Thai 20 min

Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Name: Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp, shell-on, heads removed (save for broth); 6 cups water or light chicken broth; 3 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces; 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn; 3 slices galangal; 6 Thai bird chilies, crushed; 8 oz oyster mushrooms; 3 tablespoons fish sauce; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon roasted chili paste (nam prik pao); 2 tablespoons evaporated milk or coconut milk (optional, for creamy version); Fresh cilantro for serving

seafoodspicyhealthydairy-freegluten-free

Ingredientsfor 2

180

Cal

24g

Protein

Carbs

Fat

11 lb large shrimp, shell-on, heads removed (save for broth)
26 cups water or light chicken broth
33 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces
44 kaffir lime leaves, torn
53 slices galangal
66 Thai bird chilies, crushed
78 oz oyster mushrooms
83 tablespoons fish sauce
93 tablespoons lime juice
101 teaspoon sugar
111 tablespoon roasted chili paste (nam prik pao)
122 tablespoons evaporated milk or coconut milk (optional, for creamy version)
13Fresh cilantro for serving

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Instructions

1
If using shrimp heads, sauté them in 1 teaspoon oil for 2 minutes to extract their flavor and color, then add water. Bring to a boil, simmer 10 minutes, and strain — this makes a richer base. Otherwise, start with plain water or chicken broth.
2
Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies to the broth. Simmer 5 minutes to infuse aromatics — the broth should smell intensely of lemongrass and lime with a growing heat from the chilies.
3
Add mushrooms and shrimp. Cook just until shrimp turn pink and curl, about 3–4 minutes. Do not overcook.
4
Season with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and roasted chili paste. For the creamy version (tom kha goong style), stir in evaporated milk. The broth should be intensely sour, salty, spicy, and fragrant. Remove large aromatics before serving.
5
Ladle into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro. Have lime wedges available — additional lime juice is encouraged. The broth is meant to be punchy and aggressive.