What is Tom Yum in Thailand?

In Thailand, Tom Yum is a famous soup known for its hot and sour flavors. The term "Tom" refers to the boiling process, while "Yum" signifies the characteristic spicy and sour taste. Traditionally, Tom Yum is prepared as a clear broth with herbs, chili, lime, and fish sauce, often served with shrimp (Tom Yum Goong) or chicken. When noodles are added, it transforms into Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup , a heartier and more filling version loved by locals and tourists alike. The dish is a staple in Thai cuisine and reflects the country’s passion for bold, aromatic, and balanced flavors.

Is Thai Tom Yum Soup healthy?

Yes, Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup is considered a healthy dish. Its broth is light yet packed with nutrients, thanks to herbs like lemongrass, which supports digestion, and garlic, known for its immune-boosting properties. The soup is low in fat and calories but rich in protein when made with pork, chicken, or seafood. Fresh vegetables like bean sprouts and herbs add vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. With minimal use of processed ingredients, this dish offers a nutritious and flavorful option for any meal.

How to make Thai Tom Yum Noodles?

To prepare Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup , start with a flavorful pork broth simmered with lemongrass, garlic, and cilantro roots. Add noodles, ground pork, and fish cakes, then season the broth with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chili flakes. Finish with roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and fried garlic for texture and aroma. For a quicker method, use Tom Yum Paste , which combines essential spices and herbs in a concentrated form. Simply dilute it with broth, add noodles, and garnish to taste. This is an easy way to make the soup while maintaining authentic flavors.

What does Thai Tom Yum Soup taste like?

Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup offers a distinctive taste that’s both bold and refreshing. The soup combines spicy chili heat, tangy lime, and the herbal aroma of lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves. The balance of sour, salty, and slightly sweet flavors creates a complex profile that excites the palate. When paired with tender noodles, ground pork, and roasted peanuts, the dish delivers a satisfying and layered eating experience.

Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup – The Best Delicious Recipe Ever (2025)!

Description

A flavorful and tangy Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup featuring a fragrant pork broth, tender ground pork, crispy fried garlic, and a perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements topped with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

2 lb pork bones (or substitute chicken bones)
5 cloves garlic, crushed
5 cilantro roots, smashed to bruise, or 10 cilantro stems
½ teaspoon white peppercorns, cracked or ground
Top half of 2 lemongrass, smashed until broken and cut into 2-inch pieces
2 tablespoon water
200 g ground pork (or substitute ground chicken)
1 teaspoon fish sauce
5 cloves garlic, chopped
3–4 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon sugar (2 teaspoon per bowl)
2 tablespoon + 2 teaspoon fish sauce (2 teaspoon per bowl)
4 tablespoon lime juice (1 tablespoon per bowl)
½ cup ground roasted peanuts (2 tablespoon per bowl)
Roasted chili flakes or regular chili flakes, to taste
3 cups (720 ml) pork stock (6 oz/180 ml per bowl)
100 g Asian-style fish cakes, thinly sliced (store bought)
160 g fresh egg noodles (thin) or another noodle of your choice
1 ½ cups bean sprouts
½ cup chopped cilantro
Chili vinegar (optional)

Instructions

Wash pork bones in cold water and place in a large stock pot. Cover with 3 L cold water, bring to a simmer, and skim off scum. Add garlic, cilantro roots, peppercorns, and lemongrass. Simmer for 1 hour and keep broth hot until use.
In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add ground pork and fish sauce, cooking while breaking up chunks until fully cooked.
In another small pot, add chopped garlic and enough vegetable oil to cover. Fry over medium low heat until golden brown, then transfer immediately to stop cooking. Reserve oil.
Blanch bean sprouts and fish cakes in boiling water for 7–10 seconds, remove, and divide into serving bowls.
Cook noodles in the same boiling water until slightly underdone. Drain and divide into serving bowls.
Top each bowl with 2 heaping tablespoons of cooked ground pork.
Reheat pork stock to a gentle simmer. Turn off heat, stir in sugar, fish sauce, lime juice, ground peanuts, and chili flakes. Ladle broth over noodles, starting with ¾ cup per bowl, dividing remaining broth evenly.
Finish with chopped cilantro, fried garlic, and a drizzle of garlic oil. Serve immediately with optional chili vinegar and adjust seasoning to taste.

Notes

Do not boil the broth vigorously to avoid cloudiness and loss of volume.
You can keep fried garlic in the oil for soups or drain it to maintain crispiness for other dishes.
Adjust seasoning per bowl to suit individual preferences.
Substitute chicken bones and ground chicken for a lighter version.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 380
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1050mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Thai Tom Yum Noodle Soup, authentic Thai soup, spicy noodle soup, tom yum noodles, pork broth soup