cilantro chopper: Handy for finely chopping the cilantro for garnish.

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

Use pre-made broth: Save time by using store-bought chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.

Quick shrimp prep: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to skip the cleaning process.

Simplify herbs: Use dried lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves if fresh ones are not available.

One-pot cooking: Cook everything in one pot to reduce cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger batch and freeze portions for future meals.