Tom Yum Goong, also known as Thai hot and sour shrimp soup, is one of the most iconic dishes in Thai cuisine. Packed with bold flavors of lemongrass, lime, chili, and aromatic herbs, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. This guide will take you through the step-by-step process of making an authentic bowl of Tom Yum Goong at home.
Ingredients
To Serve 4 People, You’ll Need:
- 1 liter of water or chicken stock
- 300 grams of fresh shrimp (prawns)
- Peeled and deveined, with heads and shells reserved
for extra flavor
- 2 stalks of lemongrass
- Trimmed and lightly bruised
- 4-5 kaffir lime leaves
- Torn into pieces
- 2-3 slices of galangal
- 2-3 bird’s eye chilies
- Crushed or sliced (adjust to taste)
- 200 grams of mushrooms
- Straw mushrooms or button mushrooms, halved
- 3-4 tablespoons of fish sauce
- Adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- Freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Optional, to balance the flavors
- 2 tablespoons of Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
- 3-4 cherry tomatoes
- Halved
- Cilantro leaves
- For garnish
Instructions
Step
1: Prepare The Broth
- Bring 1 liter of water or chicken stock to a boil in a
large pot.
- Add the reserved shrimp heads and shells to the pot.
Let them simmer for 5-10 minutes to infuse the broth with a rich seafood
flavor.
- Strain the broth to remove the shells and heads, then
return it to the pot.
Step
2: Infuse The Aromatics
- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and
bird’s eye chilies to the pot.
- Let the broth simmer for 5-7 minutes to release the
flavors of the herbs.
Step
3: Add The Main Ingredients
- Add the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook
for 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until
they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Step
4: Season The Soup
- Add the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar (if using), and
Thai chili paste. Stir well and taste to adjust the seasoning.
- If the soup needs more saltiness, add a little more
fish sauce. For additional sourness, squeeze in more lime juice.
Step
5: Serve
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or enjoy on its
own.
Tips For Success
- Use fresh ingredients wherever possible. The flavors of
fresh lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal make a significant difference.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the number
of chilies.
- For a creamier version, you can add a splash of coconut
milk or evaporated milk before serving.
- If you can’t find kaffir lime leaves, substitute with
extra lime zest.
Final
Thoughts
Tom Yum Goong is a versatile dish that perfectly balances spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. It’s a true representation of Thai cuisine’s complexity and vibrancy. With this recipe, you can recreate this beloved soup at home and transport your taste buds to Thailand. Enjoy!
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