Go Back
Delicious Gaeng Som, a Thai sour curry featuring shrimp and vibrant spices.

Gaeng Som

A tangy, spicy, and savory Thai sour curry made with shrimp and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Thai
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined Can substitute with fish or tofu.
  • 3-4 cups Vegetables Recommended: green beans and cabbage or green papaya.
  • 2-3 tablespoons Tamarind paste Adjust to taste.
  • 1-2 tablespoons Fish sauce Adjust to taste.
  • 1-2 teaspoons Palm sugar or brown sugar Optional, for balance.
  • 5-6 cups Water or light stock For cooking the curry.
Curry Paste Ingredients
  • Red chilies or chili paste, garlic, shallot, shrimp paste (optional), salt Pound or blend with a splash of water to make a quick curry paste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring water or light stock to a gentle boil in a medium pot.
  2. Stir in the curry paste and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Add firm vegetables first (e.g., green beans or green papaya) and simmer until almost tender.
  4. Add softer vegetables (e.g., cabbage) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Stir in tamarind paste and fish sauce. Taste and adjust flavors.
  6. Add shrimp last and cook just until pink, usually 2 to 3 minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve Gaeng Som with rice and optional fresh cucumber slices on the side.

Notes

Leftovers keep well for a day or two, but the vegetables will soften in texture. Adjust sourness with tamarind and saltiness with fish sauce as needed.