Authentic Thai Tom Yum Goong: Spicy Shrimp Soup Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of water
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
1 stalk of lemongrass, cut into 1-inch pieces and crushed
3 slices of galangal
5 bird's eye chilies, crushed
200 grams of medium-sized prawns, shelled and deveined
200 grams of straw mushrooms, quartered
2 tomatoes, quartered
1/2 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
Juice of 2 limes
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro
3-4 fresh Thai basil leaves

Steps and instructions

Boil the water in a pot.
Add the kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and bird's eye chilies to the boiling water. Boil these ingredients together to create a flavorful stock, simmering for about 10-15 minutes.
Add the prawns, straw mushrooms, tomatoes, and onion to the pot. Cook until the prawns turn pink, generally about 5 minutes.
Season the soup with fish sauce and sugar, stirring well to combine.
Turn off the heat and add the lime juice, adjusting the taste according to your preference.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves before serving. The soup is best enjoyed hot.

Tools for making

Large pot - To boil the soup and simmer the ingredients.
Knife - To slice and chop the vegetables.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping.
Wooden spoon - To stir and mix the ingredients in the pot.
Soup ladle - To serve the soup into bowls.
Citrus juicer - To extract the juice from the limes.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute the prawns with tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Chicken Tom Yum: Replace the prawns with chicken breast or thigh, sliced into thin pieces.
Seafood Tom Yum: Use a combination of prawns, squid, and mussels for a flavorful seafood twist.
Spicier Version: Increase the amount of bird's eye chilies or add Thai chili paste (nam prik pao) for an extra kick of heat.
Coconut Milk Tom Yum: For a creamier version, add a small amount of coconut milk to the soup while simmering.
Vegetable Tom Yum: Include a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and baby corn to make it even more hearty and nutritious.
Noodles: Add rice noodles or glass noodles to make it a more substantial one-pot meal.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like coriander leaves, mint leaves, or lemon basil to enhance the flavor profile.

Recipe overview

Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Tom Yum Goong recipe. A classic Thai dish, Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour shrimp soup loved for its aromatic and bold flavors. Infused with traditional Thai ingredients like kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, and bird's eye chilies, this soup is a balance of spicy, sour, and umami flavors. It also features prawns and vegetables for a hearty touch. The recipe we're providing is straightforward and easy to follow, making it ideal for both kitchen novices and seasoned cooks. In just a few steps, you'll have a warming and delicious soup that transports you to the streets of Thailand. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this authentic Thai delight!

Common questions

Can I make Tom Yum Goong without prawns?
Yes, you can substitute prawns with other seafood like squid or fish fillets, or even use chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
How can I make the soup spicier?
If you prefer a spicier Tom Yum Goong, you can increase the number of bird's eye chilies or add some Thai chili paste (nam prik pao) to the soup.
Can I make Tom Yum Goong without lime leaves?
Lime leaves contribute to the distinctive flavor of the soup, but if you can't find them, you can substitute with lime zest for a similar citrusy taste.
Is it necessary to include lemongrass in the recipe?
Lemongrass adds a refreshing aroma and flavor to the soup, but if you don't have it, you can omit it or use lemongrass paste as a substitute.
What can I serve with Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum Goong is often served with steamed jasmine rice as a main dish. It can also be enjoyed with noodles or as part of a larger Thai meal with other dishes like Pad Thai or Green Curry.

Serving dishes and utensils

Pot - A large pot is needed to boil the soup ingredients and simmer the stock.
Knife - A sharp knife is necessary for slicing the onion and quartering the tomatoes.
Cutting board - Use a cutting board to safely and conveniently chop the vegetables.
Soup ladle - A ladle is useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.
Soup bowls - Serve the Tom Yum Goong in individual soup bowls for easy consumption.
Soup spoons - Provide soup spoons for enjoying the flavorful broth and ingredients.
Chopsticks - Optional, but chopsticks can be used for picking up and eating the prawns and mushrooms.

Origin stories

Tom Yum Goong originates from Thailand, a country known for its vibrant and aromatic cuisine. This spicy and sour soup, which is often considered a classic representation of Thai flavor, is so beloved that it has its own festival. Held annually in the district of Ban Lat, Phatthalung Province, the Tom Yum Kung Festival is a grand celebration of this iconic dish. It features a grand parade, dance performances, and even a contest for the best Tom Yum Kung. Attendees get to feast on various versions of the soup, each with its unique twist and flavor. Thus, if you're enjoying a bowl of Tom Yum Goong, you're not just savoring a delicious meal, but also partaking in a flavorful piece of Thailand's culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.