Spicy Lemongrass Mushroom Soup (Tom Yum)
Delight in the bold and aromatic flavors of this Spicy Lemongrass Mushroom Soup, inspired by the traditional Thai dish Tom Yum. This vibrant and tangy clear soup is packed with hearty mushrooms, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs. It's a comforting, quick, and easy recipe perfect for warm-ups on chilly days or as a flavorful starter for your next meal. Customize the heat level by adjusting the chili peppers, and enjoy this delicious vegan option by substituting fish sauce with soy sauce. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this soup is sure to be a favorite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable broth
4 cups (heated to simmer)
lemongrass
2 stalks (peeled and cut into 4-inch pieces)
kaffir lime leaves
3 leaves (optional)
vegetable oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
minced garlic
2 teaspoons (fresh)
minced fresh ginger
1 teaspoon (peeled)
roasted chili paste
2 teaspoons (for flavor)
oyster mushrooms
1.5 cups (chopped, or substitute with white mushrooms)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (squeezed from limes)
fish sauce
2 tablespoons (or substitute with soy sauce for vegan)
finely chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup (for garnish)
minced fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon (for garnish)
small hot green chili peppers
2-3 peppers (seeded and halved, optional)
rice noodles
as needed (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a gentle simmer. Add lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves, if using. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2
Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3
After 5 minutes, carefully remove the lemongrass and lime leaves from the broth and discard them.
4
Pour the sautéed garlic and ginger into the broth, and return the mixture to a rolling boil.
5
Stir in the roasted chili paste and the chopped mushrooms. Cook for approximately 30 seconds, or until the mushrooms begin to wilt.
6
Add fresh lime juice and fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegan option) to the pot, stirring to combine.
7
Remove the soup from heat and ladle it into bowls, serving with cooked rice noodles.
8
Top each bowl with finely chopped tomatoes, fresh minced cilantro, and optional hot green chilies for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
9
Alternatively, serve tomatoes and chilies in a small dish on the side so guests can adjust the heat to their preference.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Lemongrass Mushroom Soup?
It is a vibrant and tangy clear soup inspired by traditional Thai Tom Yum, featuring hearty mushrooms, zesty lime, and fragrant herbs.
Is this Tom Yum soup recipe vegan?
Yes, it can be easily made vegan by substituting the fish sauce with soy sauce.
What kind of mushrooms should I use for this soup?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of oyster mushrooms, but you can substitute them with white mushrooms if needed.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
How do I prepare the lemongrass for the broth?
Peel the lemongrass stalks and cut them into 4-inch pieces before adding them to the broth.
Do I leave the lemongrass in the soup when serving?
No, you should carefully remove and discard the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves after simmering for 5 minutes.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of roasted chili paste or the number of hot green chili peppers used as a garnish.
What is the base of the soup?
The base consists of 4 cups of vegetable broth infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves.
Are kaffir lime leaves mandatory?
Kaffir lime leaves are optional but highly recommended for their authentic fragrance and flavor.
How long do I sauté the garlic and ginger?
Sauté the minced garlic and ginger in vegetable oil for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
What are the recommended garnishes for this soup?
The soup is garnished with finely chopped tomatoes, fresh minced cilantro, and optional hot green chilies.
Should I serve the soup with noodles?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the soup over cooked rice noodles.
What provides the sour flavor in Tom Yum?
The tangy flavor comes from 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice added toward the end of cooking.
What can I substitute for fish sauce?
Soy sauce is the best substitute for fish sauce to keep the recipe vegetarian or vegan.
When do I add the mushrooms?
Add the chopped mushrooms after stirring the roasted chili paste into the boiling broth.
How long do the mushrooms need to cook?
The mushrooms only need to cook for approximately 30 seconds, or until they just begin to wilt.
Is this soup served hot or cold?
This soup is served hot and is described as a comforting warm-up for chilly days.
Can I serve the chili peppers on the side?
Yes, serving tomatoes and chilies in a small dish on the side allows guests to adjust the heat to their personal preference.
Does this recipe use fresh ginger?
Yes, it uses 1 teaspoon of peeled and minced fresh ginger.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
How much roasted chili paste is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of roasted chili paste for flavor.
How much tomato is used for the garnish?
Use 3/4 cup of finely chopped tomatoes for the garnish.
Is this a clear soup or a creamy soup?
This is a clear soup, consistent with traditional Tom Yum Nam Sai style.
What type of chili peppers are suggested?
Small hot green chili peppers, seeded and halved, are suggested for an optional spicy kick.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of minced fresh cilantro for garnish.
Is this soup considered a starter or a main meal?
It can be served as a flavorful starter or as a light meal when served with rice noodles.
What is the preparation for the rice noodles?
The rice noodles should be cooked separately according to the package instructions before being added to the bowls.
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
While the recipe specifies vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, chicken broth can be used if preferred.
How long does the entire infusion process take?
The lemongrass and lime leaves should simmer in the broth for about 5 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for sharing with family?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for sharing with family and friends.