A vibrant and flavorful Thai-inspired soup featuring shrimp, lime, and aromatic herbs.
Heat a pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
Using a neutral oil like vegetable oil ensures the flavors of the soup shine through.
Add the garlic and onion to the pot and sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from burning, as it can turn bitter.
Pour in the water and bring it to a boil.
Use hot water to speed up the boiling process.
Add the black pepper, lemongrass, galangal, chilies, and lime leaves to the pot. Let it boil for 2 minutes.
Crush the lemongrass slightly to release its aromatic oils.
Add the shrimp to the pot along with the fish sauce and lime juice. Simmer until the shrimp are cooked through.
Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Serve immediately to enjoy the soup at its peak flavor.