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Authentic Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

A close-up of a white bowl filled with spicy, orange-red tom yum soup featuring large shrimp and mushrooms, topped with fresh cilantro.
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Make restaurant-quality Tom Yum Soup at home. This recipe delivers the signature hot, sour, and aromatic Thai flavor profile using fresh herbs and succulent shrimp. It is a quick weeknight dinner option.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
  • 1 inch galangal, sliced (or ginger if unavailable)
  • 6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 2–4 Thai chilies, crushed (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 cup straw mushrooms, halved
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: 1/2 cup coconut milk for a creamy version
  • For Vegan Alternative: Substitute shrimp with 1 cup firm tofu cubes and use vegetarian fish sauce or extra soy sauce.

Instructions

  1. Combine the broth, bruised lemongrass, sliced galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and crushed chilies 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. This step builds the authentic Thai flavor.
  3. Strain the broth to remove the herbs, or push them to the side if you prefer a rustic look. Return the broth to a simmer.
  4. Add the shrimp (or tofu for the vegan option) and mushrooms to the broth. Cook until the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook the shrimp.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste the broth and adjust the sourness (lime) or saltiness (fish sauce) as needed.
  6. If using, stir in the coconut milk now for a creamy Tom Yum.
  7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. These herbs are key to authentic Tom Yum Soup.
  • If you cannot find galangal, use fresh ginger, but the flavor profile will shift slightly.
  • To control the heat, add the chilies whole and remove them before serving if you want less spice.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free fish sauce or soy sauce for the vegan version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/tom-yum-soup-recipe-authentic-thai-flavor/