Tom Yum Goong
Chandan Singh
| 22-04-2026
· Cate team
Today we are exploring one of the most iconic Thai soups: Tom Yum Goong. This dish is loved for its bold, refreshing, and layered flavor. It combines citrusy brightness, herbal aroma, gentle heat, and natural seafood sweetness all in one bowl.
What makes it special is not complexity, but balance. Every ingredient has a role, and when we bring them together, the result feels both energizing and comforting. Let’s walk through how we can prepare it step by step at home in a simple and practical way.
What is Tom Yum Goong?
Tom Yum Goong is a hot and sour seafood soup traditionally made with shrimp. The name itself reflects its identity: “Tom” means boiled, “Yum” refers to a mixed spicy-sour salad style, and “Goong” means shrimp.
The soup is known for its bright citrus flavor, aromatic herbs, and clean seafood taste. It is usually served hot and enjoyed as a starter or a light main dish.
Ingredients We Need (2–3 servings)
Herbs and aromatics:
- Lemongrass: 2–3 stalks (cut into 5 cm pieces, lightly crushed)
- Galangal or ginger: 30 g (sliced thin)
- Shallots: 4 pieces (halved)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (lightly smashed)
- Fresh chili: 1–2 pieces (sliced)
- Coriander stems: 1 small bunch
- Lime juice: 3–4 tablespoons (about 1–2 limes)
Seafood and vegetables:
- Fresh shrimp: 450 g (about 1 lb, heads removed and reserved)
- Mushrooms: 150 g (sliced if large)
- Tomatoes: 2 medium (cut into wedges)
Seasoning:
- Fish seasoning sauce: 3–4 tablespoons
- Water or light broth: 1.2 liters
Optional:
- Coconut milk: 50–80 ml (for a creamier version)
Cooking oil:
- 1.5 tablespoons neutral oil
Step 1: Preparing the Aromatic Base
1. We start by preparing all herbs.
2. Lemongrass is cut and gently crushed to release aroma. Galangal or ginger is sliced thin. Shallots are halved, garlic is smashed, and chili is sliced. Coriander stems are lightly pressed.
3. We also prepare shrimp by separating heads, as they will be used to build the soup base.
Step 2: Creating the Shrimp Aroma Base
1. We heat a cooking vessel and add 1.5 tablespoons of oil.
2. We add shrimp heads and stir them for 3–5 minutes until they turn fragrant. This step is important because it creates a natural seafood depth in the broth.
3. The oil will slowly absorb the shrimp essence, forming a rich foundation.
Step 3: Building the Herbal Broth
1. We pour in 1.2 liters of water or light broth.
2. Then we add:
- Lemongrass
- Galangal or ginger
- Shallots
- Garlic
- Chili
- Coriander stems
3. We let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes.
4. During this time, the herbs release their natural oils and aroma into the liquid. After simmering, we strain the broth and keep only the clear, fragrant soup base.
Step 4: Adding Vegetables
1. We bring the broth back to a gentle boil.
2. We add mushrooms and tomato wedges.
3. We cook for about 5–7 minutes until mushrooms soften and tomatoes release a light natural sweetness into the soup.
Step 5: Seasoning the Flavor
1. Now we build the signature taste.
2. We add:
- Fish seasoning sauce: 3–4 tablespoons
- Fresh lime juice: 3–4 tablespoons
3. We stir and taste carefully. The balance should feel bright, slightly salty, and refreshingly sour.
4. We adjust gradually until the flavor feels lively and clean.
Step 6: Cooking the Shrimp
1. We add fresh shrimp into the simmering broth.
2. They only need about 1–2 minutes to cook. Once they turn pink and slightly curled, they are ready.
3. If we prefer a richer texture, a small amount of coconut milk can be added at this stage and gently stirred in.
Step 7: Final Serving
1. We turn off the heat and pour the soup into bowls.
2. We sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top for aroma and color.
3. The final bowl should look clear, fragrant, and vibrant, with shrimp, mushrooms, and tomatoes floating in a rich herbal broth.
Let’s Enjoy the Moment Together
Lykkers, Tom Yum Goong is more than just a soup. It is a balance of heat, citrus, and herbs that wakes up the senses while still feeling comforting.
We hope this step-by-step guide helps us confidently recreate it at home. One spoonful brings brightness, warmth, and a refreshing lift that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
Authentic Thai Tom Yum Goong
Video by Pailin's Kitchen