Hot and sour fried rice with tom yum paste and shrimp
Tom Yum Fried Rice
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Tom Yum Fried Rice
Hot and sour fried rice with tom yum paste and shrimp
★4.3(6)
All the bold, electrifying flavors of tom yum soup transformed into a quick fried rice with shrimp, mushrooms, and a squeeze of lime. Sour, spicy, and utterly craveable.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Tom yum fried rice captures the essence of the famous soup in every grain of rice. Tom yum paste does the heavy lifting, delivering lemongrass, galangal, and chili heat in one spoonful.
Asian cuisine encompasses an incredible diversity of techniques and flavors. This recipe draws on time-tested methods to create something truly delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Sear shrimp until pink, set aside.
- 2
Fry tom yum paste in the wok for 1 minute until fragrant and the oil turns red.
- 3
Add mushrooms and stir-fry 2 minutes until softened.
- 4
Add rice and toss vigorously with the paste for 3 minutes until every grain is coated.
- 5
Return shrimp, add fish sauce and lime juice. Toss and serve with extra lime wedges and cilantro.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Substitutions
ShrimpSquid or chicken
Both pair well with the tom yum flavors
Tom yum pasteSriracha + lemongrass + lime zest
A rough approximation if paste is unavailable
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use a good-quality tom yum paste — it is the backbone of this dish.
A squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens all the flavors.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (120mg) · 2 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein22g
Carbohydrates8g
Fat54g
Fiber860mg
Sugar2g
Sodium3g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I buy tom yum paste?
- Most Asian grocery stores and many supermarkets carry it in jars. Look for Thai brands.
- Can I make it vegetarian?
- Yes, use tofu instead of shrimp and vegetarian tom yum paste without shrimp.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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