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.
<h3>Essential Ingredients</h3>
To serve 3-5 people, you will need the following ingredients:
<b>Prawns:</b> 5 large prawns (about 300g), peeled with heads on (reserve shells for stock).
<b>Aromatics:</b>
• 1 stalk lemongrass, smashed and cut into 2-inch pieces.
• 3 shallots, bruised.
• 5 slices of galangal.
• 6 kaffir lime leaves.
<b>Mushrooms:</b> 1 cup button mushrooms or other varieties like oyster or straw mushrooms.
<b>Liquids:</b>
• 2.5 cups water or stock.
• 1-2 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste).
• 4-5 tablespoons lime juice (to taste).
<b>Spices:</b>
• Red chilies (such as Bird’s Eye Chili), bruised or sliced.
<b>Herbs:</b>
• 2 tablespoons coriander plus extra for garnish.
• Optional: Saw tooth coriander if available.
<b>Creaminess:</b>
• 3 tablespoons evaporated milk or coconut milk.
<b>Chili Paste:</b>
• 1 tablespoon Thai chili jam (nam prik pao) plus its oil.
<h3>Preparation Steps</h3>
<b>Make the Stock:</b> 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.
<b>Add Aromatics:</b> Incorporate the smashed lemongrass, galangal slices, and bruised shallots into the pot. Bring it back to a boil.
<b>Cook the Prawns:</b> 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.
<b>Incorporate Mushrooms and Seasonings:</b> Add the sliced mushrooms to the broth along with fish sauce, chili, and kaffir lime leaves. Allow it to simmer for another few minutes.
<b>Finish with Creaminess and Flavor:</b> Stir in the evaporated milk or coconut milk along with the Thai chili jam. Allow it to boil briefly before turning off the heat.
<b>Add Fresh Ingredients:</b> Just before serving, mix in fresh lime juice and chopped coriander into the soup base for enhanced freshness.
<b>Serve </b> 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.
<h3>Tips for Perfect Tom Yum Goong</h3>
• 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.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
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!
