Tom Yum Goong, a classic Thai soup, is renowned for its vibrant, spicy, and tangy flavors. This traditional Thai soup features a tantalizing blend of herbs, spices, and shrimp, offering a refreshing and aromatic experience.

It's a staple in Thai cuisine and a favorite for those seeking a flavorful and warming dish.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

- 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 2-inch pieces and smashed

- 3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces

- 3-4 slices galangal (or ginger as a substitute)

- 4-5 Thai bird chilies, smashed (adjust to taste)

- 200 grams (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined

- 200 grams (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced (preferably oyster or button mushrooms)

- 1 medium tomato, cut into wedges

- 1 small onion, thinly sliced

- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (adjust to taste)

- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to taste)

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- Fresh cilantro for garnish

- Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), optional for extra depth of flavor

For Garnish:

- Fresh cilantro, chopped

- Lime wedges

- Thai bird chilies, sliced (for added heat, optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Soup Base:

- In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil over medium heat.

- Add the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and bird chilies to the boiling broth. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Add the Ingredients:

- Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.

- Stir in the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Season the Soup:

- Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar to the soup. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) at this stage if desired for extra depth of flavor.

- Stir well and let the soup simmer for another 2 minutes.

Finish and Serve:

- Remove the soup from heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced Thai bird chilies if desired.

- Serve hot with additional lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Tom Yum Goong is a quintessential Thai soup that captures the essence of Thai cuisine with its bold and complex flavors. The combination of aromatic herbs, spices, and succulent shrimp creates a comforting and invigorating dish that's perfect for any occasion. Lykkers, whether enjoyed as an appetizer or a main course, this traditional Thai soup is sure to delight and satisfy.