Hello Safarfriendly friends! Who here likes spicy and fresh soups? Well, this time Safarfriendly wants to invite you to cook one of Thailand’s legendary dishes that has gone global—the Complete Tom Yum Recipe!
This soup is famous for its combination of sour, spicy, savory, and fresh flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Especially when served warm with family, it is guaranteed to make the dining atmosphere even more intimate and enjoyable.
A Brief Overview of Tom Yum

Image taken from hot-thai-kitchen.com
Before we get into the recipe, let’s get to know this dish a little better. Tom Yum comes from two words in Thai: Tom means “to boil” and Yum means “a mixture of spicy and sour flavors.”
There are usually two popular versions of Tom Yum:
Tom Yum Goong – uses shrimp as the main ingredient.
Tom Yum Talay – contains various seafood such as squid, fish, and shellfish.
For this recipe, we will make the Complete Seafood Tom Yum version, so the flavor is richer and the texture more varied.
Ingredients for Complete Seafood Tom Yumit

Image taken from unileverfoodsolutions.com.sg
Before you begin, make sure you have the following ingredients ready.
Main ingredients:
- Large shrimp – 200 grams
- Squid – 150 grams (cut into rings)
- Fish fillet (you can use snapper or dory) – 150 grams
- Green mussels – 100 grams (optional)
- Button mushrooms – 100 grams (sliced in half)
- Chicken or seafood broth – 1 liter
Aromatic spices:
- Lemongrass – 2 stalks (crushed)
- Galangal – 3 cm (crushed)
- Lime leaves – 5 leaves
- Red chili peppers – to taste (whole or sliced)
- Garlic – 3 cloves (crushed)
- Shallots – 3 cloves (sliced)
Seasoning:
- Tom Yum paste (can be purchased in packages at the supermarket) – 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Fish sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Coconut milk or evaporated milk – 50 ml (optional, for a creamier version)
How to Make Complete Seafood Tom Yum

Image taken from rubenbaamez.com
Now we get to the exciting part, which is the cooking process!
Let’s follow the steps one by one to get the best results.
1. Sauté the aromatic spices
Heat a little oil in a pan, then sauté the garlic and shallots until fragrant. Add the lemongrass, galangal, and lime leaves. Sauté briefly until a distinctive fresh aroma emerges.
2. Add the Tom Yum paste
Add the Tom Yum paste to the sautéed mixture. Stir well so that the spices are thoroughly mixed and release an enticing reddish-orange color.
3. Add the broth
Pour the broth into the pan. Stir gently and bring to a boil. At this stage, the distinctive aroma of Tom Yum really starts to come through, friends!
4. Add the seafood and mushrooms
Add the shrimp, squid, fish, and clams one by one. Boil until all ingredients are cooked and tender. Then add the button mushrooms and let it boil for a little longer.
5. Season and add the finishing touches
Add salt, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. Taste it and adjust the acidity and spiciness to your liking.
If you prefer a creamy version, you can add a little coconut milk or evaporated milk for a smoother result.
6. Serve with love
Remove from heat and serve while hot. Garnish with cilantro leaves or red chili slices on top to make it more appealing.
Secret Tips for Making Tom Yum More Delicious
- Use authentic broth from boiled shrimp heads or fish bones for a more natural savory flavor.
- Choose fresh seafood, as fresh ingredients keep the ocean aroma delicate and not fishy.
- Don’t cook the squid and shrimp for too long, or they will become tough.
- If you want that fresh, spicy Thai flavor, add whole cayenne peppers at the end of the cooking process.
Why Tom Yum is Perfect for Families

Image taken from asianinspirations.com
In addition to its appetizing taste, Tom Yum is also a healthy food. It contains protein from seafood, vitamins from lime and spices, and antioxidants from chili and onion.
This food can also be a moment of family togetherness, especially when eaten together during rain or at night. The warmth of Tom Yum soup makes the atmosphere more intimate and comfortable.
Halal Version of Tom Yum for Safarfriendly Friends

Image taken from cookingwithlane.com
Don’t worry, friends! This Tom Yum can be made completely halal by choosing safe ingredients and seasonings:
- Use halal fish sauce or substitute it with a little soy sauce.
- Ensure that the Tom Yum paste used is free from non-halal ingredients (check the label before purchasing).
- This way, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Thailand without worrying about halal compliance.
- How about it, Safarfriendly friends? Are you ready to try making the Complete Seafood Tom Yum Recipe at home?
- This recipe not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart because it is cooked with love and enjoyed with family.
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