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The Best Authentic Clear Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)

Close-up of a white bowl filled with vibrant orange tom yum soup, featuring large seasoned shrimp and fresh cilantro.
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Make restaurant-quality Tom Yum Goong at home. This recipe delivers the signature hot and sour flavor using essential Thai aromatics for an authentic taste.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and bruised
  • 1 inch galangal, sliced (or ginger if galangal is unavailable)
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 1/2 cup straw mushrooms, halved (or button mushrooms)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1–3 Thai chilies, crushed (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste in oil (Nam Prik Pao)
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balance)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics: Gently smash the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife to release flavor. Slice the galangal thinly. Tear the kaffir lime leaves in half.
  2. Simmer the broth: Pour the chicken broth into a pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add the bruised lemongrass, sliced galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to infuse the broth.
  3. Strain the broth: Remove and discard the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves from the broth. Return the infused broth to the pot and bring back to a simmer.
  4. Add flavor base: Stir in the chili paste in oil, fish sauce, and sugar (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Cook the mushrooms and shrimp: Add the mushrooms to the simmering broth and cook for 2 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook the shrimp.
  6. Finish the soup: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lime juice and crushed Thai chilies. Stir gently.
  7. Serve immediately: Ladle the Tom Yum Goong into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro. This soup is a great alternative to relying on meal planning services for bold flavors.

Notes

  • For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup of evaporated milk or coconut milk after removing the pot from the heat, before adding the lime juice.
  • If you cannot find fresh galangal, use fresh ginger, but note the flavor profile will shift slightly away from traditional Tom Yum.
  • To simplify your weeknight cooking, prepare the broth base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/best-authentic-tom-yum-soup-recipe/