Go Back
bold and flavorful soup

Tom Yum Soup

This vibrant Thai soup balances sour lime, fragrant lemongrass, and spicy chilies in perfect harmony. Ready in just 20 minutes, this classic dish delivers layers of citrusy goodness with umami depth from fish sauce. The result is a revitalizing yet comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 85
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stalk lemongrass crushed and tied into a knot
  • 2-3 chili peppers crushed (or chili sauce to taste)
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves removed from stems (or zest from 3 limes as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1-2 limes juiced
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup mushrooms oyster or straw varieties preferred
  • 5 sprigs fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Medium pot
  • Knife
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot.
  2. While water heats, crush the lemongrass stalk with the back of your knife to release the essential oils. Tie it into a knot and add it to the water.
  3. Once water reaches a rolling boil, add the mushrooms and kaffir lime leaves (or lime zest if substituting).
  4. Turn off the heat completely. The residual warmth will continue to extract flavors without overcooking.
  5. In a separate serving bowl, crush the chili peppers (adjust quantity based on desired spice level).
  6. Add fish sauce and lime juice to the serving bowl.
  7. Pour the aromatic lemongrass broth over everything in the serving bowl.
  8. Taste and adjust fish sauce or lime juice if needed for the perfect balance of sour, savory, and spicy.
  9. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro just before serving.

Notes

For a heartier version, add 8-10 shrimp or diced chicken breast during the boiling stage. Vegetarians can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce mixed with a touch of lime juice. For a creamier variation, stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk at the end to create Tom Kha style soup.
Serve alongside fragrant jasmine rice or fresh spring rolls for a complete meal. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, though the flavors are most vibrant when freshly made.