How to Prepare a Winning Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup at Home
One of the most well-known Thai soups is Tom Yum Soup. Traditionally, it would include shrimp or chicken, but today we’re making a vegetarian version that’s just as head-turningly aromatic and satisfying. This vegan friendly soup is loaded with healthy vegetables and tons of authentic Thai flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Plant-based Thai flavours that are real and full on.
✅ Fast & Easy – ready in only 30 minutes!
✅ Healthy – full of vitamins and immune-boosting ingredients.
✅ You can customize it – add your favorite veggies or tofu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What you need to make vegetarian Tom Yum Soup:
For the broth:
4 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)
2 stalks lemongrass, sliced
4-5 slices of galangal (or if there is none, ginger)
3-4 kaffir lime leaves, crushed
3-4 Thai chilies, minced (adjust to taste)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, sliced
For the main ingredients:
1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, button, or oyster), sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup carrots, julienned
1 cup firm tofu, cubed
½ cup baby corn, sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp coconut sugar (or any sweetener)
1 tablespoon chili paste (Nam Prik Pao or sambal oelek)
Optional for Creamy Version: 2 tablespoons coconut milk
Chopped fresh cilantro and green onions, for garnish
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Good Old-Fashioned 10 Can Chicken Soup
Step 1: Heat vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add lemongrass, galangal (or ginger), kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies, garlic and onion. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the broth to absorb deep fragrant flavors.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
When the broth is fragrant, stir in mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, carrots, baby corn and tofu. Let everything simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the veggies are soft.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Next, stir in the soy sauce, lime juice, coconut sugar and chili paste. Stir well to combine. For a creamier consistency, stir in coconut milk here.
Step 4: Final Touches
Taste the soup and adjust the salt if needed. Before serving, remove the lemongrass stalks and kaffir lime leaves. Top with fresh cilantro and green onions.
Best Tips for Making Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup
✔️ Make it spicier or less spicy — Increase or decrease the number of Thai chilies you add, depending on how much heat you can take.
✔️ Use whole ingredients – Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves really change the flavor.
✔️ Add noodles – And to turn it into a complete meal, add rice noodles or glass noodles.
✔️ Try different protein — Replace tofu with tempeh or seitan.
Health Benefits of Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup
✨ Fights Infections – Lemongrass, garlic, and chili all have antibacterial properties.
✨ High in Antioxidants – Tomatoes, mushrooms, and lime juice are packed with antioxidants that combat free radicals in the body.
✨ Good for Digestion – The herbs and spices used here act to promote healthy digestion and gut health.
✨ Calorically Light — this is a nourishing soup that is also calorie-light, perfect for weight management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it possible to make Tom Yum Soup without lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves?
A: Yes! These ingredients contribute to the signature flavor of the soup, but they can be substituted with more lime juice and zest for a similar citrusy effect.
Q: Is this soup very spicy?
A: It really depends on how many chilies you use. You can keep it mild by using only one chili or omit it entirely.
Q: How long does this soup keep in the fridge?
A: Keep it in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetarian Tom Yum Soup is a spicy, sour, ur-sum broth bowl. It’s warming, simple to prepare and so very good for you. This soup is perfect if you want something warm for a cold day or if you want a light meal that will fill you up!!
Give it a shot and tell us how you love it! Happy cooking!
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