How to Cook Tom Yum – A Classic Thai Hot & Sour Soup Recipe
Fragrant, spicy, and tangy—Tom Yum is the ultimate Thai comfort food. This world-famous soup is known for its bold flavors and healing properties, thanks to its mix of fresh herbs and spices. At our Thai Cooking Class in Phuket, Tom Yum is always a favorite among students eager to explore the depth of Thai cuisine.
Ready to bring the taste of Thailand into your own kitchen? Here’s how to make authentic Tom Yum soup from scratch.
🍲 Ingredients:
Serves 2–3 people.
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed
- 5 slices galangal
- 3–4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 200g shrimp (or chicken/mushrooms for a vegetarian version)
- 200g straw mushrooms or button mushrooms, halved
- 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed (adjust for heat)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1.5 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) – optional, for Tom Yum Nam Khon (creamy style)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
🔥 Instructions:
- Boil the Broth:
In a medium pot, bring water or chicken broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes to release the aromas. - Add Mushrooms and Chilies:
Toss in the mushrooms and chilies. Boil for about 3–4 minutes until mushrooms are tender. - Add Shrimp:
Add the shrimp (or your protein of choice) and cook just until they turn pink—about 2–3 minutes. Don’t overcook! - Season the Soup:
Add fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the balance of salty, sour, and spicy to your liking. - Make It Creamy (Optional):
For a creamy version (Tom Yum Nam Khon), stir in 2 tablespoons of Thai chili paste and a splash of evaporated milk or coconut milk before serving. - Serve Hot:
Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro. Serve with steamed jasmine rice or enjoy on its own.
🧑🍳 Chef’s Tip from Our Phuket Cooking Class:
- Always add lime juice at the end, off the heat, to keep its fresh tangy flavor.
- Don’t eat the lemongrass, galangal, or lime leaves—they’re for flavor only!
- Use fresh herbs for the best aroma and depth.
Nothing warms the soul like a bowl of homemade Tom Yum. Want to learn with hands-on guidance? Join our Thai Cooking Class in Phuket and master this soup alongside other Thai favorites like Pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.
📍 Book your Thai culinary adventure today—spice up your skills with us in paradise!