Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup (2024)

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This vegetarian tom yum soup recipe is light, flavourful, spicy and hearty all at the same time. A mix of meaty Asian mushrooms are poached in a fragrant broth of lemongrass and lime leaves and soured with lime juice. A spoonful of chili paste is stirred in at the end for a bit of heat to warm you up and you’ve got a nourishing, steaming bowl of soup that’s great for chilly weather.

Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup (1)

Thai cuisine really rocks out with soups. My vegan version of Tom Kha Gai, or Thai coconut soup, is one of the most popular recipes on the blog and, similarly to this recipe for vegan tom yum soup, can be prepared in just 15 minutes.

The base for both soups is quite similar, in fact. With lemongrass, lime leaves and galangal being essential ingredients. Tom yum differs, however, with the use of tomatoes, which help to add a sour note and make this recipe a sort of a Thai hot and sour soup.

Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup (2)

I’ve kept my vegetarian tom yum soup recipe simple by just using a mix of Asian mushrooms as the primary ingredient.

I’m fortunate to have found a packaged mix at my local grocery store containing white and brown shimeji, shiitake and baby oyster mushrooms that’s absolutely perfect for this soup. But other varieties such as enoki or king oyster would work as well and most other vegan versions of this recipe call for simple white button mushrooms.

You could also add in some other veggies to this soup. I’ve seen versions with a bit of spinach, zucchini or carrots for colour, diced or shredded tofu for meatiness or even rice noodles. Feel free to get creative!

Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup (3)

This vegetarian tom yum soup recipe is great served alone as a light lunch. Since it’s so quick and easy to make, serve it as a starter to a Thai-inspired vegetarian meal along with this vegan pad thai, vegan pineapple fried rice, or these vegan drunken noodles.

Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup (4)

This vegetarian tom yum soup recipe is light, flavourful, spicy and hearty all at the same time. A mix of meaty Asian mushrooms are poached in a fragrant broth of lemongrass and lime leaves and soured with lime juice.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups (1.2 litres) water
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass
  • 2 shallots, peeled and cut in half
  • A piece of galangal about 4 cm (1.5 inches) long, cut into slices
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, ribs removed
  • 1 medium tomato, cut into 8 wedges and seeds removed
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoons Asian chili paste
  • 250 grams (9 oz) mixed Asian mushrooms (I used shimeji, shiitake and baby oyster but other varieties or white button mushrooms will do), larger ones sliced
  • 3 – 4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 5 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
  • A small handful of fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium-sized pot.
  2. Meanwhile, smash the lemongrass lightly with the back of your knife or a pestle and cut it into 3 or 4 pieces to fit in your pot.
  3. Add the lemongrass, shallots, galangal, lime leaves and chopped tomato to the water and boil for 5 minutes or until you have a fragrant, herbal broth. Smash the tomatoes with your spoon as they cook so that they meld into the broth.
  4. Add the soy sauce, sugar, chili paste and mushrooms. Bring the soup back to the boil then turn off the heat. If you’re using button mushrooms, you may want to boil the soup for a couple of minutes until they’re soft.
  5. Add the lime juice and taste the broth. Adjust the seasonings to reach a balance of salty, sweet, spicy and sour, if necessary. Finally add the cherry tomatoes.
  6. Serve the soup into bowls, avoiding the lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves as they are not edible. Garnish with some fresh cilantro.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 2Serving Size: 1 bowl
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 297Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 1847mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 6gSugar: 17gProtein: 15g

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Comments

  1. Isabella says

    I absolutely love to make this soup! It is delicious, yet simple to throw together, and it has come to be one of my favorite recipes. Tonight I made it to soothe my cold and it felt especially nourishing. Definitely definitely make this if you havent yet!

    Reply

  2. VeganFoodLover says

    This was an amazing recipe!!! Turned out so well and so glad that it is vegan! I will definitely be making this again and just shared it with my sister : ) Thank you!!!

    Reply

  3. RedTulip says

    I am confused about what makes this soup vegetarian instead of vegan? Intro says there is a vegan version.

