Clear Thai Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. And if you’re a fan of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a delightful mix of textures, then a Thai soup is sure to hit the spot. Thai cuisine is known for its striking balance of flavors-sweet, sour, salty, and spicy-all of which come together in a magical harmony. Clear Thai soup, often called "Tom Jued" in Thai, is one of the lighter, yet flavorful, options that packs in all the goodness of Thai herbs and spices without being too heavy.

This particular Thai soup recipe is perfect for those who want something satisfying but not overly rich. It’s also a fantastic choice for those looking for a health-conscious dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. If you’re tired of the usual tomato or chicken noodle soups, this clear Thai soup is a great way to spice things up and introduce your palate to something new and exciting!

This clear Thai soup recipe is fresh, aromatic, and just the right mix of light yet full of flavor. It’s a broth-based soup, with a delicate but potent profile that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity-just a few key ingredients work together to create a soup that bursts with flavor in every spoonful.

It’s typically made with ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, which are staples in Thai cooking, and is often served with a protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added heartiness. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a soothing meal for yourself, this recipe is one to remember.

Ingredients Needed

To make a delightful and authentic clear Thai soup, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need. Many of these can be found in most Asian or international grocery stores, and others may be available at your local supermarket in the international foods aisle.

Main Ingredients

Chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option): This is the base of your soup, and it’s important to use a good quality broth to create a flavorful foundation.
Lemongrass: A vital element of Thai cuisine, lemongrass has a citrusy, slightly herbal flavor that infuses the soup with freshness. You’ll want to bruise it gently to release the oils and aroma.
Kaffir lime leaves: These leaves have a strong citrus aroma that imparts a unique, fragrant flavor to the soup. Be sure to tear them up a bit to help release the oils.
Galangal: Often mistaken for ginger, galangal has a more complex, earthy flavor that is slightly peppery and citrusy. It’s a key ingredient in many Thai soups.
Shiitake mushrooms (or any other variety): These add texture and an earthy umami flavor that balances out the freshness of the herbs.
Carrots (optional): Thinly sliced carrots add a subtle sweetness and color to the soup.
Tofu, chicken, or shrimp: These are your proteins. You can opt for one or the other depending on your preference or dietary needs.

Seasonings And Flavorings

Fish sauce: Fish sauce is one of the cornerstones of Thai cooking. It provides a salty, umami richness and is essential for depth of flavor.
Lime juice: For that signature tangy, refreshing sourness that cuts through the richness of the broth.
Thai bird’s eye chili (optional): This adds heat to the soup. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar balances out the sour and salty elements.
Fresh cilantro (for garnish): This adds brightness and a fresh herbaceous finish when served.

Cooking Instructions

This recipe is quick and simple to make. The beauty of a clear Thai soup is that it’s light and healthy but still packed with flavor. Follow these easy steps to create your own Thai-inspired dish:

Prepare The Broth
- In a large pot, combine your chicken (or vegetable) broth with water and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Once it starts boiling, add in the bruised lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, and sliced galangal. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the herbs and spices to infuse their flavors into the broth.
Add Vegetables And Protein
- After the broth has simmered, add in your sliced shiitake mushrooms and carrots (if using). Let them cook for about 5 minutes.
- Next, add your protein (chicken, tofu, or shrimp) and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully cooked.
Season The Soup
- Add in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and Thai bird’s eye chili (if using). Stir to combine, and taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or lime juice for acidity.
Finish The Soup
- Remove the pot from heat. Discard the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves, as they are no longer needed.
- Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Optionally, you can also add some sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili oil for an extra kick.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a deeper look at the key ingredients in this Thai soup and why they’re so essential:

Lemongrass: This is a powerhouse of flavor. Beyond its refreshing citrusy notes, it also has a subtle earthy flavor that really elevates the broth. It’s often used to add a fresh herbal taste to soups, curries, and teas in Southeast Asian cuisine.
Kaffir Lime Leaves: Unlike regular lime, kaffir lime leaves are thick, aromatic, and loaded with essential oils that give the soup its distinct fragrance. These leaves are often torn or cut to release their oils, and even a small piece can fill the broth with intense flavor.
Galangal: While it looks similar to ginger, galangal has a more potent flavor that is peppery and piney, with citrus undertones. It’s indispensable in many traditional Thai soups, offering a distinct flavor profile that cannot be replicated by ginger alone.
Fish Sauce: This salty, fermented condiment might seem intimidating to those unfamiliar with it, but it’s essential in providing that “umami” depth in the broth. It’s the magic ingredient that ties the whole soup together and makes it truly Thai.

Expert Tips

If you want to take your Thai soup to the next level, here are some tips from the experts:

Use fresh herbs: Fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal provide the best flavor. Dried or powdered versions just won’t do the job.
Balance the flavors: Thai cooking is all about balancing sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. If your soup feels too salty, add a touch more lime juice or sugar. If it’s too sour, a little extra fish sauce can help bring it into balance.
Don’t skimp on the chili: If you like heat, don’t be afraid to add more bird’s eye chili. The spiciness adds depth and complexity to the soup that really makes it sing.

Recipe Variations

While this clear Thai soup is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken or shrimp for tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The tofu will soak up all the lovely flavors from the broth, making it equally satisfying.
Spicy & Sweet: Add a dash of chili paste or sweet chili sauce for a more complex flavor. You could also add a few Thai basil leaves to bring in a more aromatic sweetness.
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to load the soup up with more veggies. Bell peppers, baby corn, or spinach can all be great additions. Just be sure to add them at the right point so they don’t get overcooked.
Coconut Milk: For a creamier version, you can add a little coconut milk to the broth. This turns the soup into something closer to a Thai coconut soup (Tom Kha), which is also incredibly delicious.

Final Words

This clear Thai soup is a real gem-it’s light, flavorful, and bursting with herbs and spices. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients and seasonings based on your tastes, and it’s an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned home cooks. Plus, it’s so much easier to make than you might think!

Clear Thai Soup Recipe