- Make the broth base
In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken stock to a boil. Add the smashed lemongrass, sliced galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes to infuse the broth with flavor.
- Add mushrooms and shrimp
Toss in the mushrooms and let them cook for 2–3 minutes. Then, add the shrimp. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Season the soup
Add the fish sauce, chili paste (Nam Prik Pao), and crushed Thai chilies. Stir to combine and simmer for another minute. Taste and adjust the saltiness with more fish sauce if needed.
- Add the lime juice
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. This preserves the sour brightness of the lime. Taste again—you want a balanced kick of sour, salty, and spicy.
- Serve hot
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot.
- Calories:160 kcal
- Protein:18 g
- Fat:6 g
- Carbohydrates:8 g
- Fiber:1 g
- Sugars:2 g
- Sodium:850 mg
- Cholesterol:120 mg
- Saturated Fat:1 g
- Potassium:350 mg
Authentic Thai Flavor in Every Spoonful
Tom Yum Goong is one of Thailand’s most iconic dishes—an aromatic, spicy, and sour soup that highlights the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. This soup combines lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chili, and fish sauce to create a warming and zesty broth. “Goong” means shrimp, making this version particularly popular among seafood lovers.
If you’re searching for a comforting yet exciting meal that bursts with flavor, Tom Yum Goong, or Thai hot and sour shrimp soup, is a must-try. This world-famous Thai soup is celebrated for its rich aroma, bold spices, and perfect balance of sour, spicy, salty, and savory notes. Featuring key ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, Thai chilies, and fresh shrimp, Tom Yum Goong is not just a meal—it’s an experience that brings the soul of Thai street food to your kitchen.
This authentic Tom Yum Goong recipe is ideal for anyone craving a healthy, light, and exotic dish. It’s low in calories, gluten-free, and packed with natural herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Whether you’re an adventurous home cook or someone exploring international cuisines for the first time, this Thai soup is easy to make and incredibly rewarding. It’s also flexible—adjust the spice level, swap in different proteins, or turn it creamy with a splash of coconut milk to create your own version of this Thai classic.
Perfect as an appetizer or light dinner, this homemade Tom Yum soup brings authentic Thai flavors to your table in just under 30 minutes. Whether you’re hosting guests or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, Tom Yum Goong offers both comfort and culinary adventure.
Is Tom Yum Goong Healthy?
Yes! It’s low in calories and packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like galangal, lemongrass, and lime. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a light and clean choice for a starter or light meal.
Health Insights – Is Tom Yum Goong Good or Bad for Your Health?
Tom Yum Goong is widely regarded as one of the healthiest Thai dishes, and for good reason. This vibrant soup combines powerful herbs and lean protein in a light, flavorful broth that nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds. The base ingredients—lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chili—are known for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and digestion-supporting properties. These herbs work together to boost your immune system, reduce bloating, and provide a natural detox effect.
The use of shrimp adds a high-quality source of lean protein, along with important nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium, which support metabolism, energy, and thyroid health. Unlike many creamy soups, Tom Yum Goong is low in calories and fat, making it ideal for those looking to manage weight or follow a heart-healthy diet. Its spicy and sour profile also stimulates appetite and digestion, making it especially helpful if you’re feeling under the weather.
Is it good or bad for you?
In most cases, Tom Yum Goong is a very healthy choice. However, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be cautious with the amount of fish sauce used in the recipe, as it can be high in salt. You can easily adjust the quantity or use a low-sodium version without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
Tom Yum Goong is more than just a delicious Thai soup—it’s a nutritional powerhouse in a bowl. It’s the perfect example of how food can be both comforting and healing, offering a rich taste experience while providing real health benefits. Whether you’re craving something spicy and satisfying, looking for a light and cleansing meal, or simply exploring Thai cuisine, Tom Yum Goong delivers on all fronts. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to soup for body and soul wellness.
