If you are new to Thai food and want to try cooking at home, Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง) is the perfect dish to start with. This spicy and sour shrimp soup is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes, loved for its balance of flavors—spicy, sour, salty, and a touch of sweetness. The good news is, you don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. In this guide, we’ll show you an easy Tom Yum Goong recipe for beginners with step-by-step instructions.
Also Read: How to Make Authentic Som Tam Papaya Salad at Home?
What is Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum is a type of Thai soup known for its bold flavors, while Goong means shrimp. So Tom Yum Goong simply means spicy and sour Thai shrimp soup.
There are two popular versions:
- Tom Yum Nam Sai (ต้มยำน้ำใส) – a clear broth.
- Tom Yum Nam Khon (ต้มยำน้ำข้น) – a creamy broth with evaporated milk or coconut milk.
In this article, we’ll focus on the classic clear broth version since it’s the easiest for beginners.
Ingredients You Need
One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses common Thai herbs, which you can find in most Asian supermarkets.
Essential Ingredients:
- 200 g fresh shrimp (peeled, deveined, but keep heads for flavor)
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 3 stalks lemongrass (cut into 2-inch pieces, smashed)
- 4 slices galangal (Thai ginger)
- 4 kaffir lime leaves (torn slightly to release flavor)
- 5–6 Thai bird’s eye chilies (smashed lightly)
- 200 g mushrooms (straw mushrooms or oyster mushrooms work best)
- 2–3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) – optional but adds depth
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Step by Step: How to Cook Tom Yum Goong
Follow this step-by-step Tom Yum Goong recipe to make a bowl of authentic Thai soup at home.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Boil 4 cups of water or chicken stock in a pot. Add lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to release the fragrance. This is the heart of your Tom Yum soup.
Step 2: Add the Mushrooms
Put in the mushrooms and let them cook for 2–3 minutes. Mushrooms soak up the broth and add texture to the soup.
Step 3: Add Shrimp
Drop in the shrimp and cook for just 2–3 minutes until they turn pink. Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp become rubbery.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Add fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste (Nam Prik Pao). Adjust flavors to your taste—more lime juice for sourness, more chili for spice, or a little sugar if you want a mild sweetness.
Step 5: Final Touch
Turn off the heat. Add fresh coriander leaves on top before serving. Your easy Tom Yum Goong soup is ready!
Tips for Beginner
- Don’t boil shrimp too long. They cook fast, usually within 2 minutes.
- Balance is key. Tom Yum Goong should be spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet. Taste and adjust.
- Fresh herbs matter. Using real galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves makes a huge difference compared to dried substitutes.
- Clear vs. creamy. If you like a creamier version, add 2 tbsp evaporated milk before turning off the heat.
Why Tom Yum Goong is Perfect for Beginners
- Simple cooking method – only boiling and seasoning.
- Few ingredients – most can be found in local Asian markets.
- Quick cooking time – the whole soup takes only 20–25 minutes.
- Authentic taste – even the easy version tastes like restaurant-style Tom Yum Goong.
Health Benefits of Tom Yum Goong
Besides being delicious, Tom Yum Goong is packed with healthy ingredients:
- Lemongrass helps digestion and reduces bloating.
- Galangal has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Chilies boost metabolism and immunity.
- Shrimp provides lean protein with low calories.
A bowl of Tom Yum Goong typically has around 120–150 calories, making it a healthy choice for those watching their diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make Tom Yum Goong without shrimp?
Yes! You can use chicken, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
2. What if I can’t find Thai herbs?
If you can’t get galangal, you can replace it with regular ginger, but the flavor will be slightly different. Kaffir lime leaves can sometimes be replaced with lime zest.
3. Can I store Tom Yum Goong?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for 2 days. Reheat gently before serving, but add fresh lime juice only after reheating to keep the flavor fresh.
Final Thoughts
Tom Yum Goong is not just a soup; it’s a taste of Thailand in a bowl. With this easy Tom Yum Goong recipe for beginners, you can enjoy authentic Thai flavors at home without complicated techniques. Start with the clear soup version, and once you feel confident, try the creamy Tom Yum Nam Khon.
So, next time you crave something spicy, sour, and comforting, don’t order takeout—make your own Tom Yum Goong at home!
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