19 Chinese Fish Belly Soup Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 23, 2024
Fish belly soup is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its delicate flavors and health benefits. This soup is made from the belly of various types of fish, typically carp or catfish, and is often served at special occasions or family gatherings. The combination of tender fish meat, hearty broth, and fragrant herbs and spices makes this dish a must-try for any seafood lover. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Chinese fish belly soup recipe and how to make it at home.
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, then you have probably tasted the delicious and comforting flavors of Chinese Fish Soup. This traditional dish is a staple in many Chinese households and is often served as a starter or main course. Made with fresh fish, vegetables, and a variety of spices and herbs, Chinese Fish Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
A popular variation of Chinese Fish Soup is the 魚頭爐 (yu tou lu) or Fish Head Soup. As the name suggests, this soup is made using the head of a fish, which adds a rich and unique flavor to the broth. The head is first simmered in water to create a flavorful stock, and then vegetables and other ingredients are added to complete the soup. This dish is a favorite among many Chinese families, and is often served during special occasions or family gatherings.
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Sister Song’s Soup (宋嫂鱼羹, Chinese Fish Soup)
Main Ingredients: White Fish, Shaoxing Wine, Salt, Green Onions, Ginger
Sister Song's Soup, also known as 宋嫂鱼羹 (song sao yu geng), is a popular dish in the southern region of China. This soup is made with various types of fish, such as carp, catfish, or snakehead fish, and is often served during festivals and celebrations. The broth is thick and flavorful, and is made using a combination of fish stock, cornstarch, and eggs. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for cold winter nights.
Another classic Chinese soup is the Egg Drop Soup, which is known for its simple yet delicious flavors. Made with chicken broth, eggs, and cornstarch, this soup is light and refreshing and is often served as a starter before a meal. The eggs are gently stirred into the broth, creating thin, silky strands that give the soup its unique texture and appearance.
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Chinese Spinach Soup With Wolfberries And Garlic
Main Ingredients: Chinese Spinach, Garlic, Wolfberries, Anchovies, Soup
This Chinese Spinach Soup is a healthy and flavorful dish that is packed with nutrients. Made with fresh spinach, wolfberries, and garlic, this soup is rich in antioxidants and is believed to have various health benefits. The spinach is first blanched in hot water to retain its vibrant green color, and then added to a flavorful broth made with chicken or vegetable stock.
The key to a delicious Chinese Fish Soup is a good fish stock, and luckily, it is easy to make at home. Simply simmer fish bones, heads, and other aromatics in water for a few hours to create a flavorful and nutritious broth. This stock can then be used as a base for various Chinese dishes, such as soups, stews, and braises.
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Sister Song’s Fish Broth
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger Juice, Cooking Wine, Fish Bones, Spring
Another essential ingredient in Chinese Fish Soup is the fish broth, which is made using fish bones and heads. This broth is rich in flavor and is often used as a base for various Chinese soups and stews. Sister Song's Fish Broth is a popular brand of fish broth in China, known for its high quality and rich taste.
Chinese Hot Pot, also known as 火锅 (huo guo), is a popular dish that is enjoyed by many during the cold winter months. This dish is essentially a communal pot of simmering broth, in which various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and seafood are cooked. The cooked ingredients are then dipped in a variety of sauces before being eaten, making it a fun and interactive dining experience.
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Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Oyster Sauce, Light Soy
When you're short on time but craving a warm and comforting bowl of soup, this Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup is the perfect solution. Made with store-bought chicken broth, noodles, and a few simple ingredients, this soup is ready in just 20 minutes. It is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal on busy weeknights.
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Bak Chor Mee (肉脞面), Singaporean Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Beansprouts, Mince, Light Soy Sauce
Bak Chor Mee, also known as 肉脞面 (rou cuo mian), is a popular noodle dish that originated in Singapore. This dish is made with thin egg noodles, minced pork, and a variety of toppings such as fish balls, mushrooms, and vegetables. The noodles are tossed in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
Hot & Sour Soup is a popular Chinese soup that is known for its spicy and tangy flavors. Made with a combination of chicken broth, vinegar, chili, and other ingredients such as tofu and bamboo shoots, this soup is a perfect balance of heat and sourness. It is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants and is often served as a starter or side dish.
Soup Dumplings, also known as 小笼包 (xiao long bao) in Chinese, are a type of steamed dumplings that are filled with broth and meat. These dumplings are a popular street food in China and are often served as a snack or appetizer. The broth is first frozen to create a jelly-like consistency before being encased in the dumplings and steamed, resulting in a burst of flavorful soup with each bite.
