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West Lake Beef Soup / china king menu – 2024

china king menu

china king menu

West Lake Beef Soup (西湖牛肉羹 – Xī Hú Niú Ròu Gēng) is a famous dish from Hangzhou, China, known for its delicate flavors and rich texture. It is a savory, clear soup with finely minced beef, often served with egg ribbons and a hint of ginger and wine. Here’s a complete recipe to prepare this classic dish.

Ingredients:

  • For the Soup Base: china king menu
    • 200g lean beef (preferably tenderloin or sirloin)
    • 500ml chicken broth (or water)
    • 500ml beef broth (or water)
    • 2 slices of ginger
    • 1-2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
    • Salt to taste
    • White pepper to taste
    • 1-2 tbsp soy sauce (light soy sauce is preferred)
    • china king menu
  • For the Thickening:
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch
    • 1-2 tbsp cold water
    • china king menu
  • For the Egg Ribbons:
    • 2 eggs (preferably fresh)
    • 1-2 tsp sesame oil (optional)
    • china king menu
  • For Garnishing:
    • Chopped scallions (green onions)
    • A small handful of coriander (optional)
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Preparation Steps:

1. Prepare the Beef:

  • Wash the beef under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Using a sharp knife, finely mince the beef into a very fine paste. Alternatively, you can pulse it in a food processor to achieve a fine texture. The key to this dish is the finely minced beef, as it creates a smooth, velvety texture when cooked.

2. Prepare the Soup Base:

  • In a medium pot, combine the chicken broth, beef broth, and slices of ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
  • Add the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper to the pot, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
  • Once the broth is simmering, slowly add the minced beef to the pot, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. The beef should break apart and become finely shredded in the broth.

3. Thicken the Soup:

  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry.
  • Gradually add the slurry to the soup while stirring gently. This will thicken the soup, giving it a smooth and silky texture.
  • Continue to simmer for about 5-10 minutes to allow the beef to cook thoroughly and for the soup to thicken to the desired consistency. The texture should be slightly thickened but still fluid.

4. Prepare the Egg Ribbons:

  • Crack the eggs into a small bowl and beat them lightly with a pinch of salt.
  • To create the delicate egg ribbons, slowly drizzle the beaten egg into the simmering soup while stirring gently in a circular motion. The eggs should form thin, delicate strands that float in the soup.
  • Once the egg ribbons have formed, turn off the heat. The eggs should be cooked through but still soft and silky.

5. Final Seasoning and Garnishing:

  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding a little more salt, white pepper, or soy sauce as desired.
  • Drizzle a small amount of sesame oil into the soup for an extra layer of fragrance, if desired.
  • Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped scallions and a few sprigs of coriander.

Serving Suggestions:

West Lake Beef Soup is traditionally served hot and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a starter. It pairs well with steamed rice or a light vegetable stir-fry. The combination of minced beef, egg ribbons, and aromatic broth creates a deliciously comforting soup.

Tips:

  • Beef Texture: The finer the beef is minced, the smoother and silkier the soup will be. Be sure to mince it as finely as possible to achieve the perfect texture.
  • Broth: For an authentic flavor, using homemade broth (chicken and beef) is recommended. However, store-bought versions can also be used for convenience.
  • Egg Ribbons: The key to perfect egg ribbons is to pour the beaten egg into the soup slowly while stirring constantly. This will create thin, delicate ribbons rather than clumps of egg.
  • Thickening: The cornstarch slurry helps create the desired velvety texture. Be sure to add it gradually to avoid over-thickening the soup.

West Lake Beef Soup is a comforting and elegant dish, perfect for showcasing delicate flavors with a soft, rich texture. It embodies the essence of Hangzhou cuisine and is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy your cooking!

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