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Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum–Style Coconut Soup)


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or neutral oil
  • lbs (680g) large shrimp, peeled & deveined
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into 2″ pieces (or 2 tsp lemongrass paste)
  • 3 kaffir lime leaves, torn (or zest of 1 lime)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 Thai chilies or red jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 (4 oz) can straw mushrooms or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 tbsp fish sauce
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
  • Salt to taste
For garnish:
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced green onions
  • Extra lime wedges
  • Thai basil (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, garlic, chilies, and ginger; cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Build broth: Pour in broth and coconut milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add mushrooms; cook 5 minutes.
  3. Cook shrimp: Add shrimp; simmer 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque.
  4. Season: Stir in fish sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar. Taste and adjust: more lime for sour, sugar for sweet, fish sauce for salt, chili for heat.
  5. Remove lemongrass and lime leaves (if using whole).
  6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges.
💡 Pro Tips:
Don’t boil vigorously after adding coconut milk—it can separate.
– No lemongrass? Use 1 tsp lemon zest + ½ tsp lemon juice extra.
– For extra protein, add tofu or chicken—but keep it light to honor the Tom Yum spirit!

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

Prep Time: 10 min | Cook Time: 12 min | Total Time: 22 min
Servings: 4 | Calories: 280 | Net Carbs: 8g | Fats: 18g | Protein: 24g