1 Stalk Lemongrass (Lower 1/3 Finely Minced and Upper Part Kept Whole)
3 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Crushed Chili or to Taste
3 Makrut Lime Leaves (Available Fresh or Frozen at Asian Food Stores)
1/2 to 3/4 Cup Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms (Sliced Thinly)
12 to 14 Medium or Large Raw Shrimp (Shelled)
1 Green and/or Red Bell Pepper (Sliced)
Optional: A Handful of Cherry Tomatoes
1/2 Can Coconut Milk or to Taste
2 Tablespoons Fish Sauce
Optional: 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar or A Squeeze of Lime Juice
Garnish: 1/3 Cup Fresh Coriander (Roughly Chopped)
Instructions:
Gather the Ingredients.
Pour Chicken Stock Into A Deep Cooking Pot and Turn Heat to Medium-High. Add Prepared Lemongrass to the Pot, Including Upper Parts of the Stalk you didn’t Mince. Boil 5 to 6 Minutes, or Until Fragrant.
Reduce Heat Slightly to Achieve A Nice Simmer. Add Garlic, Chili, Lime Leaves, and Mushrooms to Broth. Continue Simmering for Another 5 Minutes.
Add Shrimp, Bell Pepper, and Cherry Tomatoes (If Using). Simmer 5 to 6 Minutes, or Until Shrimp are Pink and Plump.
Turn Down the Heat to Low and Add Coconut Milk and Fish Sauce. Taste-Test the Soup for Spice and Salt, Adding more Chili and/or Fish Sauce (Instead of Salt) As Desired. If too Sour for your Taste, Add 1 Teaspoon Brown Sugar; if too Salty, Add A Squeeze of Lime Juice. Add more Coconut Milk if you Want your Soup Richer or Creamier, or If it’s too Spicy for your Taste.
Serve in Bowls with Fresh Coriander Sprinkled Over.