Authentic Thai Chicken Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lemongrass stalks
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 3 slices galangal
  • 2 Thai bird chilies
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 200 grams chicken breast
  • 200 grams oyster mushrooms
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Handful of fresh cilantro

Steps and instructions

  1. First, prepare your ingredients. Break the lemongrass stalks, tear the kaffir lime leaves, and slice the galangal and chilies. Roughly chop the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and slice the mushrooms.
  2. Heat your chicken stock in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and garlic. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  3. Add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, until it's no longer pink. Then add the mushrooms and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes.
  4. While the soup is simmering, chop the tomatoes and onion into large chunks. Add these to the pot and stir well. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix in the flavors.
  6. Finally, garnish the soup with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Tom Yum hot.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
  • Seafood Variation: Add shrimp, squid, or fish fillets along with the chicken for a seafood twist.
  • Spicier Version: Increase the number of Thai bird chilies or add some chili paste to make it extra spicy.
  • Coconut Milk Addition: For a creamier version, add a splash of coconut milk to the soup.
  • Vegetable Medley: Include additional vegetables such as bell peppers, baby corn, or snap peas for added color and texture.
  • Different Protein: Swap the chicken for beef, pork, or even ground meat for a different flavor profile.
  • Extra Herbs: Experiment with adding other herbs like Thai basil, mint, or coriander to enhance the aroma and freshness.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Chicken Tom Yum recipe! This classic Thai dish is a fragrant, spicy, and sour soup that's sure to awaken your senses. With distinct flavors of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, this soup is a true representation of Thai cuisine. We've included chicken and oyster mushrooms for a hearty touch, but the highlight is the tangy, spicy broth. This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step, from preparing your ingredients to serving the soup. The cooking process is quite straightforward and you'll have a steaming pot of Chicken Tom Yum ready to enjoy in under an hour. Don't worry if you can't handle too much heat - you can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking. Ready to explore the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine? Let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? Absolutely, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
  2. Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Tom Yum by omitting the chicken and using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. You can also add tofu or other vegetarian protein alternatives.
  3. Can I substitute the Thai bird chilies with another type of chili? Yes, if you can't find Thai bird chilies, you can substitute them with another type of chili pepper that suits your spice preference. Adjust the quantity based on the heat level you desire.
  4. What can I use as a substitute for galangal? If you can't find galangal, you can use ginger as a substitute. However, be aware that the flavor will be slightly different as galangal has a unique taste.
  5. Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy? Yes, if you prefer a milder version, you can reduce or omit the Thai bird chilies. You can also adjust the amount of lime juice and fish sauce to balance the flavors according to your taste.
  6. Can I prepare Chicken Tom Yum in advance? While it is best to enjoy Chicken Tom Yum immediately after cooking, you can prepare the broth and keep it refrigerated for a day or two. You can then reheat the broth and add the remaining ingredients when you're ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Tom Yum, one of the most iconic dishes of Thailand, carries with it a tale as vibrant as the country itself. The name 'Tom Yum' is a fusion of two Thai words: 'Tom' meaning to boil, and 'Yum' referring to a spicy and sour salad. The dish is a true embodiment of the balance of flavors that Thai cuisine is celebrated for—sour, spicy, and a hint of sweet. The origin of the soup is unclear, with some suggesting it dates back to the middle of the 19th century, during King Rama V's reign. It's a testament to the flavorsome simplicity of the rural Thai lifestyle, where the ingredients can be found growing in almost every garden. This simple yet robust soup has traveled far and wide, captivating the world with its tantalizingly spicy and sour character. From the hot streets of Bangkok to the high-end restaurants in New York, Tom Yum is an ambassador of Thai culinary brilliance.

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.