Tips and Techniques
I have seen many recipes calling for chicken broth. It is totally unnecessary! We don’t use chicken broth in Thai cooking like in Western cooking. Tom yum goong should have shrimp flavor, not chicken!
Unfortunately, for the true taste, it is difficult to substitute anything for the kaffir lime leaves. The richness of the sour taste comes from the complement of the different citrus flavored ingredients.
I serve this soup directly into individual bowls for each person.
If you don't like it hot, cut down on the chili peppers or do not cut them up, but leave them whole for decoration.