Tom Yum Soup Noodles with Tom Yum Paste

Tom Yum Soup Noodles is the easiest way to bring bold, authentic Tom Yum flavors to your weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• FLAVOR-PACKED, MINIMAL EFFORT: Tom Yum Paste takes all the hard work out of balancing Thai flavors—just stir, simmer, and enjoy!
• DINNER IN UNDER 30 MINUTES: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet flavor-packed.
• CUSTOMIZABLE: Add your favorite veggies and proteins to make it your own!

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What is Tom Yum Soup Noodles?

Tom Yum Soup Noodles combines the spicy, tangy flavors of classic Shrimp Tom Yum Soup of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime but uses either a homemade or store-bought Tom Yum paste, which is added to broth, along with veggies, protein and noodles, so it’s a one-bowl SOS dinner!

Sherri’s Story

On a relaxed evening, I love chopping up all the fresh herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, to make Shrimp Tom Yum Soup, and I do it often.

But on a weeknight with my 4 kids all doing different activities where every second counts, it’s so nice to just scoop some Tom Yum Paste into a pot, stir it up, and add some broth, noodles, protein and veggies and have dinner ready to eat after all the things.

I’m sure that you feel the same way! I hope you enjoy this quick version of a quick Tom Yum Soup Noodles dish!

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Tom Yum Soup Noodles Ingredient Notes

• 8 oz rice noodles (or noodles of choice): Use rice noodles, ramen, or any thin pasta you have on hand.
• 2 tbsp cooking oil: We usually use coconut oil or avocado oil, but any oil will work since it’s not being stir-fried over a high heat.
• 3-4 tablespoons Tom Yum Paste: The key to getting Tom Yum flavors! You can make your own, find it at Asian markets or online. Add more if you want more flavor, but it will also make it spicier, so watch out if you aren’t a spicy fan!
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: The base of the soup. Using broth gives it more depth of flavor, but water works if you’re in a pinch.
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (optional for a creamy version): Thai Hubby prefers his Tom Yum Noodle Soup without coconut milk, but give it a try if you like creamy!
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced: Use any mushrooms you have on hand, but not shiitake because that would take away from the soups’s flavors.
• 2 cups shrimp, peeled and deveined (or protein of choice): Shrimp is typically used as the protein in Tom Yum in Thailand, but you can use any protein you have that you want to use up.
• 2-3 tbsp fish sauce (to taste): Adds a depth of umami flavor and savory notes.
• Juice of 2 limes (to taste): Gives it that tangy, citrus flavor always found in Tom Yum soup.
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves (optional, thinly sliced): We like to add them since they are usually found in Tom Yum soup and are pretty when sprinkled on top, but no worries if you can’t find them.
• Fresh cilantro and sliced Thai red chili for garnish: Adds a fresh flavor and makes it look pretty!

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How to Make Tom Yum Soup Noodles: Step by Step

Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions, then set aside.

Stir-fry the paste: Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add Tom Yum Paste and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).

Add Liquid: Stir in the broth and bring to a gentle boil.

Add Veggies and Protein: Add mushrooms and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 2 minutes).

Season the Broth: Add coconut milk (if using), fish sauce, and lime juice to taste. Adjust saltiness and sourness to your preference.

Assemble the Bowl: Divide the cooked noodles among bowls.

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the broth over the noodles. Top with fresh cilantro, Thai chili slices, kaffir lime leaves, and an extra squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

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Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Turn off the heat as soon as they turn pink to keep them tender.
• Control the Spice: Start with less Tom Yum Paste if you don’t like spicy, and add more as needed. If you like spicy, and others don’t, make my Thai Flavor Bomb Sauce to have on the side, aka Nam Plaa Prik.
• Meal Prep: Make the broth ahead of time and store in the fridge. Just reheat and add noodles when ready to serve!

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Additions and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Swap shrimp for tofu and use a veggie broth.
• Extra Veggies: Add bok choy, spinach, or bean sprouts for more greens.
• No Tom Yum Paste? Thai Yum Paste substitution: If you aren’t up for making your own paste, or can’t buy it, you can substitute the Tom Yum paste with fresh ingredients like this:
  • 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2-5 Thai chili peppers, to spice preference (optional)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped lemongrass (take off the easy to peel outer layers, and then cut up the middle part of the stalk as finely as possible, use a food processor if you want to really break it down)
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped with the stems taken out

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Fridge: According to the USDA, leftovers are still good after 3-4 days of being in the fridge.

Freezer: According to the USDA, leftovers are still good after 3-4 months of being frozen. Once the the soup is completely cooled, transfer it to freezer bags in desired portion sizes. Cooked rice noodles don’t freeze well, so just make them when you are reheating the soup.

Reheat: To defrost it, place it in the fridge overnight and use within one day of thawing. Or heat small portions of it in the microwave or in a large pot.

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Your Tom Yum Soup Noodles Questions Answered

Is Tom Yum Soup Noodles healthy?

Yes! Tom Yum Soup Noodles are packed with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, which are known for their health benefits, including helping digestion and boosting immunity. Plus, with fresh veggies, shrimp or chicken, and light rice noodles, your body feels refreshed after eating it!

What’s the difference between Tom Yum Soup Noodles and Guay Tiaw Tom Yum?

Tom Yum Soup Noodles is a fusion dish that combines Shrimp Tom Yum Soup flavors with noodles. Guay Tiaw Tom Yum, is a traditional Thai dish. It’s a noodle soup that has ground pork, crushed peanuts, and a slightly sweeter broth that has crispy fried garlic on top and is also amazing!

What is Tom Yum Soup made of?

Shrimp Tom Yum Soup is made with a Tom Yum Paste made from lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, roasted chili paste, tamarind, and lime juice. It’s a spicy and sour soup, often featuring shrimp or chicken and mushrooms and tomatoes.

Does Tom Yum Soup have noodles?

Classic Shrimp Tom Yum Soup doesn’t traditionally include noodles, but adding rice noodles turns it into the fusion dish, Tom Yum Soup Noodles.

Is Tom Yum Noodles Soup spicy?

Yes, Tom Yum Noodles Soup is typically spicy, thanks to the dried Thai chilies in the Tom Yum Paste. You can adjust the heat level by using less paste or making your own Tom Yum paste and not adding as many Thai chilis.

What pairs well with Tom Yum Noodles Soup?

A side of crispy Thai Egg Rolls with Mango Sticky Rice for dessert are great combos!

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Other Tom Yum Recipes You’ll Love

• Tom Yum Fried Rice
• Shrimp Tom Yum Soup
• Tom Yum Baked Wings

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If you make it, I want to see! Take a pic and tag us on Instagram @thaifoodie!

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