18 Chinese Birds Nest Soup Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 19, 2024
Chinese bird's nest soup is a renowned delicacy that has been enjoyed for centuries in Chinese culture. Made from the saliva of swiftlet birds, this soup is believed to have numerous health benefits, making it a sought-after dish for both its exquisite taste and nutritional value. In this article, we will dive into the traditional recipe for Chinese bird's nest soup, its key ingredients, and the steps to prepare it at home. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic Chinese dish.
Chinese egg drop soup is a classic dish that is loved by many for its comforting and savory flavors. Made with a simple combination of chicken broth, eggs, and green onions, this soup is easy to make and perfect for a quick meal. The key to a delicious egg drop soup is to slowly pour in the beaten eggs, creating those beautiful ribbons that give this soup its signature look. Add some shredded chicken for protein and mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. Serve with some crispy wonton strips on top for a satisfying crunch.
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Wonton Soup
Main Ingredients: Savoy Cabbage, Coarse Salt, Ground Pork, Green Onions
Wonton soup is a classic Chinese soup that is a staple in many Chinese restaurants. Made with wonton wrappers filled with pork or shrimp and served in a flavorful broth, this soup is a crowd-pleaser. The wontons are usually seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil, giving them a savory and slightly nutty flavor. The broth is typically made with chicken or pork stock and flavored with ginger, garlic, and green onions. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day or when you're feeling under the weather.
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Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Oyster Sauce, Light Soy
This quick and easy Chinese noodle soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have much time to cook. Made with chicken broth, udon noodles, and vegetables, this soup is both hearty and healthy. Feel free to add in some tofu or shrimp for extra protein. The key to making this soup flavorful is the addition of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sambal oelek, a spicy chili paste commonly used in Chinese cooking. Serve this soup hot and garnish with some cilantro and green onions for a burst of freshness.
Chinese hot and sour soup is a popular soup that is known for its spicy and tangy flavors. Made with a combination of shiitake mushrooms, tofu, and pork, this soup is packed with protein and flavor. The broth is made with chicken stock, black vinegar, and white pepper, giving it a unique and bold taste. The soup is usually thickened with cornstarch and egg whites, giving it a silky texture. Garnish with some crispy fried wonton strips and green onions for a satisfying crunch.
Also known as xiao long bao, Chinese soup dumplings are a must-try for any dumpling lover. These delicate dumplings are filled with a savory mixture of pork, ginger, and green onions, and are served in a flavorful broth. The trick to eating these dumplings is to carefully bite off the top and slurp out the soup before enjoying the rest of the dumpling. The combination of the tender dumpling skin and the flavorful soup inside is a match made in heaven.
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Quick and Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Green Onions, Oyster Sauce
If you're craving a comforting and flavorful soup but don't have much time to cook, this quick and easy Chinese noodle soup is the perfect solution. Made with just a few ingredients, this soup is ready in under 30 minutes. The key to this soup is the use of ramen noodles, which cook quickly and soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth. Add in some chicken or tofu for protein and vegetables like bok choy or carrots for extra nutrition.
This Chinese chicken corn soup is a classic dish that is often served as a starter in Chinese restaurants. Made with chicken, sweet corn, and eggs, this soup is hearty and satisfying. The broth is flavored with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, giving it a familiar Chinese flavor. This soup is perfect for a cold day or when you're in need of some comfort food.
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Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, Water, Vegetable Oil
Jjamppong, also known as Korean spicy seafood noodle soup, is a popular dish in Korean-Chinese cuisine. Made with a combination of seafood such as shrimp, clams, and mussels, and udon noodles, this soup is packed with flavor and texture. The broth is usually flavored with gochugaru, a Korean chili powder, and gochujang, a Korean chili paste. This soup is perfect for those who love a little heat in their food.
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Chinese Nine-Vegetable Hot and Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Grated Ginger, Jalapeno, Large Sweet
This Chinese nine-vegetable hot and sour soup is a healthier and vegetarian-friendly version of the classic hot and sour soup. Made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms, and flavored with soy sauce, black vinegar, and white pepper, this soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. Feel free to add in some tofu or tempeh for extra protein. Serve this soup hot and garnish with some cilantro and green onions for a burst of freshness.
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Egg Drop Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Eggs, Ginger, Cornstarch, Green
Egg drop soup is a classic Chinese soup that is simple yet delicious. Made with just a few ingredients, this soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The broth is usually made with chicken stock and flavored with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. As the name suggests, the beaten eggs are slowly poured into the simmering broth, creating those beautiful egg ribbons that give this soup its name. Serve hot and garnish with some green onions for a pop of color.
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One-Pot Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Fish Sauce, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
This one-pot Chinese chicken noodle soup is perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't want to spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning up. Made with chicken thighs, rice noodles, and vegetables like bok choy and carrots, this soup is both hearty and healthy. The broth is flavored with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, giving it a familiar Chinese flavor. Serve hot and garnish with some cilantro and green onions for a burst of freshness.
