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Thai

Tom Yum Soup

A fragrant, sour-and-spicy Thai soup with shrimp, mushrooms and lemongrass. Bright, warming and surprisingly quick to make at home.

Prep time10 min Cook time20 min Total time30 min Servings4 servings DifficultyEasy
Tom Yum Soup

Ingredients

  • 300g shrimp, peeled
  • 4 cups water or light stock
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
  • 3 slices galangal or ginger
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves (optional)
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 Thai chilies, sliced
  • 150g mushrooms, halved
  • 2 tbsp tom yum paste (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, to serve

Instructions

  1. 1Bring the water to a boil with the lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves, and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse.
  2. 2Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in the fish sauce and tom yum paste (if using), then add the shrimp.
  4. 4Simmer until the shrimp turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. 5Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice and chilies.
  6. 6Taste and adjust the sour-salty balance, then serve topped with cilantro.

Tips

  • Add the lime juice off the heat so it stays bright and fresh.
  • Galangal and ginger are different but both work in a pinch.
  • Omit the chilies for a milder, kid-friendly version.