Thailand Khao Tom Goong (Rice Soup with Shrimp)
Khao tom, or rice soup, is a comforting and versatile dish that is a staple in Thai cuisine, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light meal. This dish consists of soft, boiled rice simmered in a fragrant broth made with garlic, ginger, and sometimes lemongrass or coriander root. The soup is typically enriched with protein such as minced pork, chicken, goong (shrimp), or fish, and seasoned with fish sauce, soy sauce, and white pepper to create a savory and aromatic base. Garnished with fresh cilantro, fried garlic, and/or green onions, khao tom offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It is often served with condiments such as lime wedges, chili flakes, or pickled vegetables, allowing diners to customize the taste to their liking. This nourishing and warming dish is not only a comfort food but also a popular remedy for colds or when a gentle, easy-to-digest meal is needed, reflecting the Thai approach to balanced and soothing cuisine.
Recipe Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3 cups (710 ml) chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ tsp (0.6 g) white peppercorns
- 6 cilantro stems
- 5.3 oz (150 g) shrimp, cut into small chunks
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) fish sauce
- ½ Tbsp (7.5 ml) soy sauce
- 3 cups (474 g) cooked jasmine rice
Directions
- Grind white peppercorns finely using a mortar and pestle.
- Add garlic and cilantro stems and grind until a smooth paste forms.
- Mix together half of the paste and shrimp in a small bowl, coating the meat.
- Pour cooking oil into a skillet set over medium heat.
- Add shrimp to the hot oil and sauté just until it's cooked through and then remove from the heat.
- Bring chicken broth to a boil in a pot.
- Add remaining paste and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in fish sauce and soy sauce.
- Taste broth and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Add rice and shrimp.
- Return soup to a boil and then remove it from the heat.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls, sprinkle each with green onion, and serve hot.
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