19 Traditional Chinese Fish Soup Recipe Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Traditional Chinese fish soup is a staple dish in Chinese cuisine, loved for its rich flavor and nourishing properties. It is a classic dish that has been passed down for generations and is a popular choice for family meals and special occasions. Made with fresh fish, aromatic herbs, and a variety of nutritious ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. Let's take a closer look at this traditional Chinese fish soup recipe and see how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
Chinese fish soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its refreshing and nourishing qualities. It is a simple yet flavorful soup that can be made with a variety of fish, from white fish to salmon. The soup is usually accompanied by vegetables and herbs, giving it a beautiful and colorful appearance.
魚頭爐 (yú tóu lú) translates to "fish head pot," and it is a popular dish in Chinese households. The soup is made by simmering fish heads with vegetables and seasoning for a rich and flavorful broth. It is often served as a main course dish, with rice or noodles on the side.
3of 20
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, or 宋嫂鱼羹 (sòng sǎo yú gēng), is a famous fish soup in China that originated from the Song Dynasty. It is a hearty soup made with chunks of tender fish, tofu, and vegetables in a savory broth. The name comes from Sister Song, a famous fish seller who created this delicious recipe.
4of 20
Sister Song’s Fish Broth
Main Ingredients: Fish, Ginger Juice, Cooking Wine, Fish Bones, Spring
If you want to try Sister Song’s Soup, but don’t have the time to make it, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors by making her famous fish broth. This broth is packed with umami and can be used as a base for other fish dishes or as a simple soup on its own.
A Chinese hot pot is a communal dish where a pot of simmering broth is placed in the center of the table, and everyone cooks their own ingredients in it. It is a popular way to enjoy fish soup, as the broth becomes infused with the flavors of the various seafood, meat, and vegetables added to it.
Chinese egg drop soup (蛋花湯, dàn huā tāng) is a comforting and simple soup made with chicken broth and beaten eggs. It is often served as a starter in Chinese restaurants and is a popular choice for those looking for a light and easy soup.
7of 20
Fish Soup Bee Hoon
Main Ingredients: Snapper Head, Water, Evaporated Milk, Garlic, Ginger
Fish soup bee hoon (鱼片米粉, yú piàn mǐ fěn) is a popular dish in Singapore and Malaysia, made with rice vermicelli noodles and a flavorful fish broth. It is often served with fried fish or fish slices and topped with vegetables, giving it a delicious and satisfying taste.
8of 20
Chinese Spinach Soup With Wolfberries And Garlic
Main Ingredients: Chinese Spinach, Garlic, Wolfberries, Anchovies, Soup
This Chinese spinach soup is a nutritious and flavorful dish, perfect for those looking for a healthy and comforting meal. The combination of spinach, wolfberries, and garlic gives the soup a unique and delicious taste, while also providing numerous health benefits.
9of 20
Bak Chor Mee (肉脞面), Singaporean Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Beansprouts, Mince, Light Soy Sauce
Bak chor mee (肉脞面) is a popular noodle dish in Singapore, made with minced pork, noodles, and a flavorful broth. It is a hearty and satisfying meal that is often enjoyed as a quick and affordable lunch option.
10of 20
Fish Soup
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Leeks, Celery, Garlic, Leaf
Fish soup is a versatile dish that can be found in many cuisines around the world, including Chinese cuisine. It is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fish, and it can be customized with different vegetables, herbs, and spices to suit your taste.
11of 20
Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Spring Onions, Oyster Sauce, Light Soy
If you're looking for a quick and easy soup that is bursting with flavor, this Chinese noodle soup is the perfect choice. It can be made in under 30 minutes and is packed with vegetables, noodles, and a savory broth.
12of 20
Vietnamese Fish Soup with Chinese Celery and Tomatoes...
Main Ingredients: Water, Fish, Chinese Celery, Tomatoes, Vegetable Oil
This Vietnamese fish soup is a fusion of Chinese and Vietnamese flavors, making it a unique and delicious dish. The addition of Chinese celery and tomatoes adds a refreshing and tangy element to the soup, making it a perfect choice for hot summer days.
