Tom Yum Soup Recipe

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

Shrimp: Adds a succulent and sweet seafood element to the soup.

Mushrooms: Contributes an earthy flavor and texture.

Lemongrass: Provides a citrusy and aromatic note.

Galangal: A root similar to ginger, adding a sharp and peppery flavor.

Kaffir lime leaves: Imparts a unique citrus fragrance.

Fish sauce: Adds umami and saltiness.

Lime juice: Brings tanginess and freshness.

Chili paste: Adds heat and depth of flavor.

Sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and acidity.

Cilantro: Used as a garnish, adding a fresh and herbaceous note.

When preparing lemongrass, use the back of a knife to gently bruise the stalks before cutting them into pieces. This helps release the aromatic oils, enhancing the flavor of your Tom Yum Soup.

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

• peeled and deveined shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Offers a protein-rich alternative suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

• sliced mushrooms - Substitute with zucchini: Adds a different texture and absorbs the flavors well.

• lemongrass - Substitute with lemon zest: Provides a citrusy aroma and flavor, though not as complex as lemongrass.

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

• kaffir lime leaves - Substitute with lime zest: Adds a citrusy note, though lacks the unique fragrance of kaffir lime leaves.

• fish sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Provides a salty umami flavor, suitable for vegetarians and those with fish allergies.

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

• chili paste - Substitute with sriracha: Adds heat and a bit of sweetness, though the flavor profile is slightly different.

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

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

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note, though without the distinctive cilantro flavor.

• Allow the Tom Yum Soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can dilute the flavors.
• Transfer the soup to an airtight container. For best results, use a container that fits the amount of soup you have to minimize air exposure.
• Store the soup in the refrigerator if you plan to consume it within 3-4 days. The shrimp and mushrooms will maintain their texture and flavor during this period.
• For longer storage, freeze the soup. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.
• Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long the soup has been stored. Tom Yum Soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the texture of the shrimp and vegetables.
• Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the shrimp to become tough and the mushrooms to lose their texture.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to revive the vibrant flavors and add a touch of freshness.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the Tom Yum Soup into a pot.
  2. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once the soup begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low.
  4. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the shrimp and mushrooms are heated through.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer the Tom Yum Soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the soup halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check if the shrimp and mushrooms are hot; if not, heat for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Pour the Tom Yum Soup into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
  6. Once heated, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

• For slow cooker reheating:

  1. Transfer the Tom Yum Soup to a slow cooker.
  2. Set the slow cooker to the low setting.
  3. Heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  4. Ensure the shrimp and mushrooms are thoroughly heated.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

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

• Knife: Essential for cutting the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

• Cutting board: Provides a surface to chop and prepare the ingredients.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chicken broth, shrimp, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the fish sauce, lime juice, chili paste, and sugar.

• Ladle: Used to stir the soup and serve it into bowls.

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

• Serving bowls: Used to serve the hot soup.

• Spoon: Used to garnish the soup with chopped cilantro.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought chicken broth to save time on making it from scratch.

Pre-clean shrimp: Buy peeled and deveined shrimp to eliminate the need for extra prep work.

Simplify herbs: Use dried lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves if fresh ones are not available to save on prep time.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of Tom Yum Soup and freeze portions for quick future meals.