Name: Prawn Tom Yum Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined; 4 cups chicken or seafood broth; 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into sections; 3 slices galangal or ginger; 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (preferably straw mushrooms or button mushrooms); 1–2 Thai chilies, sliced (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; Cilantro leaves; Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 72 reviews

If you love a soup that excites your taste buds with a perfect balance of spicy, sour, and aromatic notes, then you’re in for a treat with this Prawn Tom Yum Recipe. This classic Thai dish is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and zesty lime juice, all swirling together with tender prawns and earthy mushrooms to create a bowl of pure comfort and flavor. Whether you are looking to impress at your next dinner or simply craving a delicious, warming soup, this Prawn Tom Yum Recipe delivers an unforgettable culinary experience every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white dishes on a white marbled surface. The top dish is a white plate with bright yellow glaze holding several ingredients: two red chili peppers on the left, three light yellow lemongrass stalks at the top, two green lime halves in the center, a few dark green leaves to the right, some light pink shallots near the bottom center, small light orange galangal slices on the right, and a small bunch of green cilantro stems on the left side. Below and to the left, there is a small white bowl filled with five large raw shrimp with blue-green shells and orange accents. On the bottom right, a white plate with a pink and green floral pattern holds a mix of light beige and brown mushrooms with long thin stems and round caps. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredient list just right is key to nailing the authentic flavors of this Prawn Tom Yum Recipe. Each component plays its part in layering the soup with freshness, spice, and umami that make it so memorable.

1 lb prawns, peeled and deveined: Fresh prawns provide the soup’s main protein and a delightful sweetness.
4 cups chicken or seafood broth: A savory base that carries all the vibrant ingredients.
2 stalks lemongrass: Adds a citrusy brightness and herbal fragrance crucial for authenticity.
3 slices galangal or ginger: Brings a warm and slightly peppery undertone to the broth.
3 kaffir lime leaves: Impart a distinctly fresh, floral aroma that defines Tom Yum.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Earthy mushrooms balance the sour and spicy flavors beautifully.
2 tbsp fish sauce: Delivers essential saltiness and depth with its rich umami flavor.
1 tbsp lime juice: The sour punch that wakes up every spoonful.
1–2 Thai chilies, sliced: Adds that signature heat, adjustable to your spice preference.
Cilantro and lime wedges: Fresh garnishes that brighten and complete the dish.

How to Make Prawn Tom Yum Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Broth

Start by bringing your chicken or seafood broth to a gentle simmer. Add in the lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, and slices of galangal or ginger to infuse the broth with intense fragrant layers. This step is essential as it creates the aromatic foundation that defines the essence of the Prawn Tom Yum Recipe.

Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Prawns

Once your broth is richly infused, toss in the sliced mushrooms and prawns along with the sliced Thai chilies. Let everything simmer together for 3 to 4 minutes or until the prawns turn pink and the mushrooms are tender. This quick cooking ensures the prawns stay juicy and the mushrooms soak up the spicy broth.

Step 3: Season and Finish

Stir in the fish sauce to add depth and saltiness, then add fresh lime juice to bring a refreshing tang. Taste and adjust the flavors to your liking—perhaps a little more chili for extra heat or additional lime for that zing. The balance achieved here really makes the Prawn Tom Yum Recipe shine.

How to Serve Prawn Tom Yum Recipe

A white bowl filled with a clear, light orange soup containing three shrimp with orange and white colors. There are slices of red chili peppers floating on top along with green cilantro leaves. A spoon is lifting a shrimp and some chili pieces from the soup, held by a woman's hand. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference. Scatter fresh cilantro leaves on top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve with lime wedges on the side so everyone can add an extra squeeze of citrus if desired, enhancing the soup’s lively flavors.

Side Dishes

Prawn Tom Yum pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice or a simple bowl of steamed rice noodles. These help soak up the delicious broth and make for a filling, well-rounded meal. You can also serve with a light cucumber salad to add a fresh, cooling contrast to the spicy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in traditional Thai-style bowls or coconut shells to highlight its exotic roots. Garnish with edible flowers or finely sliced red chilies for visual appeal. For a social meal, consider setting up a Prawn Tom Yum station where guests can customize the spice level and garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Prawn Tom Yum can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the garnishes separate and add fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving to retain their vibrant flavors.

Freezing

Because of its fresh ingredients like lime juice and herbs, freezing this soup is not ideal as it can affect the texture and flavor. However, you can freeze the broth base without the prawns or garnish for up to one month. Defrost thoroughly and add fresh prawns and other delicate ingredients when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling the soup after adding lime juice to prevent bitterness. Stir occasionally and adjust seasoning to freshen up the flavors before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen prawns for Prawn Tom Yum Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the prawns properly before cooking so they cook evenly and maintain their tender texture in the soup.

What can I substitute for kaffir lime leaves?

If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, a combination of lime zest and bay leaves can approximate the flavor, though it won’t be quite the same. They contribute a unique aromatic note that’s worth seeking out if possible.

Is Prawn Tom Yum Recipe spicy?

This soup traditionally has a nice level of heat from Thai chilies, but you can always adjust the number of chilies or remove the seeds to suit your spice tolerance perfectly.

Can I add coconut milk to make it creamier?

Yes! Adding coconut milk transforms the soup into a classic Tom Kha variation, which is creamier and slightly milder in flavor—still delicious but with a different character.

How long does it take to make Prawn Tom Yum Recipe?

It’s a speedy dish that takes about 20 minutes in total, with just 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a quick yet impressive homemade meal.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about this Prawn Tom Yum Recipe that never fails to delight and satisfy. The way the fragrant herbs, spicy chilies, and fresh prawns combine in a rich, tangy broth is nothing short of irresistible. I encourage you to try it out and bring a little bit of Thailand’s vibrant flavors to your kitchen—it might just become one of your favorite go-to soups!