Description: Tom Yum Goong is a classic Thai soup known for its bold flavors of lemongrass, lime, chili, and shrimp. This hot and sour soup is loaded with fresh herbs and aromatics, making it a refreshing and comforting dish. It’s typically served as an appetizer or main course in Thai cuisine, and its complex flavors are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
History: Originating in Thailand, Tom Yum Goong has become one of the most popular dishes in Thai cuisine. It is believed to have originated in Central Thailand and has since spread throughout the country and beyond. The soup’s name translates roughly to “spicy and sour soup with shrimp,” highlighting its key flavor components.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 stalks lemongrass, smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 4-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 4-6 slices galangal or ginger
- 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, smashed
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Thai basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal or ginger slices, and Thai bird’s eye chilies. Simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the broth with flavors.
- Add the Aromatics and Vegetables:
- Add the sliced onion, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the sliced onion, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season the Soup:
- Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Taste and adjust the flavors according to your preference, adding more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for acidity, or sugar for sweetness.
- Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Adjust the seasoning with salt, if needed. Taste and adjust the flavors according to your preference, adding more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for acidity, or sugar for sweetness.
- Add the Shrimp:
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Serve:
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and Thai basil leaves.
Final Thoughts: Tom Yum Goong is a delightful soup that showcases the vibrant and bold flavors of Thai cuisine. Its spicy, sour, and aromatic qualities make it a favorite among Thai food enthusiasts worldwide. By preparing this soup, you’ll not only enjoy its tantalizing flavors but also experience a taste of Thailand’s culinary heritage.