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How To Reheat Tom Yum Soup – I Test 2 Methods [Pics]

Tom yum soup is a simple and yet delicious meal.

While I find it hard to imagine anyone having leftovers, I’ve been told that this does occasionally happen.

But what’s the best way to reheat tom yum soup? 

I tested out two different ways to see which one gave the best results.

I’ve also included some top tips for keeping your leftover tom yum soup as fresh as possible.

A note on my experiment

After following a detailed recipe, I made some delectable tom yum soup at home and served it up for dinner, keeping some aside to store overnight.

The next day, I set about my reheating the soup using:

  • The stove (best for retaining flavor)
  • The microwave (convenient with good results)

Both methods delivered good results, but the stove was marginally better.

I found the broth flavors held up better with the stove technique, and it was easy to pop in a few extras for added flavor.

The microwave technique was convenient but a little less consistent with slightly duller flavors.

Tips on reheating tom yum soup

Before we look at how exactly to reheat tom yum soup, I’ve put together a few top tips to ensure your meal tastes as fresh as possible.

  • Remove your shrimp before reheating – Shrimp and prawns are delicate. It’s best to remove them from your broth and set them aside to avoid them turning rubbery or chewy during the reheating process. Add them back in when your broth is hot, and let the residual warmth heat them.
  • Add extras to reinvigorate the flavors – Standing for a few days in the fridge may dull the flavors of your broth. Add a splash of lime or hot sauce while reheating it to combat this.
  • Heat is key – Lukewarm broth won’t cut it. If you want your tom yum soup to taste as good as new, warm it up until it’s piping hot before serving. The flavors stand out more when the broth is hot.

Reheating tom yum soup on the stove

Remove any shrimp and set it aside. Optionally remove veg like mushrooms and tomatoes. Set a pot on medium-high heat and add your broth. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once steaming, switch off the heat and add back your shrimp and veggies. Allow to stand for 1 minute before serving. 

Add some fresh veg, lime juice, or hot sauce to rejuvenate your tom yum’s flavor.

How to reheat tom yum soup on the stove:

  1. Remove shrimp from the broth and set aside.
  2. Optional: Remove more delicate vegetables, like mushrooms and tomatoes, to avoid overcooking.
  3. Set your stove to medium-high.
  4. Place your broth in a pot and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once hot, turn off the stove and add back your shrimp (and any vegetables you removed).
  6. Allow the residual heat from the broth to warm the shrimp for 1 minute.
  7. Serve immediately.

Stick to medium heat to avoid uneven heating. Gradual reheating is the best for retaining flavor.

Adding some new crisp vegetables is a great option if you want to add some bite. The old vegetables may be pretty soggy.

This method is well suited to reheating large portions of tom yum soup.

My verdict

This method delivers predictable and consistently good results.

The flavors can all marry, and I ended up with a steamy, hot soup and deliciously soft shrimp.

Reheating tom yum soup in the microwave

Remove shrimp and set aside. Optionally remove any mushrooms and tomatoes too. Place a portion of tom yum broth in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a splatter guard or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals until piping hot. Add back shrimp and veg and warm for a further 10 seconds.

Stick to warming 1 to 2 portions at a time, or else you risk uneven heating.

How to reheat tom yum soup in the microwave:

  1. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  2. Optional: Remove any delicate veggies like mushrooms and tomatoes if you don’t want to risk overcooking them.
  3. Place a portion of broth in a microwave-safe bowl.
  4. Cover the bowl with a splatter guard or plastic wrap (with holes to let steam escape).
  5. Heat in 30-second intervals until piping hot.
  6. Add back in the shrimp and vegetables and warm for a further 10 seconds.
  7. Serve immediately.

The microwave has a knack for turning seafood chewy, so you definitely want to remove your shrimp before attempting this method.  

Minimal exposure right at the end of the process will keep them soft and tender.

While this method is quick, the super-hot brother tends to splatter in the microwave, so cover your bowl to avoid mess.

My verdict

This method is perfectly fine if you’re looking to reheat some tom yum soup for a quick dinner.

But I wouldn’t use the microwave if you’re reheating second-day tom yum soup for the family. The stove delivers more flavor.

How to store tom yum soup

You can store tom yum soup in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Make sure it is room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. To keep your veggies and shrimp from turning soggy, strain the soup and store them in a separate airtight container.

The longer your shrimp and veggies remain in the broth, the more soaked and “water-logged” they will become.

If you have a big batch of soup and want to cool it quickly, a good tip is to put the pan in a sink filled with cold water.

Or simply transfer the soup to smaller containers. Smaller portions will cool quicker.

Can you freeze tom yum soup?

You can freeze tom yum soup for up to three months before it starts to lose quality. It’s best to separate the broth and the shrimp before freezing. This makes it easier to reheat the soup later on. You may also want to remove some of your vegetables and add fresh ones when reheating. 

Things like tomatoes and mushrooms can become mushy in the freezer. 

How to freeze tom yum soup (broth):

  1. Allow your tom yum soup to cool to room temperature.
  2. Optional: Remove your shrimp and set aside. Remove veg and discard.
  3. Portion your broth into freezer bags or transfer it into an airtight container*.
  4. Remove excess air (if using freezer bags) by submerging two-thirds of each bag into water while sealing.
  5. Mark clearly and use within 3 months.

*I like to use freezer bags because you can lay them flat and stack them in the freezer to save space.

To freeze the shrimp:

  1. Remove your shrimp from the broth and pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Freeze for 1-2 hours until hard.
  4. Transfer into a freezer bag and remove excess air.
  5. Mark clearly and use within 3 months.

While discarding the broth’s vegetables is not necessary, they can turn a little mushy when frozen.

Adding fresh veg at a later stage adds texture and crunch.

Similarly, separating your shrimp is not strictly necessary but keeps them from overcooking on the stove or in the microwave when you’re reheating.

How to thaw and reheat frozen tom yum soup

To thaw tom yum soup, place it in the fridge overnight or run your frozen packages under lukewarm water.

Alternatively, place your frozen broth in a pot and slowly defrost it on a low heat. Once liquid, you can turn the heat up.

If you’re feeling confident, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave, keeping a close eye on its progress. Try to break up chunks when possible.

If your frozen soup is stuck in its container, run it under warm water for a few seconds to loosen it. 

If you have frozen your broth and shrimp together, remove the shrimp as soon as the broth is loose. You can add them back right at the end so they can warm via the broth’s residual heat.

This will prevent them from overcooking and turning rubbery.

More Thai Food: Best Way To Reheat Pad Thai

How To Reheat Tom Yum Soup

In this short recipe, I show you the best way to revive your leftover tom yum soup.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 1 person
Calories 49 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 portion tom yum soup
  • 1 portion shrimp/prawns separate

Instructions
 

  • Remove shrimp from the broth and set aside.
  • Optional: Remove more delicate vegetables, like mushrooms and tomatoes, to avoid overcooking.
  • Set your stove to medium.
  • Place your broth in a pot and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Place your broth in a pot and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally.
  • Once hot, turn off the stove and add back your shrimp (and any vegetables you removed).
  • Allow the residual heat from the broth to warm the shrimp for 1 minute.
    Serve immediately.

Notes

Stick to medium heat to avoid uneven heating. Gradual reheating is the best for retaining flavor.
Adding some new crisp vegetables is a great option if you want to add some bite. The old vegetables may be pretty soggy.
This method is well suited to reheating large portions of tom yum soup.
Keyword reheat tom yum soup, tom yum soup

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