Lunch

Tom Yum Soup

Name: Tom Yum Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups chicken or seafood stock; 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 3 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces; 3 cloves garlic, smashed; 3 Thai bird chilies (or 2 Thai chilies), halved lengthwise; 6 oz mushrooms (cremini or oyster), sliced; 3 tbsp Thai fish sauce; 3 tbsp fresh lime juice; 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar; 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; Fresh cilantro for serving

A vibrant, complex Thai soup balanced between fiery chilies, sour lime, and aromatic lemongrass. Shrimp and mushrooms cook quickly in the fragrant broth, making this restaurant-quality soup achievable at home in under 30 minutes.

229calper serving 33gprotein 11gcarbs 6gfat 15min prep 15min cook 4serves

✓ Macros from a nutrition database · per serving · developed by The Delicious Kitchen with AI assistance, not independently kitchen-tested · how we calculate this

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Tom Yum Soup — common questions

Can I make tom yum soup ahead of time?

Yes—prepare the broth and aromatics up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently over medium heat, then add the shrimp and mushrooms only when serving so they stay tender and don't become rubbery.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes; substitute 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, rather than the 2-3 minutes for shrimp.

What's the most common mistake in tom yum?

Overcooking the shrimp or using too much fish sauce, which overpowers the other flavors. Add fish sauce gradually and taste as you go; shrimp is done the moment it turns opaque, usually 2-3 minutes.

Where do I find Thai chilies and kaffir lime leaves?

Both are available in the Asian section of most supermarkets, in specialty Asian markets, or online. If you can't find fresh kaffir lime leaves, frozen ones work perfectly—no thawing needed.

What should I serve with tom yum soup?

Serve with jasmine rice, rice noodles, or simply with crusty bread. Many people enjoy fresh herbs on the side—mint, Thai basil, and extra cilantro—so each person can customize their bowl.

How do I store and reheat leftover tom yum?

Refrigerate the broth for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat over medium heat until steaming; shrimp and mushrooms will have softened, so consider adding fresh ones when reheating for the best texture.