Tom Yum Goong - The Iconic Thai Soup

Recipe

Tom Yum Goong is a spicy and sour soup that is a staple dish in Thai cuisine. It is made with fragrant herbs and spices such as lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, chili peppers, and fish sauce. The soup is typically made with shrimp (goong) as the main ingredient, but it can also be made with chicken, beef, or tofu.

Here is a basic recipe for making Tom Yum Goong:

• 1 pound of shrimp
• 4 cups of water
• 3 stalks of lemongrass, sliced
• 3-4 kaffir lime leaves
• 2-3 bird's eye chilies, sliced
• 3-4 slices of galangal
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1/4 cup of cilantro leaves

Instructions:

1. In a pot, bring the water, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and galangal to a boil.
2. Add the shrimp and tomato to the pot and cook until the shrimp is pink and cooked through.
3. Season the soup with fish sauce and lime juice.
4. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.

Note: You can also add mushrooms, onions, and other vegetables to the soup to enhance the flavor and nutrition.

History

Tom Yum Goong originated in central Thailand during the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351-1767). It was originally a clear soup made with only a few ingredients such as lemongrass and shrimp. Over time, other ingredients were added to the soup to create the complex and flavorful dish that is known today.

Tom Yum Goong gained worldwide popularity in the 1990s and is now considered one of the most iconic dishes of Thai cuisine. It is often served in Thai restaurants around the world and is loved for its bold and exotic flavors.

Variations

Tom Yum Goong can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are some variations of the classic recipe:

• Tom Yum Gai: Made with chicken instead of shrimp.
• Tom Yum Beef: Made with beef instead of shrimp.
• Tom Yum Hed: Made with mushrooms instead of shrimp.
• Tom Yum Tofu: Made with tofu instead of shrimp.
• Tom Yum Nam Sai: A clear version of Tom Yum Goong made without coconut milk.
• Tom Yum Talay: Made with a variety of seafood such as squid, mussels, and fish.

Each variation of Tom Yum Goong has its own unique flavor and texture, making it a versatile dish to experiment with.

Conclusion

Tom Yum Goong is a quintessential Thai soup that is loved all over the world. Its bold and exotic flavors are a hallmark of Thai cuisine and make it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Thailand. With its customizable ingredients and variations, Tom Yum Goong is also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways.