Go Back

Homemade Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Authentic Thai Tom Yum Soup made with fresh lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shrimp, and chilies. This hot and sour soup is bold, aromatic, and ready in just 30 minutes for an easy yet restaurant-quality Thai meal at home.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 180
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups water or chicken/seafood stock
  • 2 stalks lemongrass bruised and cut into pieces
  • 4 slices galangal or fresh ginger
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves torn
  • 3 –4 bird’s eye chilies halved
  • 2 shallots sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 200 g shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 small tomato cut into chunks
  • 2 –3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Thai roasted chili paste nam prik pao, optional
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring water or stock to a gentle boil in a pot.
  2. Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shallots, and garlic.
  3. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add mushrooms and tomatoes and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  5. Season with fish sauce, sugar, and chili paste if using.
  6. Add shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes until pink and opaque.
  7. Turn off heat and stir in lime juice.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

For the best balance, add lime juice after removing from heat. Adjust chilies and fish sauce to taste for preferred spice and salt levels.