Tom Yum Soup (The Most Authentic Recipe!) - Rasa Malaysia (2024)

FAQs

What is tom yum soup made of? ›

The soup base depends on the exact sub-type but is generally water, coconut milk, or chicken or other broth. Various aromatic ingredients are sliced, roughly pounded, and simmered to extract their flavor. These include fresh ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilis, shallots, and garlic.

Originated in Thailand, this is sometimes called Tom Yam and is a soup that normally includes shrimp in a hot and sour serving. The words Tom Yam mean “boiling” or “hot” and “spicy and sour” which perfectly describes this soup. As a staple Thai dish, this famous Tom Yum Goong is served in Thai Square.

It's a healthy pick. Tom yum has fewer than 100 calories per cup. It also has shrimp, veggies, and fragrant spices, such as lemongrass. Tom yum and other broth-based soups, like tofu-vegetable or wonton, are usually lower in fat and calories than soups made with coconut milk, such as tom kha.

For the Tom Yum Soup

Note: The galangal, lemongrass and makrut lime leaves are traditionally left in the soup as garnish, but are not meant to be eaten. Make sure you let your guests know not to eat the herbs or remove them after they're done infusing.

Bold and Flavorful: Tom Yum soup is known for its bold and complex flavor profile. The combination of spicy, sour, and savory flavors creates a taste explosion that is unlike any other soup. This makes it a perfect dish for those who crave bold and adventurous flavors.

What Does Tom Yum Soup Taste Like? The flavor of tom yum should be sour upfront from lime juice, then salty from fish sauce, with a mild sweetness from nam prik pao paste. You might not be able to necessarily taste the lemongrass and makrut lime leaves, but these aromatics should hit your nose while you slurp.

Tom Yum Goong is considered Thailand's national dish and is one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world. It is a hot and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, and lime juice.

Tom Yum is much spicier, and has a clear broth. Tom Kha uses coconut milk to stabilize and mellow the flavors, making it both sweeter and slightly heavier. While both soups can be made with a variety of proteins, tom yum usually calls for shrimp, while tom kha is commonly made with chicken.

What makes Tom Yum soup spicy? Chili peppers make Tom Yum spicy. There is a chili paste called nam prik pao used to make the base.

Is Tom Yum good for your stomach? ›

Galanga is another common ingredient used in making Tom Yum Goong that is originated from Southeast-Asian countries. It is a herb that is particular useful in treating stomach issues, cough, and even heart disease with its antibacterial properties.

Tom Yum, a popular Thai soup, often includes ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. These components not only infuse the soup with a distinctive flavor but also deliver detoxifying benefits, supporting liver function.

Garlic pepper pork is a homey staple that could benefit for a little soup to help wash it down. Panang Beef Curry is a saucy rich curry that will contrast nicely with the lightness of tom yum. Shrimp and chili paste stir fry is another rich dish with a bit of sweetness that would pair well.

There are two different types of Tom Yum soup. The original Tom Yum is a clear soup called Tom Yum Nam Sai. The later version, which is commonly seen and widely adored, is a vibrant-coloured, richer and creamier soup called Tom Yum Nam Khon as it has roasted chilli paste, evaporated milk or coconut cream added to it.

There are a few secret tips when making Tom Yum Soup; the first is to use FRESH shrimp. The shrimp head fried in oil provides a beautiful redness but also excellent umami flavor. The second tip is NEVER to add lime until the soup is fully cooked. If you add lime too early, the soup will instantly turn bitter.

Tom yum soup has a wide variety of herbs and spices which work synergistically to make you feel better. This includes: Lemongrass: an herb that is high in vitamins A and B, fights inflammation, and can relieve a cough or upset stomach. It is good for fever, headache, and muscle pains.

Yum, meaning “mix,” is a hearty dish consisting mostly of meat, fish, or seafood together with many other typically Thai ingredients which may include peanuts, fruit, and herbs.

The soup broth flavour base is the same, but the key difference is that Tom Kha has chilli paste and a splash of coconut milk added. In fact, Tom Kha is the creamy version of Tom Yum I'm sharing today if you use the coconut milk option instead of evaporated milk!