Spicy Tom Yum Koong Soup (Recipe)

When asked what people relate to by the word Thailand, a typical response may be, “The spicy food! Tom Yum Koong!” For those unfamiliar with the term, Tom Yum Koong is basically a well-known dish which could probably be classified as one of the national treasures of Thailand’s heritage. The dish is so famous in fact, a movie had been named after it. This my friends, is the legendary Tom Yum Koong Soup!

Tom Yum Koong for Thai people is basically Chicken Noodle Soup for westerners. Comprised of various herbs to give its distinct flavor, this dish can be enjoyed whenever you are sick or in the mood for a spicy soup with an added kick. The flavors so boldly complement each other that you’ll be craving another bowl.

Main Ingredients

• 8 pcs Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 pc Galangal Root (sliced)
• 2 stalks Lemongrass (sliced)
• 1 pc Red Onion (chopped)
• 4 pcs Kaffir Lime Leaf (chopped)
• 3 pcs Red Tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 pcs Red & Green Chilis (chopped)
• 2 stalks Green onions (chopped)
• 2 stalks Cilantro (coarsely chopped)
• 400 grams Water

Seasoning Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp Fish Sauce
• 2 Tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp Granulated Sugar

Creating Your Dish

1. In a pot of boiling water add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaf, galangal root, and chilis
2. Add red onions, tomatoes, and shrimp
3. Pour in the seasoning ingredients of fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar
4. Sprinkle chopped green onion once the shrimp turns red with red onions and tomatoes give a soft consistency
5. Turn off the heat and place in a soup bowl
6. Garnish with coarsely chopped cilantro
7. Serve and enjoy

Boil kaffir lime leaf, lemongrass, and galangal root

Boil shrimp with tomatoes and red onions

Shrimp in the soup

Enjoy Tom Yum with a steaming plate of Jasmine rice

Your meal is served