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Brothy Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Scallions, Garlic
If you're craving noodles but want something lighter than a traditional noodle soup, try this brothy Chinese noodles recipe. Made with udon noodles, bok choy, and tofu, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition. The broth is flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth, giving it a savory and slightly nutty taste. Feel free to add in some shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
Another version of the classic hot and sour soup, this Chinese hot and sour soup is slightly different from the others on this list. Made with tofu, mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms, this soup is packed with protein and texture. The broth is flavored with black vinegar, soy sauce, and white pepper, giving it that distinctive hot and sour taste. Garnish with some green onions and cilantro for a fresh and colorful finish.
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Chinese Beef and Broccoli Soup
Main Ingredients: Flank Steak, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Coconut Oil, Yellow
If you love beef and broccoli stir-fry, you'll love this Chinese beef and broccoli soup. Made with beef, broccoli, and udon noodles, this soup is packed with flavor and texture. The broth is made with beef broth and flavored with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ginger, giving it a rich and savory taste. This soup is perfect for a cold day or when you're craving some Chinese takeout.
This Chinese mushroom soup is a vegetarian-friendly dish that is perfect for mushroom lovers. Made with a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and enoki, this soup is packed with flavor and nutrients. The broth is usually made with mushroom broth and flavored with soy sauce, ginger, and green onions. Serve hot and garnish with some cilantro and green onions for a pop of freshness.
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Chinese Hot & Sour Soup – Vegetable Hot & Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Carrot, Bok Choy, Spring Onions, French Beans, Baby
This Chinese hot and sour soup with vegetables is a healthier version of the classic hot and sour soup. Made with a combination of vegetables like carrots, bok choy, and mushrooms, this soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. The broth is flavored with soy sauce, black vinegar, and white pepper, giving it that signature hot and sour taste. Feel free to add in some tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
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Chinese Hot & Sour Soup With A Twist
Main Ingredients: Oil, Garlic, Shitake Mushrooms, Chilli Flakes, Fresh
This Chinese hot and sour soup with a twist is a unique take on the classic soup. Made with pork belly, wood ear mushrooms, and udon noodles, this soup is packed with flavor and texture. The broth is flavored with black vinegar, soy sauce, and white pepper, giving it that distinctive hot and sour taste. Garnish with some green onions and cilantro for a fresh and colorful finish.
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Chinese Bok Choy Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork Shoulder Blade Steak, Mushroom Broth, Sesame Oil
Bok choy is a popular Chinese vegetable that is often used in soups and stir-fries. This Chinese bok choy soup is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for showcasing the flavors of this versatile vegetable. Made with bok choy, chicken, and udon noodles, this soup is packed with nutrients and flavor. The broth is usually made with chicken broth and flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Serve hot and garnish with some green onions for a pop of color.
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Chinese Five Spice Chicken Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Thai Noodles, Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Ginger
If you love the warm and earthy flavors of Chinese five spice, you'll love this Chinese five spice chicken noodle soup. Made with chicken, udon noodles, and vegetables like bok choy and carrots, this soup is both hearty and healthy. The broth is flavored with chicken broth, five spice powder, and soy sauce, giving it a unique and bold taste. Serve hot and garnish with some green onions and cilantro for a burst of freshness.
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Slow Cooker Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Bamboo Shoot
This slow cooker Chinese hot and sour soup is perfect for those busy days when you don't have much time to cook. Made with shredded pork, mushrooms, and udon noodles, this soup is packed with flavor and texture. The broth is made in a slow cooker with chicken broth and flavored with black vinegar, soy sauce, and white pepper. Serve hot and garnish with some green onions and cilantro for a fresh and colorful finish.
The Key Ingredients
Bird's Nest
The main ingredient and star of this dish is the bird's nest, also known as "Yan Wo" in Chinese. These nests are made from the saliva of swiftlet birds and are often found in caves or on cliffs. They are harvested by hand and then thoroughly cleaned and dried before they are ready to be used in cooking. The quality of the bird's nest is vital to the taste and texture of the soup, and it can be quite expensive due to its rarity.
Chicken Broth
To make the soup base, chicken broth is used as it adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can either use store-bought chicken broth or make your own at home by simmering chicken bones and vegetables for a few hours. The chicken broth provides a comforting and hearty base for the soup.
Dried Scallops
Dried scallops are another essential ingredient in Chinese bird's nest soup. These dried seafood delicacies add a unique umami flavor to the soup and are believed to have health benefits such as strengthening the immune system and improving eyesight.
Ginger and Green Onions
Ginger and green onions are added to the soup for their aromatic and zesty flavors. They also add a touch of freshness to the dish and balance out the richness of the other ingredients.
Preparation Method
To prepare Chinese bird's nest soup, start by soaking the dried bird's nest in water for at least 4 hours or overnight until it becomes soft and expands in size. Then, rinse it thoroughly to remove any impurities. In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and add the soaked bird's nest, dried scallops, and sliced ginger. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the bird's nest becomes soft and translucent. Lastly, add the chopped green onions and let it simmer for a few more minutes before serving hot.
Chinese bird's nest soup is known for its delicate and silky texture, and its flavor is often described as subtle and slightly sweet. It can be served as a starter or as part of a multi-course meal. Impress your guests with this luxurious and nutritious soup that has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. Enjoy!