Authentic Tom Yum Goong - Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup
Experience the vibrant flavors of Thailand with this Authentic Tom Yum Goong, a hot and sour shrimp soup that is bursting with aromatic ingredients. This delightful soup combines fresh shrimp, fragrant herbs, and zesty lime juice to create a dish that warms the soul. Perfect as a starter or main course, this recipe captures the essence of Thai cuisine and is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it hot, and don't forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that final touch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
4 (tablespoons)
Garlic
4 (cloves, crushed)
Red onion
1 (small, finely chopped)
Water
7 (cups)
Black pepper
1 (tablespoon)
Lemongrass
1 (stalk, cut into 2 inch lengths)
Galangal root
1 (1 inch piece)
Fresh red chilies
3 (thinly sliced (amount optional))
Fresh green chilies
3 (thinly sliced (amount optional))
Kaffir lime leaves
4 (scored (if using dry, soak in warm water until pliable))
Medium shrimp
1 (lb, cleaned and deveined)
Fish sauce
6 (tablespoons)
Fresh lime juice
2 (tablespoons)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 (cup, chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic, taking care not to burn it.
2
Introduce the finely chopped onion to the pot and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes light brown and translucent.
3
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, ensuring all flavors meld together.
4
Add the black pepper, lemongrass, galangal, sliced red and green chilies, and the kaffir lime leaves. Bring the pot back to a boil and let it simmer for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
5
Gently place the cleaned and deveined shrimp into the pot. Stir in the fish sauce and fresh lime juice, allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 3 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and firm.
6
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious Tom Yum Goong!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum Goong is an authentic hot and sour Thai shrimp soup bursting with aromatic flavors.
What are the primary flavors of this soup?
The soup is known for its vibrant blend of spicy, sour, and aromatic herbal notes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 cloves of garlic, crushed before cooking.
What type of oil should I use for sautéing?
You should use 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How much water is used for the soup base?
The recipe calls for 7 cups of water.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
Use 1 lb of medium shrimp that have been cleaned and deveined.
Can I use dry kaffir lime leaves?
Yes, if using dry kaffir lime leaves, soak them in warm water until they become pliable.
How much fish sauce is required?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of fish sauce for seasoning.
How long should the shrimp cook?
The shrimp should simmer for about 3 minutes or until they turn pink and firm.
What is galangal and how much is used?
Galangal is an aromatic root; this recipe requires a 1-inch piece.
Can the spiciness of the soup be adjusted?
Yes, the amount of fresh red and green chilies used is optional based on your heat preference.
How should the lemongrass be prepared?
The lemongrass stalk should be cut into 2-inch lengths.
When should I add the fresh cilantro?
Fresh cilantro should be used as a garnish just before serving.
What is the first step in making Tom Yum Goong?
The first step is heating vegetable oil and sautéing crushed garlic until aromatic.
How should the onion be cooked?
Sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes light brown and translucent.
What type of onion is used in this soup?
One small red onion, finely chopped, is used in this recipe.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of black pepper.
What provides the sour flavor in the soup?
Fresh lime juice, specifically 2 tablespoons, provides the characteristic sourness.
How many kaffir lime leaves are needed?
You need 4 kaffir lime leaves, which should be scored to release flavor.
How many chilies does the recipe suggest?
The recipe suggests 3 red chilies and 3 green chilies, both thinly sliced.
Can this soup be served as a main course?
Yes, Tom Yum Goong is perfect as either a starter or a main course.
What does the word 'Goong' refer to?
'Goong' is the Thai word for shrimp.
How long should the aromatic herbs simmer?
After adding the herbs, let the pot simmer for 2 minutes to release the flavors.
Should the shrimp be peeled?
The instructions specify cleaned and deveined shrimp, which typically implies they are peeled.
Does this recipe include ginger?
No, this authentic version uses galangal root instead of ginger.
At what heat should I sauté the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed over medium heat.
How do I serve Tom Yum Goong?
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is the lime juice added at the beginning?
No, the lime juice is added along with the shrimp and fish sauce near the end of cooking.
What are common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include Thai soup, spicy shrimp soup, and hot and sour soup.