A vibrant and aromatic soup featuring lemongrass, shrimp, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Prepare the lemongrass by trimming the ends and bruising the stalks with the back of a knife.
Bruising the lemongrass releases its aromatic oils, enhancing the soup's flavor.
Slice the ginger into thin pieces and set aside.
Thin slices of ginger ensure even flavor distribution in the soup.
Cut the lime in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl.
Rolling the lime on the counter before cutting helps release more juice.
Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
Using hot water speeds up the boiling process.
Add the lemongrass, ginger, and half of the lime juice to the boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Simmering allows the flavors to meld together.
Stir in the fish sauce, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Adding the vegetables at this stage keeps them slightly firm and flavorful.
Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 3 minutes.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tender texture.
Remove the soup from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Adding cilantro at the end preserves its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
