Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Tom Yum Soup is a flavor-packed, low-calorie Thai favorite that’s a perfect addition to your meal rotation! Known for its fragrant and spicy broth, this soup brings together lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies to create a deliciously bold dish that’s also low in WW points. Despite its complex taste, Tom Yum is surprisingly simple to make, and the process brings out rich flavors from the shrimp shells and other fresh ingredients. Not only is it a zero-point meal, but it’s also highly adaptable—add noodles, extra veggies, or even swap shrimp for chicken based on your preference. Give it a try, and experience why Thai cuisine is loved worldwide!
Get the Recipe Here: Tom Yum Soup
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
For a fragrant and spicy broth, start with four bruised stalks of lemongrass, 60 g of thinly sliced galangal, eight torn kaffir lime leaves, four crushed Thai bird’s eye chilies (or to taste), and four smashed garlic cloves. Combine with two tablespoons of fish sauce, a tablespoon of soy sauce, and 150 g of shrimp shells in 6 cups of water to create a rich base. For the soup itself, add 300 g of peeled and deveined shrimp, two medium tomatoes cut into wedges, and a medium onion in wedges. Sauté briefly with a teaspoon of vegetable oil before adding a tablespoon of soy sauce, two tablespoons of fish sauce, and a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for a tangy finish.
Create the Aromatic Broth
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
In a large pot, bring 6 cups (1.5 L) of water to a simmer over medium heat, then add bruised lemongrass, galangal slices, torn kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies, and smashed garlic to form a fragrant base. Stir in shrimp shells, fish sauce, and soy sauce, cover, and let the broth simmer on low for 90 minutes to fully infuse. After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and set aside the clear, aromatic liquid for the soup.
Sauté the Vegetables
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a separate pot over medium heat. Add the onion and tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened for added texture.
Combine Broth and Vegetables
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Pour the strained broth into the pot with sautéed onions and tomatoes. Stir in an additional tablespoon of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, then bring it to a gentle boil.
Add the Shrimp
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Reduce the heat to low and add 300 g of peeled, deveined shrimp. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes, until they’re pink and curled.
Brighten with Lime
Photo Credit: Unsplash.
Turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for a refreshing tang that balances the savory flavors.
Serve and Garnish
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has shrimp, tomatoes, and onion. Garnish with fresh cilantro or Thai chili slices for an extra kick if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
Make Tom Yum Soup your own with these delicious variations. For a richer taste, try Tom Kha Soup by swapping the clear broth for coconut or evaporated milk, creating a creamier base with a luxurious feel—just remember it’s a bit higher in calories. To make it more filling, add rice noodles; while untraditional, they give the soup a comforting, hearty touch. Lastly, mix in extra vegetables like snow peas, mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli to boost both texture and nutrition.
Tips and Tricks for Making Tom Yum Soup
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
To make the best Tom Yum Soup, start by using shrimp shells in the broth for added depth of flavor—don’t worry, they’ll be strained out later. Cut your tomatoes into wedges instead of dicing them to enhance the texture contrast with the broth. For perfectly tender shrimp, add them to the simmering broth, then turn off the heat after two minutes to avoid overcooking. Always opt for fresh lemongrass for a stronger flavor, and consider preparing the broth ahead of time; it can be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later use, making your cooking process quicker and easier.
Get the Recipe Here: Tom Yum Soup
