Hong Kong Noodle Soup

Hong Kong Noodle Soup Recipe - Vegetarian Soup from Hong Kong

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hong Kong Noodle Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day or when you're craving something warm and hearty. This soup is packed with vegetables, noodles, and a flavorful broth that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.

History

Hong Kong Noodle Soup is a popular dish in Hong Kong, known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients. It is often enjoyed as a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy days or when you're looking for a comforting bowl of soup.

Ingredients

2 carrots, chopped into matchstick size
1 cup shredded cabbage
0.75 cup bamboo shoots, finely sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
0.5 cup bean thread noodles
0.25 cup vegetable oil
1 qt (946 ml) stock
1.5 cup bean sprouts
2 scallions, finely chopped
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat oil in a saucepan or wok and sauté the carrots, cabbage, bamboo shoots, and tomatoes with a pinch of salt for five minutes, stirring constantly.
Pour in water and stir well, then add noodles.
Bring the soup to a boil and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
Add bean sprouts and scallions.
Spoon in soy sauce, then add salt and pepper, and simmer gently for another ten minutes.

Variations

Add in your favorite protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Spice up the soup with some chili paste or hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more or less soy sauce, salt, and pepper.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding in your favorite protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hong Kong Noodle Soup hot with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a flavorful Hong Kong Noodle Soup is to sauté the vegetables first to bring out their natural sweetness before adding in the broth and noodles.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap out the vegetables in this recipe for your favorites such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat and add in the noodles and bean sprouts before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Hong Kong Noodle Soup with fresh cilantro, sliced scallions, or a drizzle of sesame oil for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this soup with a light and refreshing side salad or some steamed dumplings for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 280

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 32g

Fats

Total Fat: 14g

Proteins

Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins A and C from the vegetables, providing a boost to your immune system and overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat (from the soy sauce and noodles), so it may not be suitable for those with soy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Hong Kong Noodle Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Hong Kong Noodle Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Packed with vegetables, noodles, and a flavorful broth, this soup is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Hong Kong Noodle Soup. It was during one of my many travels around the world, a trip to the vibrant and bustling city of Hong Kong. I had always been fascinated by the rich culinary traditions of different countries, and I made it a point to always immerse myself in the local food culture wherever I went.

On this particular trip, I found myself wandering through the narrow alleyways of a local market, filled with the enticing aromas of spices and herbs. As I meandered through the maze of stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small, unassuming noodle shop tucked away in a corner. The steam rising from the pots of broth and the clatter of chopsticks against bowls caught my attention, and I knew I had to try whatever they were serving up.

I approached the shop and sat down at one of the plastic stools lining the counter. The owner, a kind elderly woman with a warm smile, greeted me in Cantonese. I smiled back and gestured towards the steaming bowls of soup being served to the locals around me. She nodded knowingly and handed me a menu written in Chinese characters.

I scanned the menu, trying to decipher the unfamiliar symbols. Suddenly, my eyes landed on a dish called "Hong Kong Noodle Soup." Intrigued, I pointed to the item and held up one finger, indicating that I wanted to try it. The owner nodded and began bustling around the tiny kitchen, preparing my order with practiced efficiency.

As I waited, I observed the meticulous care with which she assembled each bowl of soup. Fresh egg noodles were cooked to perfection, tender slices of beef were added, and a fragrant broth made from simmering bones for hours was ladled over the top. The final touch was a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a dash of soy sauce, completing the dish.

When the steaming bowl of Hong Kong Noodle Soup was placed in front of me, I couldn't wait to dig in. The first spoonful was a revelation - the broth was rich and velvety, the noodles perfectly al dente, and the beef tender and flavorful. I savored each mouthful, feeling a warmth spread through me with each sip.

After finishing my meal, I couldn't resist approaching the owner to express my gratitude for such a delicious dish. Through a mixture of broken Cantonese and gestures, I managed to convey my appreciation for her culinary skills. In response, she smiled warmly and handed me a handwritten recipe for the Hong Kong Noodle Soup.

I was overjoyed at the unexpected gift and thanked her profusely before leaving the shop. As I walked through the bustling streets of Hong Kong, the recipe clutched tightly in my hand, I knew that this dish would become a treasured part of my own culinary repertoire.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in recreating the Hong Kong Noodle Soup in my own kitchen. I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions meticulously, allowing the broth to simmer and the flavors to meld together just as the owner had shown me.

The first spoonful brought me right back to that tiny noodle shop in Hong Kong, surrounded by the sights and sounds of a city teeming with life. The recipe was a testament to the power of food to transport us to different cultures and experiences, allowing us to connect with people across borders and languages.

Over the years, I have made the Hong Kong Noodle Soup countless times, each batch a reminder of that fateful day in the bustling market of Hong Kong. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on not just the ingredients and steps, but the story behind it as well.

For me, this recipe is more than just a dish - it is a memory, a connection to a place and a time that will always hold a special place in my heart. And as I continue to cook and explore new flavors and traditions, I carry with me the knowledge that food has the power to unite us all, no matter where we come from.