Among the many treasures of Thai cuisine, few dishes capture the heart of coastal flavors like a beautifully prepared shrimp soup. With its fragrant aroma, rich broth, and delicate seafood taste, this dish offers a perfect harmony of spice, sourness, and creaminess.
At Saagar Phuket, our chefs bring this ocean-inspired delight to life using fresh, halal ingredients sourced from local markets, making it a must-try for anyone who loves authentic Thai flavors.
A Journey of Flavor: The Story Behind Shrimp Soup
The origins of shrimp soup in Thailand are deeply tied to the country’s coastal lifestyle. Thailand’s shores provide an abundance of fresh shrimp, which locals have long celebrated in soups and curries. One of the most famous versions is Tom Yum Goong, a spicy and sour Thai shrimp soup known for its bold, aromatic flavors.
This dish perfectly represents Thai culinary philosophy — balancing hot, sour, salty, and sweet in every bite. Over time, various regional interpretations of shrimp soup recipes have emerged, from the creamy coconut-based styles of central Thailand to lighter, brothier versions popular in the south.
At Saagar Phuket, we honor these traditions by preparing our soup with fresh shrimp, herbs, and spices that evoke the warmth of Thai home cooking.
Ingredients for the Perfect Shrimp Soup Recipe
Our chefs at Saagar Phuket use time-tested techniques and the finest ingredients to craft a delicious bowl of shrimp soup. Here’s what goes into this comforting dish:
- Fresh shrimp – firm, juicy, and naturally sweet, the hero of the soup.
- Lemongrass – adds a light citrus fragrance that defines Thai soups.
- Galangal – a root similar to ginger but sharper and more aromatic.
- Kaffir lime leaves – for a fresh, zesty aroma.
- Bird’s eye chilies – giving the soup its signature kick.
- Mushrooms – for an earthy touch.
- Lime juice and fish sauce – balancing sourness and saltiness.
- Coconut milk (optional) – for a creamy variation similar to shrimp bisque soup.
- Coriander leaves – for garnish and freshness.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the depth and balance that Thai soups are famous for.
How to Make Shrimp Soup: Step-by-Step
Here’s a simplified version inspired by how our expert chefs prepare shrimp soup at Saagar:
Step 1: Prepare the broth
In a pot, combine water or chicken stock with slices of galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes until the flavors infuse beautifully.
Step 2: Add the seasoning
Add fish sauce, lime juice, and chili paste (if desired) to create that signature Thai balance of spicy, sour, and salty. Adjust the intensity according to your preference.
Step 3: Add shrimp and vegetables
Add cleaned shrimp and mushrooms to the broth. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain their juiciness.
Step 4: Optional creaminess
For a richer version, add a small amount of coconut milk or cream — similar to a cream of shrimp soup or a light shrimp bisque soup. This variation gives the dish a velvety texture without overpowering the natural seafood flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh coriander before serving. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice for a complete Thai dining experience.
Variations of Shrimp Soup Around the World
While the traditional Thai version is the highlight at Saagar Phuket, shrimp soup has inspired culinary variations across different cuisines.
- Thai Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum Goong) – Spicy, tangy, and aromatic, the most iconic version known worldwide.
- Cream of Shrimp Soup – A smooth, Western-style soup with cream and butter, offering a delicate, mild flavor.
- Mexican Shrimp Soup – Known as Caldo de Camarón, it combines shrimp with tomatoes, chili peppers, and vegetables for a hearty, spicy broth.
- Shrimp Bisque Soup – A French-inspired classic featuring pureed shrimp, cream, and herbs, resulting in a rich, luxurious texture.
At Saagar Phuket, we stay true to the Thai roots of the dish while keeping it light, aromatic, and halal-friendly — ensuring every guest can enjoy this authentic delicacy guilt-free.
The Secret to a Perfect Shrimp Soup
The beauty of shrimp soup recipes lies in the balance. Too much heat can mask the subtle sweetness of shrimp, while too much acidity can overpower the broth. Our chefs at Saagar Phuket perfect this balance with careful attention to timing and proportion.
Pro tip: Always add shrimp toward the end of cooking. Overcooked shrimp become tough and rubbery, losing the delicate texture that makes this dish so special.
Using fresh herbs is another key element — dried lemongrass or galangal won’t deliver the same vibrant aroma that defines authentic Thai shrimp soup.
Why Try Shrimp Soup at Saagar Phuket
Phuket’s coastal atmosphere enhances every seafood dish, and Saagar Phuket takes full advantage of the island’s fresh, local produce. Our shrimp soup showcases the best of both land and sea — fragrant Thai herbs, creamy coconut undertones, and succulent shrimp straight from local waters.
The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also deeply satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re exploring the island or craving a comforting Thai meal, our shrimp soup is the perfect way to enjoy the authentic flavors of Thailand, prepared with care and respect for tradition.
FAQs
Q1: How to make shrimp tom yum soup?
Use fresh shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. Simmer everything together for a spicy, tangy Thai-style soup.
Q2: How to make tom yum soup with shrimp?
Start by boiling herbs in water, then add shrimp, mushrooms, and lime juice. Finish with a touch of coconut milk if you prefer a creamy variation.
Q3: How to make shrimp soup?
Combine broth with aromatics like lemongrass and lime leaves, add shrimp, season with lime and fish sauce, and serve hot with coriander garnish.
Q4: Is shrimp soup spicy?
Traditional Thai shrimp soup can be mildly to moderately spicy, but at Saagar Phuket, we adjust the spice level to your preference.
Q5: Can I make shrimp soup without coconut milk?
Yes! Simply skip the coconut milk for a clear, lighter version — equally delicious and full of flavor.