Soup

Classic Tom Yum Goong Soup

Name: Classic Tom Yum Goong Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock; 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and sliced; 5-6 slices galangal; 4-5 kaffir lime leaves, torn; 1 cup straw mushrooms, halved; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1-2 tbsp Tom Yum paste (or chili jam); Fresh cilantro and chili for garnish

Tom Yum Goong is a staple of Thai cuisine, known for its unique balance of hot, sour, and savory tastes. Fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves create an unforgettable aroma. This recipe brings authentic Thai flavors to your kitchen quickly.

Ingredients

200g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and sliced
5-6 slices galangal
4-5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
1 cup straw mushrooms, halved
2 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp lime juice
1-2 tbsp Tom Yum paste (or chili jam)
Fresh cilantro and chili for garnish

Instructions

Bring stock to a boil with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves; simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
Add mushrooms and shrimp to the simmering broth; cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and Tom Yum paste. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for desired spice and sourness.
Remove from heat. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced chilies if desired, and serve hot.

Tips

For extra heat, add sliced bird's eye chilies directly to the soup.
If fresh galangal or kaffir lime leaves are hard to find, look for frozen alternatives in Asian markets.