Fish Head Soup Recipe / china king menu-2024
Here is a complete recipe for Fish Head Soup (鱼头汤 – Yú Tóu Tāng), a comforting Chinese dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 large fish head (preferably from grouper, snapper, or salmon), cleaned and halved
- 1 piece of ginger (2-3 inches), sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2-3 spring onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
- 1-2 tomatoes, quartered (optional for added sweetness)
- 4-5 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced (optional)
- 5 cups water or light chicken stock
- 1 cup milk (optional for creamy texture)
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Seasoning / china king menu
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- Salt to taste
- Soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
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For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
- A drizzle of sesame oil
Optional Add-ins:
- Tofu cubes
- Napa cabbage
- Vermicelli noodles
Instructions
1. Preparing the Fish Head:
- Rinse the fish head thoroughly to remove any blood or impurities. Pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Heat a frying pan with a little oil. Sear the fish head on both sides until lightly browned. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the soup.
2. Making the Soup Base:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
- Sauté the ginger slices, garlic, and the white part of the spring onions until fragrant.
- Add the seared fish head to the pot and pour in the water or chicken stock.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
3. Adding Flavors:
- Add cooking wine, white pepper, and salt.
- If using tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms, add them now for sweetness and umami flavor.
4. Optional Creamy Texture:
- For a creamy soup, add milk after the soup has simmered for 15-20 minutes. Stir gently to combine.
5. Simmering:
- Let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, skimming off any impurities or foam that rise to the surface.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, soy sauce, or additional white pepper.
6. Final Touches:
- Add tofu, napa cabbage, or noodles, if desired, and cook until tender.
- Garnish with chopped green spring onions, fresh coriander, and a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
Serving:
- Serve the Fish Head Soup hot as a standalone dish or with steamed rice on the side.
Enjoy this hearty and nutritious soup!