Refreshing and Deep Flavor! Super Simple Chive and Oyster Soup Recipe
Get Ready to Surrender to the Addictive Broth of Chive and Oyster Soup!
This recipe requires just oysters and chives for a super simple yet incredibly flavorful soup. Even without a separate broth, it creates a rich, refreshing, and almost contradictory taste that’s absolutely magical for winter. Adding radish would make it even more refreshing, but it’s still wonderfully satisfying without it, making this a truly fuss-free soup.
Ingredients- 1 cup fresh oysters (approx. 150g)
- 90g prepared chives
- 1/2 medium onion (or 1 small onion)
- 3-4 cups water (720-960ml)
- 1 piece dried kelp (5x5cm, optional)
- 1-1.5 Tbsp salted shrimp (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 Tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for added umami)
- 1/2 Cheongyang pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently rinse the fresh oysters under cold running water. To remove any impurities or fishy odors, lightly rub them with a pinch of coarse salt. This step helps ensure a cleaner taste. After rinsing, drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 2
Cut the prepared chives into 2-3cm lengths. Slice the onion thinly or chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a pot, combine the water and the piece of dried kelp. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. It’s best to add the kelp while the water is cold to allow it to infuse its flavor gradually, preventing a bitter taste that can occur if added to boiling water. (You can skip the kelp if you don’t have it.)
Step 3
Once the water reaches a boil, let the kelp steep for about 3-5 minutes, then remove it. Rinse the removed kelp under cold water, drain, and thinly slice it. Set aside. Add the sliced onions to the boiling water (after removing the kelp) and cook until they become translucent. The onions will soften and release their sweetness, adding depth to the broth.
Step 4
When the onions are nicely softened and translucent, add the julienned kelp (if using) and the chopped chives to the pot. Be careful not to overcook the chives; they should be just wilted to maintain their fresh flavor and slight crispness. Briefly simmer until the chives are just tender.
Step 5
Now, add the drained oysters to the pot and cook for another short simmer. Overcooking oysters can make them tough and diminish their flavor. Cook just until they plump up and their edges start to curl, which indicates they are cooked through.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low. Season the soup first with salted shrimp, which adds a wonderful savory depth and oceanic freshness. Taste the broth, and if it needs more seasoning, add oyster sauce, soy sauce, or salt incrementally until you reach your desired flavor. For a bit of heat, you can add finely chopped Cheongyang pepper at this stage.
Step 7
Serve the soup immediately in bowls. Enjoy it hot with a side of rice for a hearty meal. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a cold winter day. Savor the delightful combination of fragrant chives and the clean, refreshing taste of oysters!
