Tom Yam Goong

Tom Yam Goong Recipe - Authentic Thai Soup with Flavorful Ingredients

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tom Yam Goong is a popular Thai soup known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish is a perfect combination of sour, spicy, salty, and savory tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. It is a must-try for anyone who loves Thai cuisine.

History

Tom Yam Goong has its origins in Thailand and is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have been created in the early 19th century by combining local ingredients with influences from Chinese and Malay cuisines. Over time, the recipe has evolved and become a staple in Thai cuisine.

Ingredients

1 qt (946 ml) water
2 stalks of lemon grass, cut into 1.5-inch lengths
4 kaffir lime leaves, torn off center spine
1 large shallot, peeled and sliced
6 small Thai chilies or 2 serrano chiles, sliced lengthwise
0.5 lb (227 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
0.5 cup canned straw mushrooms
3 tbsp lime juice
3 tbsp fish sauce
0.5 tsp salt
1 small firm tomato, cut into wedges
1 cup cilantro leaves
1 tbsp chopped pak chee farang

How to prepare

Place 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan on the stove and pour water into it.
Add lemon grass, lime leaves, and shallot to the saucepan and bring it to a boil.
After boiling, add chiles and shrimp to the saucepan and cook for 2 minutes.
Next, add straw mushrooms, lime juice, fish sauce, and salt to the saucepan.
Add tomato to the saucepan and cook until it is heated, but not soft.
Transfer the unstrained soup into a serving bowl, making sure not to eat the lemon grass and lime leaves.
Finally, garnish the soup with pak chee farang and cilantro leaves.

Variations

Add chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a different protein option.
Include vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for added texture and nutrients.
Make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the shrimp.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, try using fresh ingredients whenever possible.

- Adjust the amount of chiles according to your spice preference.

- Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

- For a more authentic taste, use Thai ingredients such as kaffir lime leaves and fish sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tom Yam Goong hot with steamed rice or noodles on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Substitute lime juice with tamarind paste for a tangy twist.

- Replace straw mushrooms with button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the soup base in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add the shrimp and remaining ingredients just before serving to ensure freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tom Yam Goong in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a lime wedge on the side. For a more elegant presentation, serve the soup in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tom Yam Goong with steamed jasmine rice, Thai basil fried rice, or pad Thai for a complete meal. For drinks, consider serving Thai iced tea or a refreshing coconut water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 3g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 10% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains shellfish (shrimp)

Summary

Tom Yam Goong is a low-calorie, high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is a healthy and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal.

Summary

Tom Yam Goong is a flavorful and aromatic Thai soup that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its spicy kick and refreshing citrus notes, this dish is a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you craving for more. Enjoy this traditional Thai dish as a comforting meal or as a starter to a larger feast.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tom Yam Goong. It was many years ago, during my travels through Southeast Asia. I had always been fascinated by the diverse cuisines of the region, and I made it a point to learn as much as I could about the different dishes and cooking techniques.

One day, while exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, I stumbled upon a small, family-owned restaurant tucked away in a quiet alley. The aroma of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal filled the air, drawing me in like a magnet. I knew I had to try whatever they were cooking.

As I sat down at a rickety wooden table, the friendly owner approached me with a menu written in Thai. I couldn't read a word of it, but I didn't care. I asked the owner to surprise me with his favorite dish, and he disappeared into the kitchen with a smile.

A few minutes later, a steaming bowl of Tom Yam Goong was placed in front of me. The fragrant broth was a vibrant shade of orange, dotted with plump shrimp, straw mushrooms, and fresh cilantro. I took a sip, and my taste buds exploded with the perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

I asked the owner for the recipe, but he simply chuckled and shook his head. He gestured for me to come back to the kitchen with him, where he proceeded to show me how to make the dish from scratch. I watched intently as he pounded lemongrass, galangal, and chilies into a fragrant paste, before adding it to a pot of simmering broth along with shrimp, mushrooms, and lime juice.

After devouring the delicious bowl of Tom Yam Goong, I thanked the owner profusely and vowed to learn how to make the dish myself. Over the next few weeks, I returned to the restaurant every day, taking notes and asking questions about the ingredients and techniques used in the recipe.

Eventually, the owner took pity on me and offered to teach me the recipe in exchange for helping out in the kitchen. I eagerly agreed, and for the next month, I worked alongside him, chopping vegetables, pounding spices, and stirring pots of bubbling broth.

I learned the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients, and the art of balancing the flavors of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet. I discovered the magic of using lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal to infuse the broth with their aromatic essence, and the secret of adding just the right amount of fish sauce and lime juice to create the perfect harmony of flavors.

After weeks of practice and experimentation, I finally mastered the recipe for Tom Yam Goong. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as I recreated the dish in my own kitchen, sharing it with friends and family who marveled at its complex and vibrant flavors.

To this day, whenever I make Tom Yam Goong, I am transported back to that tiny restaurant in Bangkok, where I first fell in love with the dish. It reminds me of the generosity and kindness of the owner who took me under his wing and taught me the secrets of his family recipe.

I am grateful for the experience and the knowledge I gained during my time in Thailand, and I cherish the memories of learning how to make one of the most delicious and iconic dishes in Southeast Asian cuisine. Tom Yam Goong will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections.