How to Cook Chinese Soup with Prawns and Chinese Herbs

Cooking a delicious Chinese soup with prawns and Chinese herbs is a wonderful way to enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal. This dish combines the richness of prawns with the aromatic qualities of traditional Chinese herbs, offering a unique taste experience. Follow these steps to create a wholesome and satisfying dish.

Ingredients Needed

Before you start, gather the following ingredients:

• 200g fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
• 1 liter of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2-3 dried Chinese mushrooms (shiitake are best), soaked and sliced
• 2-3 slices of dried tangerine peel (or fresh orange peel as a substitute)
• 1-2 sprigs of cilantro (coriander), for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broth

Start by heating the chicken or vegetable broth in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced ginger, minced garlic, dried mushrooms, and tangerine peel. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This will enable the flavors of the herbs and spices to infuse into the broth.

2. Add the Prawns

After your broth has simmered, stir in the prawns. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the prawns are pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they can become tough and chewy.

3. Season the Soup

Add salt and pepper to taste. Remember to season gradually, as the flavors from the broth and herbs can be quite strong. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Serve the Soup

Once the prawns are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. This adds a refreshing touch that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.

Tips for a Perfect Soup

• For enhanced flavor, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or sesame oil before serving.
• Using fresh prawns will elevate the taste of your soup; however, frozen prawns are a convenient alternative.
• Experiment with different Chinese herbs such as goji berries or Chinese angelica root for a unique twist.

Health Benefits

This Chinese soup not only delights your taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. Prawns are high in protein and low in calories, while the herbs used in the soup are known for their medicinal properties. Ginger aids digestion, garlic boosts the immune system, and tangerine peel may help with digestion and respiratory health.

Enjoying a bowl of this Chinese soup with prawns and Chinese herbs is a heartwarming experience, perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a starter or a meal on its own, the combination of flavors and aromas is simply irresistible. Happy cooking!