What is tom yum soup?

Tom yum soup is a famous Thai soup. Interestingly, the word tom means ‘to boil’ and is often used to describe soup. Whereas yum means ‘to mix’ and normally refers to salads with ingredients tossed in a salty, spicy, sour dressing. When you put the two together, you get a spicy, salty, sour soup. If you add prawns, you call it tom yum goong. Meanwhile, if you add chicken you call it tom yum gai. I use both in my chicken and prawn tom yum soup for extra flavour and texture. Bear in mind a traditional tom yum soup has evaporated milk for creaminess. However, inspired by tom kha, I use coconut milk for a slight sweetness.

What does tom yum soup taste like?

Tom yum soup is renowned for its delicious balance of hot and sour flavours. Think spicy chillies and refreshingly tangy limes combined with citrusy lemongrass and galangal. They all come together in a creamy coconut-infused broth to create a refreshing, nourishing soup. Then you have the tender chicken, juicy prawns and fresh herbs which takes it to the next level.

What is the difference between tom yum and tom kha?

They are both very popular Thai soups. However, they have slightly different flavour profiles. A traditional tom yum is normally made with evaporated milk or kept clear. Meanwhile, tom kha has coconut milk so it tends to be richer and creamier.

Chicken and Prawn Tom Yum Soup

Name: Chicken and Prawn Tom Yum Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1L chicken stock; 1 small onion, roughly chopped; 1 tomato, chopped; 2 lemongrass sticks, ends trimmed and lightly bashed; 3 slices galangal; 4 kaffir lime leaves; 1 tsp red chilli paste; 2 tsp fish sauce; Juice of ½ lime; 2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips; 165g raw peeled jumbo prawns; 100ml full-fat coconut milk; 2 spring onions, thinly sliced; 1 red chilli, thinly sliced; Sprigs of fresh coriander; 2 tsp crispy chilli oil; Lime wedges

Chicken and Prawn Tom Yum Soup

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This iconic hot and sour chicken and prawn tom yum soup is the perfect nourishing soup. Imagine spicy chillies, zesty lime, tangy tamarind and umami-rich fish sauce in a creamy broth. Add in tender chicken and juicy prawns and you have a surprisingly simple, utterly delicious, soup. The ideal comfort food.

Author: Margie Nomura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Category: Soup
Method: Stove top
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

Scale

For the soup:

1L chicken stock
1 small onion, roughly chopped
1 tomato, chopped
2 lemongrass sticks, ends trimmed and lightly bashed
3 slices galangal
4 kaffir lime leaves
1 tsp red chilli paste
2 tsp fish sauce
Juice of ½ lime
2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips
165g raw peeled jumbo prawns
100ml full-fat coconut milk

To serve:

2 spring onions, thinly sliced
1 red chilli, thinly sliced
Sprigs of fresh coriander
2 tsp crispy chilli oil
Lime wedges

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Instructions

Pour the chicken stock into a large heavy-based pan and set over a medium heat. Add the onion, tomato, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilli paste, fish sauce and lime juice. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavours to infuse.
Add the chicken strips to the simmering broth, then allow to poach for 7-10 minutes - or until cooked through and no pink remains.
Add the prawns and coconut milk, stir gently, then leave to simmer for 3-4 minutes - or until the prawns are cooked and pink. Taste and adjust the flavours - adding more chilli if you prefer a spicier soup, a squeeze of lime for more acidity or fish sauce for more salt (you could also add a pinch of salt).
Spoon into bowls and garnish with sliced spring onions and chillies, sprigs of fresh coriander and a drizzle of crispy chilli oil. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Step by Step: for more visual aids, scroll up to my step by step guide to making this recipe.

Herbs: if you aren’t a fan of coriander you can swap for parsley, thai basil, regular basil or leave it out.

Chilli: I leave the seeds in my chillies as I like spicy food. However, you can deseed them if you prefer (or omit entirely).

Noodles: you can make this chicken and prawn tom yum soup more substantial by adding some dried noodles. Rice, egg, wholewheat, buckwheat, soba - whatever you fancy!

Make ahead: you can make this chicken and prawn tom yum soup up to the stage where the chicken thighs are cooked through. Then pour into a tupperware, cool quickly, cover and chill in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, pour into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Add the prawns and continue with the recipe. Don’t be tempted to cook the whole recipe in advance. The prawns will overcook when you reheat and become rubbery.

To store: any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Reheat on the stove or in the microawve until piping hot (check the chicken is fully hot all the way through too)

To freeze: unfortunately this chicken and prawn tom yum soup cannot be frozen.

Find it online: https://desertislanddishes.co/chicken-tom-yum-soup/