Introduction
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup known for its bold flavors, combining the heat of chili peppers with the tanginess of lime juice. The soup typically features succulent shrimp, fragrant herbs, and spices like lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, creating a harmonious balance of sour, spicy, and savory notes. It’s not only delicious but also a staple in Thai cuisine, often enjoyed with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
- 4-5 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 4-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 200g mushrooms (such as straw or oyster), sliced
- 300g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: chili oil or paste for added heat
Instructions
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Prepare the broth:
- In a pot, bring water or chicken stock to a boil.
- Add the smashed lemongrass, galangal slices, kaffir lime leaves, bird’s eye chilies, and sliced onion.
- Let the broth simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
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Add mushrooms and shrimp:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
- Then, add the shrimp and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
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Season the soup:
- Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning to taste, balancing the sour, salty, and sweet flavors.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot, optionally drizzling chili oil or paste for extra heat.
Health Notes
- Tom Yum Goong is low in calories and packed with protein from the shrimp.
- The soup’s base of herbs and spices may offer health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
- Monitor sodium intake from fish sauce and adjust according to dietary needs. Consider using low-sodium stock if necessary.
Enjoying the Dish
- Tom Yum Goong is best enjoyed hot, often served alongside steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. The soup’s vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs make it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Tips
- Ingredient freshness: Use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor. Look for Thai ingredients at an Asian grocery store if unavailable locally.
- Customization: Feel free to add other proteins like tofu or fish, or additional vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes for variety.
- Spice level: Adjust the number of chilies to suit your taste; you can always add more at the table.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge but are best consumed fresh, as the flavors may change upon reheating.
