Tom Yum, a signature dish of Thai cuisine, is known for its bold and vibrant flavors, particularly its unique balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes. “Tom” refers to the boiling process, and “Yum” means a Thai-style spicy and sour salad, making Tom Yum a “boiled spicy and sour” soup. Its roots in Central Thailand have grown popular worldwide, often made with shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms and garnished with fresh herbs. This shrimp version is light yet intensely flavorful, perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 4 cups chicken or shrimp broth
- 1 lb (450g) fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and slightly crushed
- 4-5 slices galangal or fresh ginger
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3-4 Thai bird chilies or red chilies, crushed (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 teaspoons Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
1 tablespoon is approximately 15 ml, and a teaspoon is approximately 5 ml.
Optional Ingredients
- Coconut Milk: Add 1/2 cup of coconut milk for a creamy texture to create Tom Kha-style soup.
- Thai Basil Leaves: Adds an aromatic, fresh layer to the soup.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the broth
In a large pot, bring the chicken or shrimp broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, allowing the flavors to infuse for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Add aromatics and vegetables
Add the mushrooms, tomato, onion, and Thai chilies to the pot. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Incorporate shrimp and seasonings
Add the shrimp to the soup until it turns pink and is cooked through for approximately 3 minutes. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai chili paste. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing sour, spicy, and salty elements.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for additional sourness.

Tips and Tricks
For an authentic taste, avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can become rubbery. Adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the number of chilies. Fresh herbs are vital to achieving the signature fragrance and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tom Yum Soup with shrimp alongside steamed jasmine rice or a plate of fried plantains. Lime wedges are essential to add extra acidity just before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 150
Protein: 15g
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Ensure fish sauce is gluten-free.
- Vegetarian: Substitute shrimp with tofu and use vegetable broth.
Storage Suggestions
Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days, but note that the flavors are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently on the stovetop, and add a splash of fresh lime juice to revive its tangy taste.
About the Toma Yum With Shrimp
Tom Yum is a staple in Thai cuisine and embodies the fundamental flavors of Thai food: sour, spicy, salty, and a hint of sweetness. Often regarded as a remedy for colds, this soup stimulates the senses and improves digestion. Tom Yum with shrimp is light and refreshing, capturing the essence of Thailand’s vibrant food culture.
Cultural Context
Tom Yum originates in Thailand and reflects the country’s love for fresh herbs and spices. Traditionally enjoyed as a warming soup, it has become famous worldwide for its unique balance of flavors. In Thailand, this soup is often made with shrimp due to the abundance of seafood in the region, but other variations exist with chicken or vegetarian ingredients.