Refreshing Bok Choy and Bean Sprout Soup with Blue Crab Broth
Clear Out Your Fridge! Refreshing Bok Choy and Bean Sprout Soup with Deep Flavor from Blue Crabs
Does your fridge look full, but you struggle to find the exact ingredients for a meal? Or perhaps you have ingredients, but not enough of them? This is precisely when a bit of creativity can lead to surprisingly delicious combinations! This recipe was born from such a situation, resulting in a satisfying soup that perfectly balances the refreshing taste of vegetables with the savory umami of blue crabs.
Broth Ingredients- 3 cups rice water (water used to rinse rice)
- A handful of green onion roots
- 1 piece dried kelp (approx. 5x5cm)
- 1/2 onion (washed thoroughly, peel on)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s create a delicious soup base. In a pot, combine rice water, thoroughly washed green onion roots, and kelp. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the kelp. Let the green onion roots simmer for about 10 more minutes, then remove them.
Step 2
Add the onion to further enhance the broth’s flavor and simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing its natural sweetness and aroma to infuse into the liquid.
Step 3
Add the cleaned blue crabs and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes to allow the crabs’ refreshing seafood flavor to meld into the soup. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a clearer broth.
Step 4
Sift the soybean paste through a fine-mesh sieve into the pot and stir well to dissolve it completely. This ensures the soybean paste integrates smoothly without clumping.
Step 5
Add the tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces, along with the washed bok choy and bean sprouts. Cook them just until the vegetables are slightly wilted.
Step 6
It’s crucial not to overcook the vegetables. Simmering for just 1-2 minutes after adding the bok choy and bean sprouts is enough. Overcooking will make them mushy and can cloud the broth’s clarity.
Step 7
Finally, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Add the thinly sliced green onion and let it simmer briefly before turning off the heat. The aromatic garlic, mildly spicy pepper flakes, and fresh green onion will elevate the soup’s overall flavor profile.
Step 8
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with soy sauce or salt if needed. (In this particular instance, the flavor from the crabs and soybean paste was sufficient without added seasoning). Serve warm for the best experience.
