Tom Yum Soup Recipe

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

Lemongrass: Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma and flavor to the soup.

Galangal: A root similar to ginger but with a more peppery and pine-like flavor.

Kaffir lime leaves: Impart a unique citrus fragrance and flavor.

Shrimp: Provides a sweet and succulent protein element.

Mushrooms: Adds an earthy flavor and texture to the soup.

Fish sauce: Contributes a salty and umami depth to the broth.

Lime juice: Adds tanginess and balances the flavors.

Sugar: Helps to balance the sour and spicy elements.

Red chili: Adds heat and a touch of color.

Cherry tomatoes: Provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Cilantro: Used as a garnish to add a fresh, herbal note.

When preparing lemongrass, make sure to smash it with the back of a knife before adding it to the broth. This helps release its aromatic oils and enhances the flavor of the soup.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Provides a similar savory base while keeping the dish vegetarian.

• lemongrass - Substitute with lemon zest and ginger: Mimics the citrusy and slightly spicy flavor of lemongrass.

• galangal - Substitute with ginger: Offers a similar spicy and aromatic profile, though slightly less pungent.

• kaffir lime leaves - Substitute with lime zest and bay leaves: Replicates the citrusy and slightly floral notes of kaffir lime leaves.

• shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Keeps the protein content while making the dish vegetarian.

• mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Adds a similar texture and absorbs the flavors of the soup well.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Provides a similar umami flavor while being vegetarian-friendly.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Offers a similar tartness and acidity.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Adds sweetness with a slightly different flavor profile.

• red chili - Substitute with jalapeño: Provides a similar level of heat and can be easily found.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Similar in size and flavor, making them an easy swap.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note without the soapy taste some people associate with cilantro.

• 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. For best results, use containers that are the right size to minimize air space, which can affect the soup's freshness.

• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The shrimp and mushrooms will maintain their texture and flavor during this period.

• For longer storage, place the airtight containers in the freezer. The Tom Yum Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.

• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve the texture of the shrimp and mushrooms.

• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Avoid boiling, as this can cause the shrimp to become rubbery and the mushrooms to lose their texture.

• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.

• Taste the soup after reheating and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Sometimes, the flavors of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar may need a slight boost after storage.

• Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to revive the vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness.

• For stovetop reheating, pour the leftover Tom Yum Soup into a pot. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally until it reaches a gentle boil. This method helps retain the flavors of the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

• If using a microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a plate to avoid splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious as the shrimp and cherry tomatoes can heat up quickly.

• For a double boiler method, place the Tom Yum Soup in a heatproof bowl. Set this bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the soup is heated through. This gentle method helps maintain the delicate flavors of the cilantro and red chili.

• If you have a slow cooker, pour the leftover soup into it and set it on low. Allow it to heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the mushrooms and shrimp tender.

• For a quick reheat, use an immersion blender to blend the soup slightly, then heat it in a pot over medium heat. This method ensures even heating and a slightly thicker consistency, enhancing the flavors of the fish sauce and lime juice.

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

• Knife: Essential for slicing the galangal, red chili, and halving the cherry tomatoes.

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

• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the soup and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.

• Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar.

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

• Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls.

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

• Cilantro chopper: Handy for chopping the cilantro garnish.

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

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time.

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

Smash lemongrass in advance: Prepare and store lemongrass pieces in the fridge.

Quick mushroom prep: Use pre-sliced mushrooms to reduce prep time.

Ready-to-use lime juice: Use bottled lime juice instead of squeezing fresh limes.

Pre-chopped cilantro: Buy pre-chopped cilantro to save chopping time.