Popular Thai Soup Recipe: Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)

Soup is a liquid-based food that is typically made by simmering ingredients like vegetables, meat, fish, or legumes in a broth or water. It can be served hot or cold and may have varying consistencies, from thick and creamy to light and brothy. Soups are commonly consumed as appetizers, main dishes, or sides and are often enjoyed for their comforting and nutritious qualities.

Types of Soup: There are many types of soups, which can be classified into several categories:

1. Clear Soups:

Broth: Light, clear liquid made by simmering meat, fish, or vegetables.

Consommé: A clarified and concentrated broth.

2. Thick Soups:

Cream Soups: Thickened with cream or milk (e.g., cream of mushroom).

Purees: Thick soups made by blending vegetables or legumes.

Chowders: Rich, thick soups, usually containing chunks of seafood or vegetables.

Bisques: Smooth, creamy soups often made from shellfish.

3. Cold Soups:

Gazpacho: A cold tomato-based soup from Spain.

Vichyssoise: A chilled potato and leek soup.

4. Specialty Soups:

Stews: Hearty soups with a thicker consistency, often served as a main dish.

Noodle Soups: Common in Asian cuisine, containing noodles and a flavorful broth.

Soup is generally considered food, even though it may have a liquid form. Its primary purpose is nourishment, and it typically includes solid ingredients that are consumed with the liquid.

Popular Thai Soup Recipe: Tom Yum Goong (Thai Hot and Sour Shrimp Soup)

Ingredients:

8-10 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

3 cups water or chicken stock

3-4 kaffir lime leaves, torn

1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 1-inch pieces and lightly crushede

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

2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies, crushed (adjust to taste)

1 small tomato, quartered

1 small onion, quartered

1 cup mushrooms, halved (straw mushrooms or button mushrooms)

2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste)

1-2 tablespoons lime juice (to taste)

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

1-2 tablespoons Thai chili paste (optional for extra flavor)

Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aromatics:

In a pot, bring 3 cups of water or chicken stock to a boil.

Add the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Let them boil for about 5 minutes to release their flavors.

2. Add Vegetables:

Add the onion, tomatoes, and mushrooms to the broth. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.

3. Season the Soup:

Stir in the fish sauce, sugar (if using), and crushed chilies. You can also add Thai chili paste at this stage if you want a spicier, more flavorful broth.

4. Cook the Shrimp:

Add the shrimp to the soup and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

5. Adjust Flavor Balance:

Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more fish sauce for saltiness or more lime juice for sourness, as needed.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or enjoy it on its own.

Tips:

You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer chilies depending on your preference.

For a richer version, you can add coconut milk to the soup to make a creamy Tom Yum (Tom Yum Nam Khon).

Enjoy your authentic Tom Yum Goong, a classic Thai dish full of bold flavors!