13of 20
Fish Soup with Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Fish, Water, Onion, Chopped Potatoes, Chopped Carrots
For a healthier option, you can try making fish soup with vegetables. This dish is packed with nutrients and can be made with your choice of fish and vegetables. It is a light and nourishing meal that is perfect for any time of the year.
14of 20
Brothy Chinese Noodles
Main Ingredients: Sesame Oil, Lean Ground Turkey, Scallions, Garlic
Brothy Chinese noodles are a simple and delicious dish that can be made with various types of noodles, from egg noodles to rice noodles. The broth is made with a combination of chicken and fish broth, giving it a rich and flavorful taste.
Hot & sour soup is a popular Chinese soup that is known for its tangy and spicy flavors. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, and a combination of vinegar and chili paste for a unique and delicious taste.
16of 20
Easy Homemade Italian Fish Soup
Main Ingredients: Fish, Olive Oil, Garlic, Pepper Flakes, Dry White Wine
If you're craving something different, you can try making an easy homemade Italian fish soup. This soup is made with a variety of seafood, such as clams, mussels, and shrimp, and is flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a delicious and comforting meal.
17of 20
Icelandic Fish Soup
Main Ingredients: Butter, Onions, Leeks, Tomatoes, Celery, Chicken Stock
Icelandic fish soup is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed by generations in Iceland. It is made with a variety of fish, such as cod, haddock, and salmon, and is flavored with herbs and spices for a rich and hearty soup.
Chinese soup dumplings, also known as xiao long bao, are a famous dish that originated in Shanghai. These dumplings are filled with a flavorful broth and meat filling, making them a unique and tasty addition to any Chinese soup dish.
19of 20
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 those looking for a healthy and delicious meal. The soup is made with a combination of chicken broth, napa cabbage, and a variety of herbs and spices for a flavorful and nourishing taste.
20of 20
Miso Mushroom Ramen with Vegetarian Wontons and Crispy...
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Dried Porcini Mushrooms
This miso mushroom ramen is a fusion of Chinese and Japanese flavors, making it a unique and flavorful dish. The addition of vegetarian wontons and crispy tofu adds texture and depth to the dish, while the miso broth gives it a savory and satisfying taste.
Ingredients
Fish
The star ingredient of this soup is the fish itself. In traditional Chinese fish soup, any type of fish can be used, but the most commonly used are carp, tilapia, and snakehead fish. These types of fish are known for their tender and flavorful meat, making them the perfect choice for this soup. It is important to choose fresh fish, as it will greatly affect the taste and quality of the soup.
Aromatic Herbs
To add depth and complexity to the soup, a variety of aromatic herbs are used. Common herbs include ginger, scallions, and cilantro, which not only enhance the flavor but also have numerous health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while scallions and cilantro are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Vegetables
To make the soup more wholesome and nutritious, vegetables are added to the broth. Popular choices include bok choy, napa cabbage, and mushrooms. Bok choy is rich in vitamin C and potassium, while napa cabbage is a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Mushrooms, on the other hand, add a meaty texture to the soup and are known to boost the immune system.
Spices and Seasonings
To enhance the flavor of the soup, various spices and seasonings are used. These include soy sauce, rice wine, and white pepper. Soy sauce adds a savory and salty element to the soup, while rice wine adds a subtle sweetness. White pepper adds a mild heat to the soup, making it more flavorful.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fish
Begin by cleaning and gutting the fish. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, add water and bring it to a boil. Add in the fish bones and simmer for about 20 minutes to create a flavorful broth. Remove the bones and discard.
Step 3: Add Aromatic Herbs
Add in the ginger, scallions, and cilantro to the broth. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes to infuse the broth with their flavors.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Fish
Add in the vegetables and fish to the broth. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until the fish is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Add in soy sauce, rice wine, and white pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Health Benefits
Traditional Chinese fish soup is not only delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits. The fish contains high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. The herbs and vegetables used in the soup are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious meal choice.
Conclusion
Traditional Chinese fish soup is a flavorful and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it is a perfect dish to add to your cooking repertoire. So why not give this traditional Chinese fish soup recipe a try and experience the delicious and healthy flavors for yourself?