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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 flavorful Thai classic that masterfully balances tangy, spicy, and creamy notes. It combines aromatic lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, tender shrimp, and silky coconut milk into a comforting and nourishing bowl. Perfectly suited for quick, healthy meals, this soup can be easily customized to match your preferred spice level or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Protein

  • 12–15 medium-sized fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

Aromatics

  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and sliced
  • 3–4 slices galangal
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 3–4 bird’s eye chilies, crushed (adjust to taste)
  • 2 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Vegetables

  • 1 cup straw or oyster mushrooms, sliced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 4 cups water or chicken stock
  • 1 ½ cups coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Thinly sliced red chili (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Bruise the lemongrass stalks, slice the galangal and kaffir lime leaves. Lightly crush the bird’s eye chilies and thinly slice the shallots and garlic. These aromatics lay the foundation for the soup’s vibrant, complex flavor.
  2. Build the Broth: Simmer the prepared aromatics in 4 cups of water or chicken stock over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for 10 to 15 minutes to extract the fragrant herbal notes.
  3. Add Coconut Milk and Mushrooms: Pour the coconut milk into the simmering broth and stir gently to combine. Add the mushrooms and cook just until tender, ensuring they retain some bite without becoming mushy.
  4. Cook the Shrimp: Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking to prevent a rubbery texture.
  5. Season and Finish: Turn off the heat and stir in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and a splash of sugar if desired. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to balance salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavors perfectly.

Notes

  • Use fresh shrimp and herbs for the most authentic flavor and aroma.
  • Do not skimp on aromatics like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves as they are essential to the soup’s unique taste.
  • Taste frequently and adjust seasonings to achieve the ideal harmony of flavors.
  • Start with fewer bird’s eye chilies and add more gradually to control the heat level.
  • Simmer gently to preserve the delicate ingredients and prevent coconut milk from separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tom Yum Kha, Thai soup, shrimp soup, coconut milk soup, spicy soup, easy Thai recipe, gluten free

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