Authentic Tom Yum Goong Recipe – The Ultimate Thai Spicy Shrimp Soup
If you’ve ever been to Thailand, chances are you’ve tasted the iconic Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) — Thailand’s world-famous spicy and sour shrimp soup. Bursting with bold flavors from lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fresh chilies, this dish perfectly captures the heart of Thai cuisine: a harmony of spicy, sour, salty, and fragrant notes.
Loved both as a street food favorite and a fine dining dish, Tom Yum Goong is a must-try whether you’re visiting Bangkok or recreating it at home.
🍤 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ Authentic Thai flavors – straight from traditional Bangkok kitchens.
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✅ Simple ingredients – easy to find at Asian supermarkets or online.
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✅ Customizable heat level – make it mild or fiery-hot to your taste.
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✅ Healthy and aromatic – packed with herbs and lean shrimp.
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh shrimp (medium-large) | 8–10 pieces |
| Lemongrass (cut into 2-inch pieces, smashed) | 2 stalks |
| Galangal (sliced) | 5–6 slices |
| Kaffir lime leaves (torn) | 3–4 leaves |
| Thai bird’s eye chilies (crushed) | 3–5 |
| Shallots (sliced) | 2 |
| Straw mushrooms (or oyster mushrooms) | 1 cup |
| Fish sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 2–3 tbsp |
| Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) | 1 tbsp |
| Water or chicken stock | 3 cups |
| Optional: evaporated milk or coconut milk | ¼ cup (for Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon – creamy version) |
| Fresh coriander (cilantro) | for garnish |
🍲 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the broth:
Bring water or chicken stock to a boil in a pot. Add lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, shallots, and chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to release the aroma. -
Add mushrooms:
Toss in straw mushrooms and cook for another 2–3 minutes. -
Add shrimp:
Add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink (about 2 minutes). Avoid overcooking. -
Season the soup:
Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste. Adjust the taste — it should be spicy, sour, and salty. -
Optional creamy version:
Add evaporated milk or coconut milk for the Tom Yum Goong Nam Khon style — rich and slightly creamy. -
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander. Enjoy with jasmine rice for a comforting Thai meal.
🌿 Tips for Perfect Tom Yum Goong
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Always add lime juice at the end, after turning off the heat — to preserve the fresh sour flavor.
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For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with tofu and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
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Adjust the number of chilies depending on your spice tolerance.
📍 Where to Try Authentic Tom Yum Goong in Thailand
If you’re visiting Bangkok, try these local favorites:
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Pe Aor Tom Yum Goong (เพ้งอ๋อ ต้มยำกุ้ง) – near Phaya Thai BTS station, famous for creamy tom yum noodles.
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Taling Pling Restaurant – a modern Thai eatery offering a refined version of the soup.
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Street food stalls in Yaowarat (Chinatown) – where locals line up for late-night tom yum bowls.
🔍 FAQ
Q: What does Tom Yum Goong mean in English?
A: “Tom Yum” means “boiled spicy and sour,” and “Goong” means “shrimp” in Thai.
Q: Is Tom Yum Goong healthy?
A: Yes! It’s low in calories, packed with antioxidants from herbs, and great for boosting immunity.
Q: Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
A: Absolutely. Try chicken (Tom Yum Gai) or seafood mix (Tom Yum Talay).
❤️ Final Thoughts
Tom Yum Goong isn’t just soup — it’s a symbol of Thai culinary culture. Its balance of spice, aroma, and sour tang brings comfort and excitement in every spoonful.
Whether you’re exploring Thai street food or cooking at home, this recipe guarantees a taste of authentic Thailand right in your kitchen.
