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Tom Yum Kha Soup with Shrimp

Tom Yum Kha Soup with Shrimp
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Tom Yum Kha Soup with Shrimp is a vibrant Thai soup that masterfully balances spicy heat, tangy sourness, and creamy richness. Featuring fresh shrimp, fragrant herbs like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, and a smooth coconut milk base, this soup is both comforting and full of exciting flavors. Quick to prepare and perfect for all skill levels, it brings authentic Thai taste right to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood and Protein

  • 12 oz fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Broth Base

  • 4 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

Aromatics and Herbs

  • 2 stalks fresh lemongrass, sliced and bruised
  • 2-inch piece galangal, sliced (or ginger as substitute)
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn

Vegetables

  • 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced

Seasonings and Flavorings

  • 3–5 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Chopped green onions
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Slice the lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves into manageable pieces. Gently bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of your knife to release their flavor before adding to the pot.
  2. Simmer the Broth: Combine water or chicken broth with the prepared aromatics in a pot and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors fully.
  3. Add Mushrooms and Shrimp: Add sliced shiitake mushrooms first to cook and release their earthy flavor. Then add the shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Stir in Coconut Milk and Seasonings: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Season the soup with fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and bird’s eye chilies. Taste and adjust seasoning to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro and green onions on top. Serve the soup hot, with lime wedges and extra sliced fresh chilies if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh aromatics (lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves) for best flavor rather than dried or powdered ones.
  • Taste and adjust lime juice, fish sauce, and chili to find your perfect flavor balance before serving.
  • Do not overcook the shrimp; add them last and cook until just pink to keep them tender.
  • Discard the woody ends of lemongrass and galangal for a better texture.
  • Start with fewer chilies if you prefer mild spice, then add more as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tom Yum Kha, Shrimp Soup, Thai Soup, Spicy Thai Soup, Coconut Milk Soup, Lemongrass Soup, Gluten Free Thai Recipe

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/tom-yum-kha-soup-with-shrimp/