Authentic Thai Beef Tom Yum Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 300 grams of beef slices
  • 2 lemongrass stalks, cut into 2 inch pieces and smashed
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
  • 3 slices of galangal
  • 3 red bird's eye chillies, smashed
  • 200 grams of straw mushrooms, halved
  • 2 medium tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 cups of water
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 2 limes, juice only
  • Handful of fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, bird's eye chillies, onion, and tomatoes to the pot. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Add the beef slices and straw mushrooms to the pot. Cook until the beef is done, about 10 minutes.
  4. Season the soup with fish sauce and sugar. Stir well to mix.
  5. Turn off the heat, then add the lime juice. Stir well to mix.
  6. Garnish the soup with fresh coriander leaves and green onions before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Tom Yum: Substitute chicken slices for the beef.
  • Seafood Tom Yum: Add shrimp, squid, and/or mussels to the soup.
  • Vegan Tom Yum: Replace the meat with tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of water.
  • Vegetarian Tom Yum: Omit the meat and add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas.
  • Spicy Tom Yum: Increase the amount of bird's eye chillies for an extra kick of heat.
  • Creamy Tom Yum: Add a splash of coconut milk to the soup for a creamy and rich flavor.
  • Lemongrass-free Tom Yum: If you don't have lemongrass, substitute it with a tablespoon of lemongrass paste or use extra lime juice.

Recipe overview

This Beef Tom Yum recipe is a delightful take on the classic Thai hot and sour soup. Instead of using the traditional shrimp, we've substituted it with tender beef slices for a heartier meal. The soup is aromatic, with a beautiful blend of spice, sourness, and a hint of sweetness. It's made with an array of traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, bird's eye chillies, and galangal. You'll also love the addition of straw mushrooms and the fresh, citrusy finish from the lime juice. Served hot, this soup is perfect as a starter or as a main course with a bowl of steamed rice. It's not just a dish—it's a culinary experience of Thailand right in your kitchen.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken in this recipe. Simply replace the beef slices with an equal amount of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat.
  2. What can I use as a substitute for lemongrass? If you don't have lemongrass, you can substitute it with 2 tablespoons of lemongrass paste or the zest of 1 lemon.
  3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the beef and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add tofu or other vegetarian protein alternatives.
  4. Where can I find galangal? Galangal can usually be found in Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. If you can't find it, you can substitute it with ginger, although the flavor will be slightly different.
  5. How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness in the dish can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer it less spicy, you can reduce the number of bird's eye chillies or remove the seeds before adding them to the soup.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for boiling the soup and cooking the ingredients
  • Knife - for cutting the lemongrass, galangal, and vegetables
  • Cutting board - to use as a surface for cutting ingredients
  • Soup ladle - for serving the soup into bowls
  • Soup bowls - for serving the Beef Tom Yum

Origin stories

Beef Tom Yum, a delightful twist on the traditional Tom Yum soup, hails from the heartland of Thailand. The timeless Thai kitchen is known for expertly balancing the five fundamental flavors: hot, sour, sweet, salty, and umami, which is beautifully expressed in this dish. The original Tom Yum is perhaps one of the most famous Thai soups, recognized worldwide for its distinctive hot and sour flavors, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth. The addition of beef offers a unique variation to the classic recipe, catering to the protein preference of many. A simple sip of this exquisite soup takes you on a culinary journey through the vibrant street food culture of Bangkok, where this soup might be enjoyed alongside a bustling canal on a humid afternoon.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.