Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot & Sour Soup)
This classic Thai soup, known as Tom Yum Goong, is a vibrant blend of hot and sour flavors that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Thai cuisine. Originating from the streets of Thailand, this celebrated dish brings together fresh ingredients like succulent shrimp (or tofu for a vegetarian option), fragrant lemongrass, and zesty lime to create a satisfying bowl of comfort. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe promises to be a hit at your next gathering, while also serving as a delightful escape for your taste buds.
N/A
Servings
260
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken stock
8 cups (prepared)
lemongrass
3 stalks (cut into 1 inch lengths)
kaffir lime leaves
4 leaves (whole)
lime zest
1 teaspoon (grated)
green serrano chilies
2 (slivered)
shrimp or tofu
2 lbs (peeled and deveined shrimp or cubed tofu)
thick coconut milk
1 tablespoon (mixed)
lime
2 (juiced)
red serrano chili
1 (slivered)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
green onions
3 (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring 8 cups of chicken stock to a gentle boil over medium heat.
2
Add the cut lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, lime zest, and slivered green serrano chilies to the pot. Reduce the heat and cover, allowing the mixture to simmer for 20 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the lemongrass and lime leaves from the pot. Then, add the shrimp (or tofu) to the aromatic broth. Continue to simmer until the shrimp is cooked through or until tofu is heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Once the shrimp or tofu is ready, turn off the heat. Stir in the thick coconut milk and the fresh lime juice for a creamy, tangy touch.
5
Serve the soup in a tureen or ladle it into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with slivers of red serrano chili, freshly chopped cilantro, and green onions for added freshness and flavor.
6
Encourage diners to customize their bowls with additional chili, cilantro, green onions, soy sauce, fish sauce, or more lime juice to suit their taste.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.5g
Carbs
34g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai hot and sour soup that features a vibrant blend of flavors, traditionally including shrimp, lemongrass, and lime.
What are the primary flavors of this soup?
The soup is characterized by its signature balance of hot and sour flavors, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of Thai cuisine.
What protein options can I use for this recipe?
You can use 2 lbs of peeled and deveined shrimp for the traditional version, or 2 lbs of cubed tofu for a vegetarian-friendly option.
How many calories are in a serving of this Tom Yum Goong?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
What is the protein content of this soup?
This recipe provides a high protein content of 34g per serving.
How much fat is in this soup?
The soup contains 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 11.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much chicken stock is required?
The recipe calls for 8 cups of prepared chicken stock.
How should I prepare the lemongrass?
You should use 3 stalks of lemongrass, cut into 1-inch lengths, to properly infuse the broth.
How many kaffir lime leaves are needed?
The recipe requires 4 whole kaffir lime leaves.
Is lime zest used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of grated lime zest is added to the broth for extra citrus fragrance.
Which chilies are used to infuse the broth?
Two slivered green serrano chilies are added to the stock during the simmering process.
How long should the aromatic ingredients simmer?
The lemongrass, lime leaves, lime zest, and green chilies should simmer in the stock for 20 minutes to fully infuse the flavors.
Do I leave the lemongrass and lime leaves in the soup when serving?
No, you should carefully remove the lemongrass and lime leaves from the pot after the 20-minute simmer.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
Once added to the aromatic broth, the shrimp should simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through.
When should I add the coconut milk?
The coconut milk should be stirred in after the shrimp or tofu is cooked and the heat has been turned off.
How much coconut milk is used in this recipe?
Only 1 tablespoon of thick coconut milk is used to add a creamy touch to the broth.
At what point is the lime juice added?
The juice of 2 limes is stirred in along with the coconut milk after the heat has been turned off.
What are the recommended garnishes for Tom Yum Goong?
The soup is garnished with slivers of red serrano chili, freshly chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions.
How can diners customize their own bowls?
Diners can add extra chili, cilantro, green onions, soy sauce, fish sauce, or additional lime juice to suit their personal taste preferences.
Is this soup considered spicy?
Yes, it is categorized as a spicy soup due to the inclusion of both green and red serrano chilies.
What type of pot is best for making this soup?
A large pot is recommended to accommodate the 8 cups of stock and various ingredients.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, by using cubed tofu instead of shrimp and substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe uses 3 chopped green onions for garnishing.
How much cilantro is used?
2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro are used for the garnish.
What is the preparation for the red serrano chili used as garnish?
The red serrano chili should be slivered before being added to the top of the soup.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this dish suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, the description notes that it is perfect for any occasion and promises to be a hit at your next gathering.
What is the origin of Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum Goong originates from Thailand and is a celebrated staple of Thai street food and cuisine.
Can I use fish sauce in this recipe?
While not in the main broth, the recipe encourages diners to add fish sauce at the end to customize the flavor.