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Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Vegetable Stock, Napa Cabbage, Medium Carrot
This Chinese Napa Cabbage Soup is a light and refreshing dish that is perfect for any time of the year. Made with napa cabbage, chicken broth, and other ingredients such as mushrooms and tofu, this soup is packed with nutrients and is low in calories. It is a popular dish in many Chinese households and is often served as a side dish or starter.
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Easy Fish Tofu Soup
Main Ingredients: Tilapia Fillet, Cornstarch, Light Soy Sauce, Shaoxing
Fish Tofu Soup is a popular Chinese dish that is often served in Cantonese cuisine. This soup is made with tofu, fish balls, and a variety of vegetables, creating a nourishing and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold winter days. It is a simple and easy soup to make, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
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Foochow Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Hokkien Noodles, Prawns, Fish Balls, Pork Tenderloin
Foochow Noodle Soup, also known as 福州面 (fu zhou mian) in Chinese, is a popular noodle dish that originated in the Fujian province of China. This dish is made with thick wheat noodles, minced pork, and a flavorful broth made with soy sauce, vinegar, and other spices. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick lunch option.
Chicken Corn Soup is a popular Chinese soup that is known for its creamy and comforting flavors. Made with chicken, corn, and eggs, this soup is rich in protein and is often served as a starter or side dish. The eggs are gently stirred into the soup, giving it a thick and silky texture.
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Fish Soup Bee Hoon
Main Ingredients: Snapper Head, Water, Evaporated Milk, Garlic, Ginger
Fish Soup Bee Hoon, also known as 鱼片米粉 (yu pian mi fen) in Chinese, is a popular noodle soup dish in Singapore. This dish is made with rice vermicelli noodles, fish slices, and a flavorful broth made with fish stock and other ingredients such as ginger and garlic. It is a light and refreshing meal that is perfect for any time of the day.
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Quick and Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Green Onions, Oyster Sauce
This Quick and Easy Chinese Noodle Soup is a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want a warm and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with store-bought chicken broth, noodles, and a few simple ingredients, this soup is ready in just 20 minutes. It is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal on busy weeknights.
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The Wonton and Wonton Soup
Main Ingredients: Pork, Shrimp, Baking Soda, Leek, Flounder, Shrimps
Wontons, also known as 馄饨 (hun tun) in Chinese, are a type of dumplings that are commonly served in Chinese cuisine. These dumplings are filled with a mixture of ground meat and vegetables, and are often served in a flavorful broth, creating a delicious and satisfying soup. Wonton Soup is a popular dish in many Chinese restaurants and is often served as a starter or side dish.
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Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Large Eggs, Kosher Salt, Water, Vegetable Oil
Jjamppong, also known as 짬뽕 in Korean, is a popular noodle soup dish that has gained popularity in China as well. This spicy and flavorful soup is made with a variety of seafood such as shrimp, clams, and squid, and is often served with noodles and vegetables. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for spice lovers.
Ingredients Needed for Chinese Fish Belly Soup
Fish Belly
The star ingredient of this soup is, of course, the fish belly. This part of the fish is known for its high collagen content, which provides numerous health benefits such as improving skin elasticity and joint health. When choosing fish belly, look for ones that are fresh and have a firm texture. Some popular choices include carp, catfish, and sea bass. Make sure to clean and remove any excess fat from the belly before cooking.
Herbs and Spices
The herbs and spices used in this soup not only add flavor but also have medicinal properties. Common herbs and spices used in this recipe include ginger, scallions, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. These ingredients not only enhance the taste of the soup but also provide health benefits such as boosting the immune system and aiding digestion.
Additional Ingredients
To make this soup more nutritious and flavorful, other ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables can be added. Shiitake mushrooms are a popular choice as they add a meaty texture to the soup. Tofu, on the other hand, provides a creamy and silky texture, while vegetables such as bok choy or Napa cabbage add a refreshing crunch.
Steps to Make Chinese Fish Belly Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
To make the base of the soup, start by boiling water and adding the fish belly, herbs, and spices. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to infuse into the broth.
Step 2: Add Additional Ingredients
After the broth has simmered, add your choice of additional ingredients such as mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Once all the ingredients are cooked, the soup is ready to be served. Garnish with some chopped scallions and cilantro for added freshness. This soup can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice for a more filling meal.
In Conclusion
Chinese fish belly soup may seem like a complex dish, but with the right ingredients and steps, it can be easily made at home. Not only does it satisfy your taste buds, but it also provides numerous health benefits. So next time you're looking for a comforting and nutritious meal, give this Chinese fish belly soup recipe a try.