Authentic Thai Tom Yum Soup Recipe (Chicken, Shrimp & Vegan Options)
- Praphasri Panphasom
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Tom Yum is arguably the most famous dish in Thai cuisine. Known for its distinct hot and sour flavors, this fragrant soup is packed with fresh herbs and spices that instantly awaken the senses. Whether you prefer the classic Tom Yum Kung (with shrimp), chicken, or a healthy plant-based version, mastering this dish is a must for any food lover.
Here is the ultimate recipe to help you recreate the perfect bowl of authentic Tom Yum soup at home!
Authentic Tom Yum Soup Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 1-2)
Vegetables:
40-50 g Mushroom (straw mushroom or oyster mushroom)
1-2 Tomatoes (wedged)
40 g (or 1/2 bulb) Onion (sliced)
1-4 fresh Chili peppers (crushed or sliced, adjust to your spice tolerance)
Soup Base & Fresh Garnishes:
1 cup to 500 ml Water or vegetable/chicken stock
1-2 tbsp Lime juice
1 tbsp Coriander (chopped)
1 tbsp Spring onion (chopped)
Seasoning for Regular Version:
1-2 tbsp Fish sauce
1-2 tsp Roasted chili paste in oil (Nam Prik Pao)
1 tsp Brown sugar or regular sugar
Seasoning for Vegan/Vegetarian Version:
1 tbsp Light soy sauce (instead of fish sauce)
1-2 tsp Vegetarian roasted chili paste in oil
1 tsp Brown sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Broth: Bring your water or stock to a boil over medium heat.
Infuse the Herbs: Add the galangal and lemongrass to the pot; let them simmer and infuse until the broth becomes highly aromatic.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the sliced onion, mushrooms, chili peppers, and tomato wedges.
Season the Soup: Add the brown sugar, fish sauce (or light soy sauce for vegans), and the roasted chili paste in oil. Stir well until the chili paste dissolves and paints the broth with a beautiful red hue.
Cook the Protein: Add your chosen protein (prawns, chicken, or tofu). Simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes until the meat is cooked through. Do not overcook the shrimp!
The Final Touch: Turn off the heat. Add the fresh lime juice, chopped coriander, spring onion, and kaffir lime leaves. (Adding lime juice off the heat prevents the soup from turning bitter).
Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup. The perfect Tom Yum should have a masterful balance of sour, salty, and spicy flavors!
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