Gaeng Som Goong
แกงส้มกุ้ง
Gaeng Som Goong
A sharp, spicy southern-style sour curry with prawns, vegetables and no coconut milk.
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About this dish
A sharp, spicy southern-style sour curry with prawns, vegetables and no coconut milk.
Nutrition per serving
Nutrition values are estimates per serving and may vary with brands, portions and substitutions.
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Smart substitutions
Substitutions can make the recipe easier, safer or suitable for a dietary need, but they may change the authentic flavour.
Flavour: lime juice plus brown sugar
Allergy: rice vinegar plus sugar
Dietary: lime juice plus sugar
Flavour: light soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed
Allergy: coconut aminos
Dietary: vegan fish sauce
Flavour: light brown sugar
Allergy: maple syrup
Dietary: coconut sugar
Ingredients
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400 g large prawnspeeled and deveined
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3 tbsp gaeng som curry paste
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750 ml Fish Stock
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250 g Green Papayasliced
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2 tbsp tamarind concentrate
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2 tbsp fish sauce
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1 tbsp palm sugaror to taste
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1 tbsp lime juiceoptional
Measure, chop and organise all ingredients before cooking. Thai dishes often move quickly once the pan or grill is hot.
Method
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1
Build the broth
Bring water to a simmer and dissolve the curry paste thoroughly.
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2
Cook the vegetables
Add papaya or vegetables and simmer until almost tender.
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3
Balance the curry
Stir in tamarind, fish sauce and palm sugar; taste for sour, salty and hot balance.
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4
Add the prawns
Add prawns and simmer only until opaque and just cooked through.
What it tastes like
Brightly sour, salty and fiery with a clean seafood finish.
Make it milder
Reduce fresh chillies and chilli paste, remove chilli seeds, and serve extra chilli separately at the table.
Ingredient substitutions
Use locally available equivalents while preserving the balance of salty, sweet, sour, spicy and aromatic flavours.
Vegetarian alternative
Replace meat or seafood with firm tofu, mushrooms or mixed vegetables and use vegetarian sauces and stock.
Common mistakes
Avoid overcrowding the pan, under-seasoning the final dish, or overcooking delicate herbs and seafood. Taste and adjust before serving.
Serving the dish
Serve immediately with the traditional accompaniment or steamed jasmine rice where appropriate.
Finish with the fresh herbs, lime, chilli, crispy aromatics or toasted nuts listed in the recipe just before serving.
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Log in or registerCooking times and ingredient quantities are approximate. Ensure meat, seafood and eggs are thoroughly cooked, follow safe food-handling guidance, and adjust ingredients for allergies or dietary requirements.
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Gaeng Som Goong
Gaeng Som Goong
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