
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Tom Yum Goong is a vibrant and aromatic hot and sour soup, a cornerstone of Thai cuisine. It features succulent shrimp, fresh mushrooms, and a fragrant broth infused with a symphony of traditional Thai herbs and spices, delivering an invigorating flavor profile. Originating in Thailand, Tom Yum Goong is one of the most recognized dishes globally, embodying the country's culinary philosophy of balancing contrasting flavors: sour, spicy, salty, and sweet. It's often served as a main dish or an appetizer, cherished for its refreshing and invigorating qualities.
Ingredients
- 450 g Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- 2 Lemongrass stalks, bruised and sliced
- 5 slices Galangal slices
- 4 leaves Kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 3 Bird's eye chilies, crushed
- 3 tablespoons Fish Sauce
- 3 tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 cup Straw or Oyster Mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup Fresh Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon Tom Yum Paste (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (optional, to balance sourness)
Instructions
- 1
Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil in a medium pot.
- 2
Add the bruised lemongrass, galangal slices, and torn kaffir lime leaves to the boiling broth. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- 3
Add the mushrooms and cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- 4
Stir in the Tom Yum paste (if using) and crushed bird's eye chilies. Adjust chili quantity to your preferred spice level.
- 5
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the soup. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Do not overcook to keep them tender.
- 6
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, aiming for a harmonious balance of spicy, sour, and savory.
- 7
Ladle the Tom Yum Goong into serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro.
- 8
Serve immediately and enjoy this authentic Thai delight!
Chef's Tips
- •For a creamier version (Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon), add 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or coconut milk along with the fish sauce and lime juice.
- •Bruising the lemongrass and tearing the kaffir lime leaves helps release their essential oils and maximize flavor in the broth.
- •Adjust the amount of chilies and lime juice to your personal preference for spiciness and sourness.
- •Always use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best authentic taste in Tom Yum Goong.
Recommended Equipment
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