Tom Yum Goong Recipe
Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup known for its bold, spicy-sour flavors and fragrant aroma. This iconic dish combines the perfect balance of hot, sour, sweet, and savory tastes that Thai cuisine is famous for.
Ingredients
- 500g large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails left on)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and bruised
- 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
- 2-inch piece of galangal, sliced
- 4 bird's eye chilies, bruised
- 200g straw mushrooms or oyster mushrooms
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste (nam prik pao)
- 2 Roma tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and bird's eye chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
- Add the mushrooms and simmer for another 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and are just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and Thai chili paste. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
- Remove from heat and garnish with cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Tom Yum Goong!
Chef's Tip:
For an extra rich and creamy version, try Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon by adding 1/4 cup of coconut milk or evaporated milk at the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tom Yum Goong hot as a starter or as a main course with steamed jasmine rice. For a complete meal, pair it with other Thai dishes like Pad Thai or Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad).
Cultural Notes
Tom Yum Goong is not just a soup; it's a cultural icon in Thailand. The dish is believed to have originated in Central Thailand and has become popular worldwide. The name "Tom Yum" comes from two Thai words: "Tom" refers to the boiling process, while "Yum" means mixed.
Health Benefits
This soup is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. The herbs and spices used, such as lemongrass, galangal, and chilies, are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Shrimp provides a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Ingredient Substitutions:
If you can't find some of the authentic Thai ingredients, here are some substitutions:
- Galangal: Use ginger as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Kaffir lime leaves: Substitute with lime zest.
- Thai chili paste: Use sriracha sauce or a combination of chili flakes and tomato paste.