(Tom Yum Goong (Authentic Tom Yum Shrimp Recipe)

Restaurant-Style Creamy Tom Yum Goong Recipe

Ingredients
8-10 fresh shrimp
600 ml water
2 stalks lemongrass, cut and bruised
6-8 slices galangal
5-6 kaffir lime leaves, torn
150 g straw mushrooms/oyster mushrooms
10-15 bird's eye chilies, bruised
3 tablespoons fish sauce
3-4 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons chili paste
100 ml evaporated milk
1/2-1 teaspoon sugar
Cilantro/parsley for garnish

Instructions
Make the soup — Bring water to a boil. Add lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to release the herbal aroma.
Add the mushrooms — Cook until almost done.
Add the shrimp — Cook until the shrimp turn orange. Do not overcook as the meat will become tough.
Make the creamy soup — Reduce heat to low. Add chili paste and evaporated milk. Stir well. Season with fish sauce and sugar.
Turn off the heat before adding the lime juice. Add the crushed chili peppers, turn off the heat, then add the lime juice. Taste to get the desired balance of sourness, saltiness, spiciness, and a hint of sweetness.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Tip: If you have shrimp heads, sauté them briefly before making the broth. This will result in a more vibrant color and a richer shrimp flavor.