Tom Yum Goong, a quintessential Thai dish, is celebrated for its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients.

This hot and sour shrimp soup is not only a staple in Thai cuisine but also a favorite among food lovers worldwide.

Below is a detailed guide on how to prepare this delightful soup, including essential ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Essential Ingredients

To serve 3-5 people, you will need the following ingredients:

Prawns: 5 large prawns (about 300g), peeled with heads on (reserve shells for stock).

Aromatics:

• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces.

• 3 shallots, bruised.

• 5 slices of galangal.

• 6 kaffir lime leaves.

Mushrooms: 1 cup button mushrooms or other varieties like oyster or straw mushrooms.

Liquids:

• 2.5 cups water or stock.

• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste).

• 4-5 tablespoons lime juice (to taste).

Spices:

• Red chilies (such as Bird’s Eye Chili), bruised or sliced.

Herbs:

• 2 tablespoons coriander plus extra for garnish.

• Optional: Saw tooth coriander if available.

Creaminess:

• 3 tablespoons evaporated milk or coconut milk.

Chili Paste:

• 1 tablespoon Thai chili jam (nam prik pao) plus its oil.

Preparation Steps

Make the Stock: In a pot, bring about 2 cups of water to boil. Add the reserved prawn shells and heads along with a pinch of salt. Boil for approximately 5 minutes to extract flavor, then discard the shells and add another half cup of water.

Add Aromatics: Incorporate the smashed lemongrass, galangal slices, and bruised shallots into the pot. Bring it back to a boil.

Cook the Prawns: Add the prawns to the pot and remove them once cooked (about 2-3 minutes). This method helps prevent overcooking and keeps them visually appealing when served.

Incorporate Mushrooms and Seasonings: Add the sliced mushrooms to the broth along with fish sauce, chili, and kaffir lime leaves. Allow it to simmer for another few minutes.

Finish with Creaminess and Flavor: Stir in the evaporated milk or coconut milk along with the Thai chili jam. Allow it to boil briefly before turning off the heat.

Add Fresh Ingredients: Just before serving, mix in fresh lime juice and chopped coriander into the soup base for enhanced freshness.

Serve Ladle the soup into bowls, arranging the prawns attractively on top. Garnish with additional coriander and sliced chilies as desired. Serve alongside boiled jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Tom Yum Goong

• Balance of Flavors: The essence of Tom Yum lies in balancing spicy, sour, salty, and sweet flavors. Adjust fish sauce and lime juice according to your taste preferences.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and spices for maximum flavor; dried versions will not provide the same aromatic qualities.

• Experiment with Proteins: While prawns are traditional, you can substitute or add chicken or fish depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Tom Yum Goong is more than just a soup; it embodies the vibrant flavors of Thailand in every spoonful. With its combination of fragrant herbs, succulent prawns, and a perfect balance of spices, this dish is sure to impress at any dining table. Enjoy your culinary journey into Thai cuisine!