Slow Cooker Tamarind-Lemon Tom Yum
A bright, spicy and deeply savory slow-cooker Tom Yum with lemongrass, tamarind, mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh herbs. Choose your preferred protein and the recipe will automatically adjust the ingredients and cooking instructions.
Make It Your Way
Choose your protein
Plant-based, vegetarian-friendly — uses vegetable broth by default
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Add your recovery and nutrition goals to see which variation may best match your preferences.
Update your Recovery Profile →Ingredients
Base soup ingredients (same for all variations)
Choose Your Protein — Tofu
How to Prep Lemongrass
- 1Trim off the dry green tops and woody root end, keeping approximately the bottom 4–5 inches.
- 2Peel away the tough outer layers.
- 3Smash the stalk with the flat side of a chef's knife or another safe kitchen tool to release its aromatic oils.
- 4Cut the smashed stalk into approximately 2-inch pieces.
- 5The woody pieces are for infusion and should not be eaten. Remove and discard them when serving.
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Nutrition Facts
Per serving
Macro Breakdown
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Cooking Timer
Tofu variation
Instructions
- 1
Add the vegetable broth, prepared lemongrass (smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces), tamarind paste, Homemade Tom Yum Paste, and mushrooms to the slow cooker.
- 2
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for approximately 2 hours, until the lemongrass and mushrooms are deeply aromatic.
- 3
During the final 30 minutes, gently stir in the tomatoes and cubed tofu.
- 4
Turn off the slow cooker.
- 5
Stir in lemon juice and soy sauce (or vegetarian fish-sauce alternative) to taste. Use soy sauce rather than fish sauce for the vegetarian version.
- 6
Ladle into bowls. Remove and discard the woody lemongrass pieces while serving. Top with fresh basil or mint.
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Ingredient Substitutions
FAQ
Why do I throw away the lemongrass pieces?
Woody lemongrass stalks infuse the broth with their aroma during cooking, but the fibrous pieces themselves are not pleasant to eat. Remove and discard them before serving.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — choose the Tofu variation and use vegetable broth plus soy sauce (or a vegetarian fish-sauce alternative) instead of fish sauce.
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How This Meal Supports Your Recovery
This information is educational and evidence-informed. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Why You'll Love It
A bright, spicy, and deeply savory Tom Yum built for the slow cooker. Pick tofu, chicken, shrimp, or fish — the ingredients and instructions automatically adjust to whichever you choose.
Pairing Suggestions
Complete your meal with these complementary sides and drinks.
Steamed Quinoa with Turmeric
This protein-rich grain provides a stable energy release to support brain function during recovery while the turmeric adds anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fresh Cucumber and Cilantro Salad
The cooling and crisp nature of the salad balances the tangy heat of the Tom Yum while providing essential hydration and nutrients.
Sparkling Ginger and Mint Infusion
Ginger aids digestion and calms the gut, which is particularly beneficial for those focusing on physical healing and comfort during recovery.
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