Oyster Soup Enhanced with a Refreshing Mussel Broth
An Even More Refreshing Soup Using Mussel Broth
I had some oysters left over from making oyster soup, so I decided to cook them with mussels.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack of oysters (use fresh ones)
- 1 bowl of mussels (cleaned of shells and beards)
- 2 napa cabbage leaves (adds a refreshing sweetness)
- 1 handful of shepherd’s purse (adds a fragrant aroma)
- 1200ml water
- 1 chili pepper (like Cheongyang, if you like it spicy)
- 1/2 stalk of green onion (thinly sliced)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the mussels. Thoroughly remove any debris from the surface of the mussels. Scrub the shells clean, then pull off any beards. Rinse them well under running water. This step is crucial for a clean-tasting broth.
Step 2
For the fresh oysters, wash them with extra care. In a bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon of coarse salt in water. Gently swirl the oysters to loosen impurities, then rinse each one carefully under running water. This method helps preserve the oysters’ natural flavor.
Step 3
Prepare the fragrant shepherd’s purse. Use a knife to scrape off any dirt from the roots, and remove any yellowed leaves. Wash them thoroughly and set aside.
Step 4
In a large pot, add the prepared mussels and 1200ml of water. Bring to a boil. Once the mussels open, remove them and reserve the clear, refreshing mussel broth. Add the prepared shepherd’s purse and oysters to this broth and continue to cook. Be careful not to overcook the oysters, as they can become tough.
Step 5
Now, let’s add the seasonings to build the flavor. Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for soup, 1 tablespoon of cooking wine (this helps eliminate any oyster smell), 1 tablespoon of tuna extract, 2/3 tablespoon of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tablespoon of minced garlic. Add the finely chopped chili pepper and thinly sliced green onion for extra flavor.
Step 6
Add a pinch of Dashida for extra umami and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Also, pick out the mussel meat from the shells you removed earlier and add it back to the soup. This ensures you get a rich seafood flavor from both the oysters and mussels.
Step 7
Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook until all the flavors meld together. You’ll have a deep and refreshing oyster soup ready to enjoy! Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 8
The finished oyster soup is a delightful combination of plump oysters, chewy mussels, and fragrant shepherd’s purse – truly delicious! It’s the perfect soup to accompany a meal, making you want to finish every last drop.
