Authentic Thai Pork Tom Yum Soup: A Spicy & Aromatic Delight

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of pork ribs
  • 2 litres water
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass, smashed and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
  • 5 slices of galangal
  • 10 Thai bird chilies
  • 3 shallots, peeled
  • 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • 200 grams of oyster mushrooms, cut into bite sized pieces
  • 2 tomatoes, quartered
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • A handful of fresh coriander leaves
  • A handful of fresh Thai basil leaves

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the pork ribs in a large pot, add the water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to medium, and continue to boil for about 30 minutes.
  2. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, bird chilies, shallots and garlic to the pot. Continue to boil for another 15 minutes.
  3. Add the oyster mushrooms and tomatoes to the pot, and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
  4. Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more lime juice or fish sauce if necessary.
  6. Just before serving, add the fresh coriander and Thai basil leaves to the pot. Stir well to combine.
  7. Remove from heat and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the pork and making the soup
  • Knife - for cutting the lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, and tomatoes
  • Cutting board - for chopping ingredients
  • Soup ladle - for stirring and serving the soup
  • Citrus juicer - for extracting lime juice
  • Measuring spoons - for accurate measurement of fish sauce and sugar
  • Tongs - for handling the hot pork ribs
  • Soup bowls - for serving the Tom Yum soup

Recipe variations

  • Replace pork ribs with chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or baby corn for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as shiitake or button mushrooms.
  • Add a tablespoon of coconut milk for a creamier and richer soup.
  • Include other Thai herbs and spices such as Thai basil, cilantro root, or makrut lime leaves.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer Thai bird chilies.
  • For a more sour flavor, add tamarind paste or lime zest.
  • Garnish with sliced spring onions or fried shallots for extra crunch.
  • Add a teaspoon of shrimp paste for a more complex umami flavor.

Recipe overview

Tom Yum is a classic Thai soup known for its distinct hot and sour flavors, fragrant spices and herbs. This Pork Tom Yum recipe takes a twist on the traditional version by using pork ribs, resulting in a heartier and more robust dish. The soup base is made with essential Thai ingredients such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. The addition of oyster mushrooms and tomatoes adds depth to the soup, while the use of lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar creates a perfect balance of sour, salty, and sweet. The recipe concludes with a sprinkle of fresh coriander and Thai basil leaves for an extra burst of freshness. The recipe is quite straightforward and can be made in under an hour. Serve it hot for a comforting main dish that is sure to please.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork ribs?
    Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or even shrimp as a substitute for pork ribs in this recipe.
  2. How spicy is this recipe?
    The spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, use fewer Thai bird chilies. For a spicier version, you can add more chilies.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork ribs and using vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add tofu or other vegetarian protein sources.
  4. What can I serve with Pork Tom Yum?
    Pork Tom Yum is often served with steamed jasmine rice, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as a soup.
  5. Where can I find the ingredients for this recipe?
    Most of the ingredients can be found in Asian grocery stores. If you don't have access to an Asian grocery store, you may be able to find some ingredients in the international section of your local supermarket.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Tom Yum, a hot and sour soup, is a staple in Thai cuisine, renowned for its distinct and vibrant flavor profile, which is a blend of sour, spicy, and a hint of sweetness. The name itself, 'Tom Yum', is indicative of its roots, with 'Tom' referring to the boiling process, and 'Yum' representing the mix of flavors making it a spicy and sour salad. This soup is traditionally made with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), but variations using other proteins, such as pork, are also quite popular. It's the Thai herbs - lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal - that provide the soup its characteristic aroma and taste. Not just a culinary delight, this soup is also known in Thailand for its medicinal properties, often consumed to aid digestion or to alleviate common cold symptoms. Indeed, sipping on a comforting bowl of Tom Yum is like receiving a warm, aromatic hug from Thailand itself.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.