Thai Spicy Shrimp Soup: Tom Yum Goong
Tom Yum Goong is one of Thailand’s most beloved dishes—a bold, aromatic soup that balances spicy, sour, and savory flavors in perfect harmony.
This classic Tom Yum Goong recipe, shared by Chef Lyn, features succulent prawns, straw mushrooms, and a fragrant broth infused with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and fiery chilies. A touch of Thai chili paste and evaporated milk adds a creamy richness that makes each spoonful deeply satisfying.
Now a chef instructor at Siam Culinary Academy, Chef Lyn brings years of professional experience and passion for Thai cuisine to the next generation of chefs. Her version of Tom Yum Goong stays true to tradition while offering tips to help home cooks achieve authentic flavor with ease. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or a longtime fan, this dish is a must-try staple that captures the heart of Thailand in a single bowl.
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Ingredients
- 5 prawns (ideally fresh)
- 2 stalks lemongrass
- 6 Kaffir lime leaves torn
- ½ inch knob of galangal thinly sliced
- 100 g straw mushrooms halved
- ½ box evaporated milk (or fresh milk, optional for creamy version)
- 2-3 tbsp Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao)
- 1 handful bird’s eye chilies lightly crushed
- 6 pieces red Thai chilies sliced or left whole (for extra heat)
- 2 limes
- salt (to taste, optional)
- fish sauce (to taste)
- sugar (or to taste)
- fresh sawtooth coriander or cilantro (to garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the broth:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bruised lemongrass, sliced galangal, and torn kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for a few minutes until aromatic.
Cook the mushrooms and prawns:
- Add the straw mushrooms and cook until almost tender. Then add the fresh prawns and cook just until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the prawns.
Add chili paste and milk:
- Stir in the Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) until fully dissolved. Pour in the evaporated milk (or fresh milk) and stir gently. Lower the heat to prevent a rolling boil.
Season the soup:
- Turn off the heat. Season with fish sauce, lime juice, and a small amount of sugar. Taste and adjust the flavor to your preference. The soup should be spicy, sour, and slightly salty.
Finish with heat and garnish:
- Lightly crush the bird’s eye chilies and stir them into the soup. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with chopped sawtooth coriander and extra torn kaffir lime leaves, if desired.
Notes
Related: Thai Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
Related: Authentic Shrimp Pad Thai
Related: Tom Yum Fried Rice
Related: Crispy Pork Spring Rolls with Plum Sauce
Related: Thai-Style Pineapple Fried Rice
