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If you’ve ever dreamed of a soup that bursts with bold, fragrant Thai flavors and brims with fresh seafood goodness, then you’re going to love this Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of spicy, sour, and aromatic elements all dancing together to create a comforting yet exciting bowl of soup. Whether you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels special or want to impress friends with authentic Thai cuisine, this recipe nails it perfectly with its bright lemongrass, tangy lime, tender shrimp, squid, and mussels, creating a harmony of flavors that keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a vital role in crafting the authentic taste and enticing aroma of the Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe. From the fresh herbs to the seafood, every component contributes texture, color, and mouthwatering depth to the soup.
- Seafood or chicken stock: Using 6 cups provides a flavorful base that’s rich yet light, perfect for infusing all other flavors.
- Lemongrass stalks: Two stalks cut and smashed release citrusy notes that brighten the broth beautifully.
- Kaffir lime leaves: Four torn leaves add an unmistakable, zesty fragrance that defines tom yum.
- Galangal or fresh ginger slices: Three slices lend a subtle peppery warmth that balances the spice.
- Thai chili paste: Two tablespoons pack umami and heat that give the soup its signature kick.
- Thai chilies: Two to three smashed chilies ensure a fresh, sharp spice level that wakes up your palate.
- Shrimp: Eight ounces peeled and deveined, they offer succulent sweetness and tender texture.
- Squid rings: Six ounces sliced provide a chewy bite and oceanic flavor.
- Mussels: Six ounces scrubbed and debearded bring briny richness and an elegant touch.
- Mushrooms: One cup sliced adds earthiness and a pleasant bite to the soup.
- Tomato: One medium cut into wedges, they offer gentle acidity and vibrant color.
- Fish sauce: Two tablespoons introduce salty depth that anchors the broth’s complexity.
- Fresh lime juice: Two tablespoons are crucial to boost the tanginess and lively zing.
- Sugar: One teaspoon balances the spicy and sour with a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh cilantro: Two tablespoons chopped, scattered on top for a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe
Step 1: Infuse the Broth
Start by bringing your seafood or chicken stock to a gentle boil in a large pot over medium heat. Adding the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, slices of galangal, spicy Thai chili paste, and freshly smashed chilies transforms your broth into a fragrant, aromatic base. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let all those incredible flavors meld together perfectly. This step sets the foundation for that classic tom yum essence.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Tomato
Once your broth is infused, toss in the sliced mushrooms and tomato wedges. These not only add layers of texture—the mushrooms with their slight chewiness and the tomato with juicy brightness—but also bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color that make the soup visually and palate-pleasing. Cook these for just about 2 minutes so they stay fresh and perk up the broth.
Step 3: Cook the Seafood
Now for the star of the show—the seafood! Add the shrimp, squid rings, and mussels carefully to the pot. They only need about 3 to 4 minutes to cook; this ensures everything becomes tender and opaque without turning rubbery. Watch as the mussels open, signaling everything is perfectly cooked. This quick cooking keeps the seafood fresh and juicy, making every spoonful satisfying.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and a little sugar to balance all the vivid flavors. At this point, taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference—maybe a touch more lime for zing or fish sauce for saltiness. Once you’re happy, remove the soup from heat. The final touch is a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, which adds a bright herbal pop and makes the dish feel complete.
How to Serve Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, fresh cilantro is non-negotiable—it adds a lovely burst of freshness and complements the spicy, sour notes beautifully. You could also add thin slices of fresh Thai chilies on top for extra heat or a wedge of lime on the side for guests to squeeze in more acidity as they please. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
The Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which helps mellow out the spiciness and gives you something to soak up that delicious broth. For a heartier meal, consider a side of crispy spring rolls or a light papaya salad that adds crunch and cooling contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a dinner, serve the tom yum soup in beautiful bowls with fresh herbs arranged meticulously on top. You could also present it in small individual portions as part of a Thai-inspired tasting menu. Adding little bamboo or wooden ladles enhances the authenticity and makes the experience feel special and authentic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Keep in mind the seafood might become a bit more firm after refrigeration, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or the next day.
Freezing
Freezing tom yum soup is possible, but for the best texture and flavor, it’s not highly recommended due to the delicate seafood and fresh herbs. If you do freeze it, store the broth separately without seafood and add fresh seafood when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat to avoid overcooking the seafood. If you froze the broth alone, bring it to a simmer before adding fresh seafood and veggies to cook through. This method preserves the bright flavors and tender textures that make the Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in the Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp, squid, and mussels are traditional favorites, you can add scallops, clams, or firm white fish to personalize the soup to your taste. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid overcooking delicate seafood.
Is this soup very spicy?
The level of spice is adjustable. The recipe includes Thai chili paste and fresh chilies which provide heat, but you can reduce or omit the chilies to make it milder while still enjoying classic tom yum flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan friendly?
While this particular recipe relies on seafood and fish sauce, you can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable stock, omitting seafood, and substituting fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari. Adding tofu and mushrooms will keep the soup hearty.
What’s the best way to get fresh kaffir lime leaves and galangal?
Check Asian grocery stores or specialty markets for fresh ingredients. If unavailable, frozen or dried kaffir lime leaves and galangal slices or fresh ginger can work as substitutes, though the flavor may be slightly different.
Can I make a creamier version of this soup?
Yes! For a creamier twist, stir in 1/4 cup of evaporated milk or coconut milk right before serving. It adds a luscious texture and softens the spiciness while maintaining the soup’s vibrant flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe is truly a treasure from Thai cuisine that brings a nostalgic warmth and exciting flavors to your table. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you want to transport your taste buds to vibrant street markets abroad. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy every steaming, flavorful spoonful that captures the heart and soul of authentic Thai cooking.
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Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ultimate Seafood Tom Yum is a classic Thai soup bursting with bold flavors from fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and Thai chilies. Featuring a medley of succulent shrimp, squid, and mussels in a fragrant, tangy broth, this spicy seafood soup is perfect for those seeking an authentic, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal option. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an exquisite dish to enjoy any time.
Ingredients
Broth Ingredients
- 6 cups seafood or chicken stock
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2 inch pieces and lightly smashed
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3 slices galangal or fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons Thai chili paste
- 2 to 3 Thai chilies, smashed
Seafood and Vegetables
- 8 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 ounces squid, sliced into rings
- 6 ounces mussels, scrubbed and debearded
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges
Seasonings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth: Bring the seafood or chicken stock to a gentle boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, Thai chili paste, and smashed Thai chilies. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to infuse all the aromatic flavors into the broth.
- Add Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and wedge-cut tomato to the simmering broth. Cook for 2 minutes allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and release their flavors.
- Cook the Seafood: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, squid rings, and mussels to the pot. Cook until the seafood turns opaque and the mussels open up, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. This ensures the seafood is tender and perfectly cooked.
- Season the Soup: Stir in fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed to balance salty, sour, and sweet notes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- For a creamy variation, add 1/4 cup evaporated milk or coconut milk at the end of cooking to enrich the broth.
- Adjust the number of Thai chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure mussels are fresh and discard any that do not open during cooking.
- This soup is best served immediately to enjoy the seafood at its freshest texture.
