A spicy, tangy bowl of comfort for one—because you deserve something delicious, even when it’s just you.
There are some nights when all you need is a single, steamy bowl of comfort—and this Tom Yum Shrimp Wonton Soup is exactly that. It’s fiery, fragrant, and packed with flavor, but comes together in under 20 minutes using pantry staples and frozen shrimp wontons. No fuss. No leftovers. Just good food, made for one.
The first time I had this was while I was visiting a very special relative, and I ended up leaving with nothing left in the pot. YES it was that goood!
Now I love making this after a long day, when I don’t feel like doing much but still want a meal that feels like a warm hug with a kick of chili of course.
Ingredients:
Broth Base
- 1.5 cups (375 ml) chicken or seafood stock
- 1 tbsp Tom Yum paste (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 kaffir lime leaves, torn (optional)
- 1 small stalk lemongrass, smashed
- 1 clove garlic, smashed
- 2–3 white button mushrooms, sliced (shiitake or enoki also work)
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- Juice of half a lime
- 3–5 frozen shrimp wontons
Optional Add-ins
- A handful of baby spinach or bok choy
- 1 small Thai chili, sliced (optional for heat)
- Garnish: fresh cilantro, green onions, and a lime wedge
Instructions:
- Build your broth.
In a small pot, bring your stock to a gentle simmer. Stir in Tom Yum paste, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, garlic, and mushrooms. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to infuse all that bold, herby flavor. - Toss in your wontons.
Add the frozen shrimp wontons and simmer for another 4–6 minutes, or until they float and are fully cooked through. - Season & taste.
Add fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Taste and adjust—add more lime for brightness, fish sauce for umami, or a bit more chili if you like the heat. - Wilt your greens.
Stir in baby spinach or bok choy just until wilted. This only takes about 30 seconds. - Serve it hot.
Pour everything into a deep bowl, and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and a lime wedge on the side.
💡 Just a Picky Eater Tip:
If you’re short on time, you can skip lemongrass and lime leaves—the Tom Yum paste usually already has them infused. Just simmer the paste with stock and you’re good to go.
Keep a stash of frozen shrimp wontons in your freezer at all times. They quickly turn a simple soup into something satisfying and special.
This solo bowl of Tom Yum Wonton Soup has become one of my go-to late-night comfort meals. It’s warm, spicy, and feels like something you’d get from your favorite noodle spot—but it’s all yours. No sharing required.
Tag me if you try it @justapickyyeater—I’d love to see your cozy bowl!
