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Authentic Shrimp Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yum Goong)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, red-orange Tom Yum soup featuring large shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh cilantro.
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Make the classic Thai Tom Yum Goong at home. This recipe delivers the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors using fresh, aromatic herbs for an authentic taste.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 4 thin slices galangal (or ginger if galangal is unavailable)
  • 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 2–3 Thai bird chilies, crushed (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 4 ounces straw mushrooms, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: 1/4 cup coconut milk for a creamy broth

Instructions

  1. Combine the broth, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the broth with the aromatics.
  3. Strain the broth to remove the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, returning the liquid to the pot.
  4. Add the crushed chilies and mushrooms to the broth. Bring back to a gentle simmer.
  5. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not overcook.
  6. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and Thai chili paste. Mix well until the paste dissolves.
  7. If you prefer a creamy Tom Yum Soup, stir in the coconut milk now. Heat through, but do not boil after adding coconut milk.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice for sourness or fish sauce for saltiness.
  9. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a clear broth, skip the coconut milk. For a richer, creamier version, use coconut milk.
  • You can substitute chicken breast slices for shrimp to make Tom Yum Gai.
  • If you cannot find galangal, use fresh ginger, but the flavor profile will shift slightly.
  • Serve this spicy sour soup with steamed jasmine rice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/tom-yum-soup-authentic-shrimp-recipe/