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Delicious bowl of authentic Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) with fresh cilantro and lime

Authentic Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong)

Experience the vibrant and balanced flavors of authentic Tom Yum Goong, a spicy, sour, and aromatic Thai shrimp soup that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 stalks lemongrass, tough outer layers removed, bruised and sliced into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 (2-inch) piece galangal, sliced
  • 5–7 kaffir lime leaves, bruised
  • 3–5 bird's eye chilies, bruised or sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms (straw mushrooms or button mushrooms work well)
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
  • 1–2 tbsp Tom Yum paste (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a medium pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. If using, stir in the Tom Yum paste.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-5 minutes until tender.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more fish sauce for saltiness, lime juice for tang, or chilies for heat).
  5. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and halved cherry tomatoes to the simmering soup. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook.
  6. Remove from heat. Ladle the hot Tom Yum Goong into serving bowls.
  7. Garnish generously with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic Thai Shrimp Soup!

Notes

For an extra layer of richness, you can add a splash of coconut milk (about 1/4 cup) at the very end of cooking, just before serving. This creates a creamier, slightly milder version known as Tom Yum Nam Khon.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes