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

FAQs

What is tom yum soup made of? ›

Tom yum soup is a sour Thai soup. It is usually cooked with shrimp, which is called “Tom Yum Goong,” or tom yum soup with shrimp. That's what we're making today! Fragrant herbs and aromatics flavor the broth, including galangal, lemongrass, makrut (AKA kaffir) lime leaves, and Thai bird's eye chilies.

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.

One of the most popular variations of Tom Yum soup is Tom Yum Goong, which is made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chili peppers, fish sauce, and lime juice. This soup is known for its spicy and sour flavors, which are balanced by the sweetness of the shrimp.

Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad. Indeed, tom yum is characterised by its distinct hot and sour flavours, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth.

From its origins as a royal delicacy to its regional variations that showcase the diverse flavors of different areas, Tom Yum Goong encapsulates the essence of Thai cuisine. With its unique balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, Tom Yum Goong tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression.

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.

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.

Health Benefits: Tom Yum soup is made with a variety of fresh herbs and spices that are known for their health benefits. Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal are all used in the soup and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

According to the Taste Atlas Awards, the international food database, the Filipino favorite, Sinigang, is hailed as the best soup in the world.

The name "tom yam" is composed of two Thai words. Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam means 'mixed'. Historian Giles Milton contends that the origins of Tom Yum can be traced back to India, where there is a variation of hot and sour shrimp soup known as "sour prawn soup."

What do you eat with Tom Yum soup? ›

While it's perfectly acceptable to eat tom yum soup on its own with some jasmine rice, in Thailand it's typically part of a bigger meal. Since the soup is light and tart, we want to pair it with something dry and/or rich: Vietnamese caramel chicken is a sweet-salty dish that would go perfectly with tom yum.

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.

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.

The medicinal benefits of this soup are abundant! Tom Yum in Thai directly translates to “boiling and sour”. Tom Yum soup uses a variety of healing herbs and ingredients to boost the immune system, coat the stomach, aid in digestion, and repair cellular tissue.

Coconut milk is also another common ingredient that you will find in Tom Yum Goong. It is known for its effectiveness in lowering cholesterol, and improving your immune system.

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.

However, tom kha is probably better for people who are looking for a comforting meal, while tom yum is a good addition for brighter spicier cravings, or when you want something a little lighter.

The Thai word for “boil” or tom (pronounced “dtome”) features prominently on Thai menus and tom yum goong is probably one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world.

The Vietnam War

During the war, Americans were introduced to the culture of Southeast Asia. Thousands of American soldiers became stationed in Thailand while they served. In addition, journalists and other Americans brought the cuisine of Thailand back to the US.

Can I keep Tom Yum soup overnight? ›

The flavors of this Tom Yum Soup only improve overnight, so it makes fantastic leftovers. Tom Yum Soup should be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 2-3 days.

At the heart of Tom Yum Soup lies its soulful broth, a fragrant elixir infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Lemongrass imparts a zesty citrus aroma, while kaffir lime leaves contribute a distinctive citrusy fragrance.

This soup exhibits four clear flavors: unapologetic sourness, bold spiciness, distinct saltiness with notes of compromising sweetness. Featuring all four of the famous Thai flavors — salty, sour, sweet, and spicy, this soup is an amalgamation of the Thai holy trinity — lemongrass, galangal and kaffir lime leaves.

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 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.

Sugar is also added to tom yum soup to give it a slightly sweet flavor. There are about 12 grams of sugar in one can, which is relatively high among soups.

The Thai word for “boil” or tom (pronounced “dtome”) features prominently on Thai menus and tom yum goong is probably one of the most famous Thai dishes in the world.