Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass

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

A vibrant and aromatic hot and sour Thai soup featuring fresh shrimp, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves that balance spicy, sour, and savory flavors. This Thai recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs water, kaffir lime leaves, torn, galangal slices for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring 4 cups water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add 2 bruised lemongrass stalks, 4 torn kaffir lime leaves, and 5 galangal slices. Let simmer gently for 10 minutes to infuse the broth.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 crushed Thai bird’s eye chilies, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 cup halved mushrooms to the broth. Simmer for 3 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 medium peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pot from heat, stir in 3 tbsp fresh lime juice for a bright, tangy finish.
  5. Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass?

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 Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass 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 Tom Yum Goong Spicy Shrimp Soup with Lemongrass?

Thai thai 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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