Thai Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong)

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A zesty, aromatic soup bursting with lime and lemongrass, featuring succulent shrimp and fiery chili. This Thai-inspired recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, brings together shrimp, lemongrass, galangal for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp fish sauce and 2 Thai chilies; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 3 stalks lemongrass and 2 inches galangal, cooking 3 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 6 torn kaffir lime leaves and 1 can coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, then add 12 oz shrimp. Cook 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink, then stir in 3 tbsp lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
  3. Step 3: Serve immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges and chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Thai Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong)?

Refrigerate any leftover thai sour shrimp soup (tom yum goong) in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Thai Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Thai Sour Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong)?

Thai cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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