If you're craving a bowl of vibrant, aromatic soup that combines bold flavors, look no further than Tom Yum Goong.

This popular Thai soup features shrimp as the star ingredient, and with its combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, it's a dish we always look forward to making at home.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Tom Yum Goong is known for its unique balance of heat, sourness, and sweetness. The base of the soup is a savory broth made from shrimp shells and heads, which we use to create a rich, flavorful stock. As the broth simmers, we add lemongrass, galangal, makrut lime leaves, and bird's eye chiles. These ingredients give the soup its distinct fragrance and a burst of citrusy, herbal, and spicy notes that will awaken your taste buds.

This easy recipe puts the 'YUM' IN TOM YUM SOUP

Video by Yeung Man Cooking

Cooking Process: Simple Yet Delicious

We start by making the stock from shrimp shells, which we simmer in water for about 20 minutes. This step is essential for developing the deep flavors that are the hallmark of this soup. Once the stock is ready, we strain out the shells, leaving behind a rich, aromatic liquid that forms the foundation of the soup.

Next, we add the essential ingredients: lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal, and chiles. These ingredients come together to create the base for the broth that defines Tom Yum Goong. We then bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 5 minutes before adding shrimp, button mushrooms, and straw mushrooms. The shrimp cooks quickly, turning pink and opaque, signaling that the soup is ready to serve.

Customize the Heat Level

One of the best things about making Tom Yum Goong at home is the ability to adjust the heat to our liking. The bird's eye chiles bring a spicy kick, but if you prefer a milder version, simply reduce the number of chiles used. We love adding hot chile paste to boost the heat, but you can also leave it out or use a more moderate paste for a gentler taste. The combination of lime juice and fish sauce adds the perfect tang and umami, while a touch of white sugar balances the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Once the shrimp is cooked and the soup is steaming hot, we serve it right away for the best experience. Garnishing the soup with fresh cilantro adds a touch of color and freshness, completing the dish. This soup pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, but it's also delicious on its own as a light, refreshing meal. Whether it's a cool evening or a warm day, Tom Yum Goong is the perfect dish to satisfy our cravings for something flavorful and satisfying.

Tom Yum Goong is a soup that's not just about taste; it's about an experience. The layers of flavor come together to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Whether we're cooking for ourselves or sharing with friends, this Thai classic never fails to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and embark on your own journey to create the perfect Tom Yum Goong!