Tom Yum Goong (Hot and Sour Soup with Shrimp)

History of Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong, a quintessential Thai dish, boasts a rich history and origin that highlight the culinary prowess of the people who make it. This hot and sour soup is a harmonious blend of succulent shrimp, fragrant herbs, and a tangy broth that represents the vibrant spirit of Thai cuisine. With its origins dating back centuries, Tom Yum Goong has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts around the globe.

The history of Tom Yum Goong is deeply intertwined with the culinary traditions of Thailand, where the abundance of local herbs and spices play a vital role in creating its distinctive flavors. The soup’s name, “Tom Yum,” refers to the boiling process (Tom) and the unique combination of spicy and sour flavors (Yum) that define this iconic dish. Goong, meaning shrimp, is the most popular protein used in the soup, but it can also be prepared with other seafood or chicken.

Thai cooks, from humble street food vendors to renowned chefs, have perfected the art of balancing the soup’s bold flavors to create a satisfying and invigorating meal. Their deep understanding of local ingredients, such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chilies, has allowed them to transform a simple soup into a culinary masterpiece that reflects the essence of Thailand’s rich food culture.

The popularity of Tom Yum Goong has transcended borders, making it one of the most celebrated Thai dishes worldwide. Our authentic recipe invites you to experience the vibrant history and origin of this classic soup, honoring the skilled cooks who have passed down their culinary knowledge through generations. Enjoy the captivating flavors of Tom Yum Goong and immerse yourself in the culinary heritage of Thailand.

Introduction

Experience the bold and tantalizing flavors of Thailand with our authentic Tom Yum Goong recipe. This classic hot and sour soup features succulent shrimp, fragrant herbs, and a tangy broth, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Perfect as a starter or a light main course, this recipe brings the warmth and vibrancy of Thai cuisine to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 liter water or chicken broth
• 300g medium-sized shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g straw mushrooms, halved (or substitute with button mushrooms)
• 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 1-inch pieces and slightly crushed
• 5 kaffir lime leaves, torn
• 4 slices galangal, thinly sliced
• 4-5 bird’s eye chilies, slightly crushed (adjust to desired spice level)
• 5 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 tbsp lime juice (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
• 2 cups coconut milk (optional, for a creamier version)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the broth: In a large pot, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and bird’s eye chilies. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors into the broth.
2. Cook the shrimp and mushrooms: Add the shrimp and straw mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
3. Season the soup: Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and granulated sugar to the pot. Stir well to combine, and adjust the taste according to your preference. If using coconut milk, add it now and let the soup simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they are slightly softened.
5. Serve: Remove the pot from the heat and ladle the soup into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.

Note: Feel free to customize your Tom Yum Goong by adjusting the level of spiciness or adding other seafood like fish, squid, or mussels. You can also substitute shrimp with chicken for a Tom Yum Gai version. Enjoy the invigorating flavors of this classic Thai soup!