Tom Yum is a famous Thai soup known for its bold and tangy flavors, featuring a delicious combination of spicy, sour, and savory notes. It’s typically made with shrimp and a variety of aromatic herbs. Here’s a classic recipe for making Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup) at home:
Tom Yum Thai Spicy Shrimp Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound (450 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2-3 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and smashed
- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
- 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if unavailable)
- 3-4 Thai bird chilies, smashed (or to taste)
- 200 grams (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (such as oyster mushrooms or button mushrooms)
- 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), 1-2 tablespoons (for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the lemongrass stalks, kaffir lime leaves, galangal slices, and bird chilies. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes to infuse the broth with the aromatic flavors.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced mushrooms, tomato wedges, and sliced onion to the pot. Continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms and tomato are tender.
3. Add the Shrimp:
- Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Season the Soup:
- Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar (if using) to the pot. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If you’re using Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), stir it in now for additional flavor.
- Taste and adjust the balance of sour, salty, and spicy according to your preference.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh cilantro.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Tips:
- Adjusting Heat: The number of Thai bird chilies can be adjusted to control the heat level. If you prefer less spice, use fewer chilies or remove the seeds.
- Galangal Substitute: If you can’t find galangal, ginger can be used as a substitute, though it has a different flavor profile.
- Flavor Balance: If the soup is too sour, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too salty, add a little more lime juice or water.
Enjoy your homemade Tom Yum soup with its vibrant flavors and aromatic herbs!
