By This Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Soup:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and smashed
3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
4-6 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to your preferred spice level), smashed
3-4 slices galangal (or ginger if galangal is unavailable)
1 medium onion, sliced thinly
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tablespoon fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version)
1-2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, but helps balance the flavors)
1 tablespoon Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
1/4 cup coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Fresh Thai basil (optional), for garnish
Optional Toppings:
Lime wedges
Chili oil (for extra spice)
Sriracha sauce
PREPARATION STEPS
1. Prepare the Broth:
In a large pot, add the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the smashed lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, smashed bird’s eye chilies, and galangal slices. Let the broth simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Add the Vegetables:
Add the sliced onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to the broth.
Continue to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Add the Shrimp:
Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are cooked through.
Once the shrimp are cooked, remove the pot from the heat.
4. Season the Soup:
Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar as needed.
For extra creaminess, add coconut milk and stir it in.
5. Serve the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of shrimp and vegetables.
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, Thai basil, and a wedge of lime on the side.
Optionally, drizzle with chili oil or sriracha for an added spice kick.
Tips:
Adjust spice level: You can control the heat of the soup by adjusting the number of bird’s eye chilies or by omitting them if you prefer a milder soup.
Fish sauce: Fish sauce is a key ingredient in authentic Thai flavors, but if you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with soy sauce or tamari.
Coconut milk: Adding coconut milk is optional but gives the soup a richer texture and balances out the heat.
Galangal substitute: If you can’t find galangal, fresh ginger can be used as a substitute.
Enjoy!
This Spicy Thai Shrimp Soup is a delightful combination of flavors—spicy, sour, savory, and slightly sweet. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy meal or when you’re craving something bold and vibrant. Enjoy the bold flavors of Thailand right in your own kitchen!
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