    Reply

    • Melissa says

      It's vegan. More people search google for "vegetarian ton yum soup" so that's what I named it.

      Reply

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Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup (2024)

FAQs

What is veg tom yum soup made of? ›

Lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, galangal, and bok choy are available at Asian food markets. When making the stock from cubes or powder, make it strong (if it tastes good on its own, it will make a better soup). Tom Yum broth cubes are available and easiest to find at Asian markets.

Is Tom Yum a healthy soup? ›

It's a healthy pick. Tom yum has fewer than 100 calories per cup. It also has shrimp, veggies, and fragrant spices, such as lemongrass. Tom yum and other broth-based soups, like tofu-vegetable or wonton, are usually lower in fat and calories than soups made with coconut milk, such as tom kha.

Is Tom Yum paste vegetarian? ›

Traditionally speaking, no – Tom yum isn't always suitable for vegans as it often contains shrimp or pork and fish sauce. However, this isn't always the case and we have a few favourite plant-based recipes that we can't get enough of.

What does tom yum mean in English? ›

Originated in Thailand, this is sometimes called Tom Yam and is a soup that normally includes shrimp in a hot and sour serving. The words Tom Yam mean “boiling” or “hot” and “spicy and sour” which perfectly describes this soup.

Why does tom yum taste so good? ›

For most varieties a paste called nam phrik phao (Thai: น้ำพริกเผา) is also added, made from shrimp, chilis, shallots, and garlic. This imparts sweet, salty, and spicy tastes. Yet other ingredients may also be used, depending on the exact variety of tom yam, such as evaporated milk.

Can vegetarians eat yum yums? ›

Plain Iced Twisted Yum Yum 75g

Ready-baked, hand-twisted, sweet finger doughnut topped with a light sugar glaze (5.88%). Packed 4 x 10. Suitable for vegetarians.

What is a substitute for Tom Yum? ›

A good substitute is quite difficult but a red Thai curry paste would probably be the closest alternative.

Is Mama Tom Yum vegetarian? ›

A selection of tasty popular flavour in Thailand known as "Tom Yum" flavor for vegeterian. Very easy 3 minutes to prepare with 300ml of boiled water.

What to pair with Tom Yum soup? ›

What To Serve With Tom Yum Soup. This soup is brothy. If you feel like you need a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a bowl of rice or with this light and flavorful Thai Noodle Salad to balance the spiciness of the soup.

What is tom yum broth made of? ›

Tom yum soup is a sour Thai soup. It is usually cooked with shrimp, which is called “Tom Yum Goong,” or tom yum soup with shrimp. That's what we're making today! Fragrant herbs and aromatics flavor the broth, including galangal, lemongrass, makrut (AKA kaffir) lime leaves, and Thai bird's eye chilies.

Is Tom Yum soup good for stomach? ›

Most Thai soups do not contain harsh ingredients, which can be rough on the gut. An example is Tom Yum, a famous Thai soup served in most Thai restaurants. It is made up of simple ingredients that are not only easy to make, but also tasty and friendly to the gut.

What is the taste of tom yum? ›

What Does Tom Yum Soup Taste Like? The flavor of tom yum should be sour upfront from lime juice, then salty from fish sauce, with a mild sweetness from nam prik pao paste. You might not be able to necessarily taste the lemongrass and makrut lime leaves, but these aromatics should hit your nose while you slurp.

What is the tom yum Flavour? ›

Tom yam (pronounced 'tom jam') is a clear soup with an intensely sour and spicy flavour. It is made by combining lemongrass, lime leaves and galangal. A portion of meat or fish can also be added, while mushrooms are also a popular choice. All of this is flavoured with fish sauce, lime juice and chilli peppers.

What is the difference between Tom Yam and tom yum? ›

Tom refers to the boiling process, while yam refers to a Thai spicy and sour salad. Indeed, tom yum is characterised by its distinct hot and sour flavours, with fragrant spices and herbs generously used in the broth.

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