Tom Yam Kung

Tom Yum Kung – Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup 🇹🇭

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Tom Yum Kung (ต้มยำกุ้ง) is one of Thailand’s most famous soups, combining juicy shrimp with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, fresh chili and lime juice. It’s spicy, sour, aromatic and packed with authentic Thai flavours!

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

  • 400 g peeled shrimp
  • 150–250 g mushrooms, preferably straw mushrooms or button mushrooms
  • 4 shallots
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped lemongrass
  • 8–10 kaffir lime leaves, or the grated zest of 1 lime
  • 2–3 slices galangal, or ginger as an alternative
  • 1.2 litres seafood, fish or chicken stock
  • 4 tsp finely chopped fresh chili, adjusted to taste
  • 100 ml freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 3–4 limes)
  • 4 tsp Thai fish sauce
  • 4 tsp sweet chili sauce
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients

Slice the mushrooms. Peel and finely chop the shallots and chili. Finely chop the tender lower part of the lemongrass. Prepare the kaffir lime leaves and slice the galangal.

2. Make the soup base

Bring the stock to a boil in a saucepan. Add the mushrooms, shallots, chili, lemongrass, lime leaves and galangal. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes to release the flavours.

3. Add the shrimp and seasonings

Add the shrimp, lime juice, fish sauce and sweet chili sauce. Bring the soup back to a gentle boil and cook until the shrimp are heated through. Avoid overcooking them, as they can quickly become tough.

4. Taste and serve

Taste the soup and adjust the balance with extra lime juice, fish sauce or chili if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Our Special Tips

  • For a more authentic Thai flavour: Use fresh galangal and kaffir lime leaves instead of ginger and lime zest.
  • Love it spicy? Add fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies.
  • Prefer a creamy version? Add a little evaporated milk or Coconut Milk, for a richer soup. The traditional clear version is equally delicious.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve with steamed jasmine rice on the side.

Enjoy your homemade Tom Yum Kung – a true taste of Thailand! 🇹🇭

Tom Yam Kung