Easy Tom Yum Soup Recipe [quick, vegan]

 Tom Yum Soup is known for its bold and harmonious blend of spicy, sour, and aromatic flavors. It is a Thai culinary masterpiece that has captivated taste buds worldwide. This easy Tom Yum Soup recipe shows you how to make this iconic dish at home, with the essential ingredients, and step-by-step instructions to bring the authentic taste of Thailand to your kitchen.

What is Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum Soup is a popular and flavorful Thai soup known for its bold and spicy taste. It is characterized by its distinctive combination of hot and sour flavors, often complemented by other elements like sweet, salty, and savory notes. The soup typically contains a variety of ingredients, and while there are different versions, the most common type is Tom Yum Goong, which includes shrimp (goong in Thai).

The key ingredients in traditional Thai Tom Yum Soup often include:

1.  The broth is typically made with a combination of lemongrass, lime juice, fish or soy sauce, and chili peppers. This blend creates a unique and aromatic base for the soup.
2. Protein: Shrimp (prawns) are commonly used in Tom Yum Goong, but other proteins like chicken, fish, tofu, or a combination of seafood can also be used.
3. Vegetables: Tomatoes, mushrooms, and cilantro can enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
4. Spices: Thai bird’s eye chili peppers are used to provide the heat in the soup. The amount of chili can be adjusted based on personal preference.
5. Additional Flavorings: Fish or soy sauce is a key ingredient that adds a savory and salty element to the soup. Lime juice adds a tangy and citrusy flavor.

The result is a spicy, tangy, and aromatic soup that is both comforting and invigorating. Tom Yum Soup is a popular dish not only in Thailand but also in Thai restaurants around the world, and it is appreciated for its complex and vibrant flavor profile.

What to pair with Tom Yum soup?

Tom Yum Soup is a popular Thai soup with a spicy and sour flavor. It is usually served as a starter or main course and can be paired with a variety of foods. The best pairing options for Tom Yum Soup depend on personal preferences and dietary restrictions.

Some common pairing choices include steamed jasmine rice, Pad Thai, Thai spring rolls, grilled seafood, stir-fried vegetables, coconut rice, fried rice, and fresh fruit. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic and simple accompaniment that can balance the soup’s bold flavors. Pad Thai is a substantial main course that provides a nice contrast to the soup’s spiciness. Thai spring rolls, grilled seafood, and stir-fried vegetables can provide a crunchy and nutritious element to your meal. Coconut rice and fried rice can add a twist to your meal, while fresh fruits can provide a refreshing finish.

Personal preferences play an essential role in pairing choices. Therefore, feel free to experiment with different combinations and find what works best for you. Some people may prefer to pair Tom Yum Soup with bread, noodles, or other side dishes. Whatever you choose, the goal is to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal that complements the soup’s flavor.

What ingredients do I need to make this easy Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Here is a detailed list of all the simple ingredients you’ll need to make the delicious and easy Tom Yum Soup recipe:

• 1 stalk of fresh lemongrass, peeled and finely chopped: Lemongrass is an essential ingredient in Thai cuisine and it adds a unique citrusy flavor to the soup.
• 2 tablespoons of oil: Any neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil would work for this recipe.
• 1 cup of mushrooms: You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as shiitake, button, or oyster mushrooms.
• 1/2 cup of vegetable broth: This is the base of the soup and adds a lot of flavor to it.
• 1 cup of coconut milk: Coconut milk is another crucial ingredient in Thai cuisine and it gives the soup a rich and creamy texture.
• 7 ounces of tofu: You can use firm or extra-firm tofu for this recipe. It adds protein to the soup and makes it more filling.
• 2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger: Ginger adds a nice spicy kick to the soup.
• 1/3 cup of onions: Onions add a sweet and savory flavor to the soup.
• 3 cloves of garlic: Garlic adds a strong and pungent flavor to the soup.
• 2 tablespoons of red curry paste or Thai chili paste: Red curry paste is a blend of various spices and adds a lot of depth and complexity to the soup.
• 2 teaspoons of brown sugar: Brown sugar helps balance out the sour and spicy flavors of the soup.
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and depth of flavor to the soup.
• Juice of 1/2 lime: Lime juice adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the sour soup.
• Salt and pepper to taste: You can adjust the seasoning of the soup according to your preference.

How to make Tom Yum Soup

To prepare this dish, start by heating up the oil in a pot. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions, garlic, and lemongrass. Cook these ingredients on medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent.

Next, add the tofu and sliced mushrooms to the pot, followed by chili paste, sugar, soy sauce, coconut milk, vegetable broth, ginger, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together and let them cook for 10 more minutes, or until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.

Finally, finish up the dish by squeezing fresh lime juice over the top. This will add a bright burst of acidity that will help balance out the richness of the coconut milk and soy sauce. Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish optionally with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, Thai chilies.

How long does Tom Yum last in the fridge?

You can store Tom Yum Soup in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, but its shelf life depends on several factors such as the ingredients used, how it’s stored, and whether it contains any perishable components.

To ensure freshness and safety, it’s recommended to cool the soup quickly after cooking, store it in an airtight container, label the container with the date of preparation, inspect it before consuming it, and consider storing the ingredients separately.

It’s also important to note that seafood soups may have a shorter shelf life, and personal health conditions and sensitivities may influence how long you feel comfortable keeping leftovers.

Why does my Tom Yum Soup taste bitter?

If your Tom Yum Soup tastes bitter, there are several potential reasons for this flavor issue. Here are some common causes and solutions:

1. Overcooking Herbs: Tom Yum Soup typically contains herbs like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. If these herbs are overcooked, they can release bitter compounds into the soup. To avoid this, add delicate herbs towards the end of the cooking process or use them in moderation.
2. Citrus Pith: The white pith (the inner part) of citrus fruits, such as lime, can contribute to bitterness. When adding lime juice to Tom Yum Soup, be cautious not to include too much of the pith. Use only the juice and outer zest, avoiding the bitter inner part.
3. Burnt Spices or Paste: If the spice paste or aromatics like garlic and shallots burn during the cooking process, they can introduce a bitter taste to the soup. Pay attention to the heat level and stir the ingredients regularly to prevent burning.
4. Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients, especially the broth and key flavoring components, can impact the overall taste of the soup. Fresh and high-quality herbs, spices, and broth can enhance the flavor, while low-quality ingredients may introduce off-flavors.
5. Type of Chili Used: Different types of chili peppers have varying levels of bitterness. If you used a particularly bitter variety or included too many seeds and membranes, it can result in a bitter taste. Adjust the amount of chili and consider removing seeds for milder heat.
6. Spoilage: If the soup has been stored for an extended period, it may have spoiled. Check for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual color, and discard the soup if you have any doubts about its freshness.

To address a bitter taste, you can try adjusting the balance of flavors by adding a bit more sweetness, acidity, or salt, depending on the specific cause. Gradually make small adjustments until you achieve the desired taste. If the bitterness persists, you may need to identify the specific ingredient or step in the cooking process that is contributing to the unwanted flavor.

Other easy Soup recipes to try

• Dumpling Soup
• Cabbage Roll Soup
• Creamy Potato Soup
• Gnocchi Soup
• Cheeseburger Soup

If you like this easy vegan Tom Yum Soup, share it with a tag on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.