Authentic Thai Shrimp Soup Recipe – Spicy, Creamy, and Flavorful

Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and perfect balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and salty elements. One of the most popular Thai soups is Thai Shrimp Soup, often referred to as Tom Yum Goong or Tom Kha Goong, depending on whether it’s made with a clear broth or a creamy coconut milk base. This dish is packed with succulent shrimp, fragrant lemongrass, spicy chili, and fresh lime juice, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting bowl of soup.

Perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion, this Thai shrimp soup recipe is easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you are new to Thai cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe will bring the authentic flavors of Thailand straight to your kitchen.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Active Time: 20 minutes
• Resting Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Cuisines: Thai
• Course: Main Course, Soup
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving

Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer (optional, for lemongrass removal)

Ingredients

Soup Base:

• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (for Tom Kha version)
• 1 stalk lemongrass, cut into 3-inch pieces and lightly crushed
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger or galangal, sliced
• 1-2 Thai red chilies, sliced (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp lime juice (plus more for serving)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

Main Ingredients:

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined (leave tails on for presentation)
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms work well)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup red bell pepper, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

• 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste (for an extra spicy kick)
• ½ cup baby bok choy or spinach (for added greens)
• ¼ cup coconut cream (for extra creaminess in Tom Kha Goong)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Wash and chop all vegetables and herbs.
2. Crush the lemongrass stalk with the back of a knife to release its oils.
3. Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on if desired.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

4. In a large pot over medium heat, bring the chicken broth to a gentle simmer.
5. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, ginger (or galangal), and Thai chilies.
6. Let the broth simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
7. If using coconut milk, stir it in now to create a creamy version (Tom Kha Goong).

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings

8. Add sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper to the soup.
9. Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and salt.
10. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

11. Add shrimp to the pot and let them cook for about 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
12. Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

13. Remove the lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves (optional but recommended for easier eating).
14. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions.
15. Serve hot with extra lime wedges and Thai chili on the side for extra heat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250 kcal
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 14g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with Thai iced tea or lemongrass tea for a refreshing drink.
• Enjoy with crusty bread or crispy wontons for a delicious texture contrast.
• If you love spice, serve with extra Thai chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

Tips for the Best Thai Shrimp Soup

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies make a big difference in flavor.
• Don’t overcook the shrimp: They cook quickly and can become rubbery if left in the soup too long.
• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the Thai chilies or remove them before serving.
• Balance the flavors: Thai cuisine is all about balance. Taste your soup and adjust with more fish sauce (saltiness), lime juice (sourness), or sugar (sweetness) as needed.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 1 month. Note that coconut milk may separate upon thawing.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

Conclusion

This Thai Shrimp Soup Recipe is a must-try for lovers of bold, aromatic, and comforting Thai cuisine. Whether you make the clear Tom Yum Goong version or the creamy Tom Kha Goong, the combination of succulent shrimp, fragrant herbs, and tangy lime makes this dish an absolute delight.

Try this recipe at home and bring the authentic flavors of Thailand to your table. Don’t forget to customize it to your preference and share it with friends and family for a truly satisfying meal!