Clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup Recipe

Tom Yum Seafood Soup is an iconic Thai dish that hits all the right spots with its perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. This vibrant, aromatic soup has become a global favorite, enjoyed by food lovers far and wide. Known for its zesty broth brimming with fresh herbs, fragrant spices, and tender seafood, Tom Yum offers a harmonious blend of heat and tang that can lift anyone’s spirits.

Its versatility, vibrant flavor profile, and rich cultural roots make it a truly exciting dish to cook at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, creating your own bowl of Tom Yum from scratch is a rewarding experience. Let’s dive into the clear, tantalizing version of this dish, often referred to as Tom Yum Goong when made with shrimp, or Tom Yum Talay for mixed seafood. It’s a soup that invites you to explore the wonders of Thai cooking!

This recipe brings together the bold essence of Thai cuisine, offering a clean and clear broth that’s both fragrant and flavorful. The seafood shines here, and the herbs give it that beautiful, aromatic punch.

Ingredients Needed

Before diving into the cooking instructions, let’s take a look at the fresh ingredients that are crucial for creating a savory, satisfying Tom Yum Seafood Soup.

Seafood (Shrimp, Squid, Fish, Mussels, Etc.)

Fresh seafood is the star here. You can mix and match different kinds like shrimp, squid, and fish, or go with your favorite seafood choices. Keep the shells on for extra flavor.
Lemongrass (2 Stalks)

Lemongrass is key to Tom Yum’s refreshing flavor. It imparts a subtle citrusy fragrance that really elevates the soup.
Kaffir Lime Leaves (5-6 Leaves)

These dark green, fragrant leaves have a citrusy aroma that complements the sour and spicy notes of the soup. Their presence is essential for authentic flavor.
Galangal (3-4 Slices)

Often confused with ginger, galangal has a sharper, more pungent flavor. It’s a staple in Thai cuisine and adds complexity to the broth.
Thai Bird’s Eye Chilies (3-4 Whole)

These small chilies pack a punch! Adjust to taste depending on how much heat you want in your soup.
Fish Sauce (3-4 Tbsp)

Fish sauce is the salty, umami-packed ingredient that gives the broth its depth of flavor. It’s a quintessential ingredient in Thai cuisine.
Lime Juice (3-4 Tbsp)

The zesty, tangy lime juice balances out the heat and adds that essential sour note.
Mushrooms (200g, Preferably Straw Or Oyster Mushrooms)

Mushrooms add texture and absorb all the rich, aromatic flavors of the broth.
Tomatoes (1-2 Medium, Quartered)

Adding tomatoes gives a slight sweetness and helps to round out the flavors of the soup.
Coriander (Fresh, For Garnish)

Fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness, bringing all the flavors together at the end.
Sugar (1 Tsp)

Just a pinch of sugar helps balance out the sourness and saltiness of the soup, rounding it off.

Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make a delicious bowl of clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup in just a few easy steps:

Prepare The Broth
- Start by boiling 4-5 cups of water or chicken broth in a large pot.
- Add the lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and bird’s eye chilies to the pot.
- Let the broth simmer on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Add The Aromatics
- While the broth simmers, prep the other ingredients. Cut the tomatoes into quarters and clean your seafood.
- Once the broth is aromatic, drop in the mushrooms and tomatoes. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, softening slightly.
Add The Seafood
- Add your choice of seafood-shrimp, squid, mussels, or fish.
- The seafood will cook quickly, so once it’s in the pot, let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until everything is cooked through.
Season The Broth
- Add the fish sauce and sugar, adjusting the seasoning to taste.
- Stir in the lime juice for that fresh, tangy burst that’s essential to Tom Yum. You may want to adjust the heat level with extra bird’s eye chilies if desired.
Final Touches
- Once everything is well cooked, taste the broth and adjust the balance of sourness, saltiness, and heat.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in Tom Yum Seafood Soup plays a unique and essential role in the overall flavor profile. Let’s break down their importance:

Lemongrass: This fragrant herb provides a light citrusy flavor that elevates the soup, giving it a refreshing base.
Kaffir Lime Leaves: These leaves aren’t just for garnish; they add an incredibly fragrant citrus note that’s key to the broth’s aromatic quality.
Galangal: This root, similar to ginger, contributes a warm, peppery, and slightly piney flavor, adding depth to the soup.
Chilies: The bird’s eye chilies give Tom Yum its signature heat, but the level of spice is totally customizable based on your preferences.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient is a staple in Thai cuisine and provides the soup with umami and saltiness that can’t be replicated.
Lime Juice: The zingy lime juice is essential for the soup’s vibrant, tangy profile. It balances out the richness of the seafood and brings the whole dish together.

Expert Tips

Adjust the Heat Level: If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, you can remove the seeds from the bird’s eye chilies before adding them to the soup. Alternatively, you can add them whole for flavor without the intense heat.
Use Fresh Seafood: Fresh seafood makes a world of difference in flavor. If you can, visit your local fishmonger for the freshest shrimp, mussels, and squid.
Simmer Slowly: Don’t rush the process of simmering the broth. The longer you let the herbs and spices infuse, the more complex and aromatic the broth will be.
Try Adding Coconut Milk: If you want a creamier variation, you can add a small amount of coconut milk (just a few tablespoons) near the end of cooking. This will give the soup a richer texture without overwhelming the traditional flavors.

Recipe Variations

Tom Yum is highly adaptable, and you can make it your own by trying out these variations:

Tom Yum with Coconut Milk: A slightly richer, creamier version known as Tom Kha.
Vegan/Vegetarian Tom Yum: Substitute seafood with tofu and additional vegetables like carrots, baby corn, and broccoli.
Spicy Tom Yum: Double or triple the amount of chilies for an ultra-spicy version.
Tom Yum with Herbs: Add Thai basil or mint for a more herbaceous twist.

Final Words

Making Tom Yum Seafood Soup at home can seem daunting at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes an incredibly rewarding dish to prepare. With its delicate balance of flavors, this soup reflects the essence of Thai cuisine. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and the joy of cooking with passion.

Clear Tom Yum Seafood Soup Recipe