Zesty Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong)
Indulge in a bowl of Zesty Thai Shrimp Soup, an enticing blend of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the perfect kick of spice. This authentic Tom Yum Goong is not only quick and easy to prepare but also a delightful balance of heat, sourness, and umami. Featuring succulent shrimp, aromatic herbs, and a medley of mushrooms, this soup captures the essence of Thailand's culinary traditions. Ideal for a cozy night in or impressing guests, this dish can easily incorporate frozen cooked shrimp for even faster preparation. Customize the heat level to your liking by adjusting the chili peppers or paste, and don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that final touch. Enjoy a delicious and nourishing meal that will satisfy all your cravings!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shrimp
1/3 lb (shelled, with tail)
Fresh mushrooms
8 (cut in half)
Canned straw mushrooms
12 (drained)
Stock
2 cups (fish or chicken stock)
Fresh lemongrass
1/2 stalk (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Fresh lime leaves
4 (kaffir lime leaves or pesticide-free lime leaves)
Fresh galangal
1 inch (sliced thinly)
Fresh chili peppers
4-6 (whole (adjust for heat))
Premium fish sauce
2 tablespoons
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Chili paste
1/2 teaspoon (with soya oil (optional))
Fresh cilantro
as desired (snipped)
Instructions
1
Start by deveining the shrimp, then rinse and drain them thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.
2
In a medium pot, bring the fish or chicken stock to a rolling boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and add the lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers.
4
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
5
Add the fresh and canned mushrooms to the pot, followed by the shrimp. Cook until the shrimp turns pink and firm, approximately 3-5 minutes.
6
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar, adjusting the seasoning to your preference.
7
Remove the pot from the heat, discarding the chunks of lemongrass and whole chili peppers.
8
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai shrimp soup known for its bold, spicy, and sour flavors, often considered a staple of authentic Thai cuisine.
What are the main flavor profiles of this soup?
The soup features a perfect balance of heat from chilies, sourness from lime juice, and umami from fish sauce and shrimp.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked shrimp for even faster preparation, making it a very quick meal option.
What kind of mushrooms are used in Zesty Thai Shrimp Soup?
This recipe uses a combination of 8 fresh mushrooms and 12 canned straw mushrooms.
How do I prepare the lemongrass?
Cut the lemongrass stalk into 1-inch pieces. These are used to infuse the stock and are usually discarded before eating.
Is galangal necessary for Tom Yum Goong?
Yes, galangal provides a unique citrusy and pine-like aroma that is essential for the authentic taste of the soup.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Absolutely. You can customize the heat level by adjusting the number of fresh chili peppers or the amount of chili paste used.
What type of stock is best for this recipe?
You can use either fish stock or chicken stock as the base for this soup.
What are kaffir lime leaves?
Kaffir lime leaves are aromatic leaves that add a distinct citrus fragrance; you can also use pesticide-free regular lime leaves.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and firm.
Why is sugar added to the soup?
A small amount of sugar (1/2 teaspoon) helps to balance and mellow the intense sour and spicy flavors.
Should I eat the lemongrass and galangal pieces?
No, it is recommended to discard the chunks of lemongrass, galangal, and whole chili peppers before serving as they are very tough.
What is the role of fish sauce in this recipe?
Fish sauce acts as the primary salt source and adds a deep, savory umami flavor characteristic of Thai cooking.
Is the chili paste mandatory?
The chili paste with soya oil is optional, but it adds a lovely depth of color and extra richness to the broth.
How should I serve Tom Yum Goong?
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with extra lime wedges on the side.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the aromatics, proteins, and seasonings.
What can I use if I cannot find fresh galangal?
While ginger is a common substitute, the flavor is different; galangal is more citrusy while ginger is more pungent.
Should the shrimp be shelled?
The recipe calls for shrimp that are shelled but still have the tails attached for better presentation.
How much lime juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice to achieve the signature zesty flavor.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it is a nourishing, light meal that is low in fat and features many fresh, aromatic herbs.
Can I make this soup in advance?
It is best served fresh, but you can prepare the aromatic broth ahead of time and add the shrimp and seasonings just before serving.
How do I prep the mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms should be cut in half, while canned straw mushrooms should be drained before adding to the pot.
Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?
Yes, if you use chicken instead of shrimp, the dish is known as Tom Yum Gai.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to devein the shrimp, then rinse and drain them thoroughly under cold water.
How long do the aromatics need to simmer?
Allow the lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chilies to simmer for about 5 minutes to fully infuse the stock.
What is the purpose of cilantro in this dish?
Fresh cilantro is used as a garnish to provide a burst of freshness and color to the finished soup.
How much shrimp do I need?
This recipe requires 1/3 lb of shrimp.
Is this recipe considered quick?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick recipe' because the total cooking time for the broth and shrimp is under 15 minutes.
Should the stock be boiling when I add the herbs?
The stock should be at a rolling boil first, then lowered to medium heat when you add the lemongrass and other aromatics.
Can I use dried lime leaves?
While fresh are preferred for maximum aroma, dried kaffir lime leaves can be used if fresh are unavailable.