Sizzling Rice Soup

Sizzling Rice Soup Recipe - Hawaiian Comfort Food

Region / culture: Hawaii | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Sizzling Rice Soup is a delicious and unique dish that combines crispy fried rice with a flavorful chicken and vegetable broth. The contrast of textures and flavors in this dish makes it a favorite among many food enthusiasts.

History

Sizzling Rice Soup has its origins in Chinese cuisine, where it is known as "guo bao rou tang." The dish is believed to have been created during the Song Dynasty in China, and has since become popular in Chinese restaurants around the world.

Ingredients

1 cup long-grain rice (not converted)
1 cup water
1 whole chicken breast, skinned, boned and cut into julienne strips
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp water
1 tbsp soy sauce
6 cups chicken stock
2 cups shredded fresh watercress or lettuce or spinach
0.5 cup finely chopped green onions
1 tsp sesame oil
vegetable oil (for deep frying)

How to prepare

Rice

The night before or 1 hour before, if drying in a microwave oven, combine rice and water in a large saucepan or dutch oven over high heat.
Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 10 minutes. Then, reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 30 minutes without removing the lid.
The crusty rice around the sides and bottom will stick to the pan and will be used in the soup. Remove the top layer of soft rice and reserve for another use.
Transfer the crusty rice to a cookie sheet to dry at room temperature, or place it in a glass baking dish in a microwave oven for 10 minutes on low.

Soup

Toss the chicken breast strips with 1 tbsp of cornstarch and set aside.
In a small container, combine the remaining 2 tbsp of cornstarch with water and soy sauce.
Heat the chicken stock until it reaches boiling point, then stir in the soy mixture and chicken. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the shredded greens, onions, and sesame oil (if desired).
Keep the soup hot (but not boiling) while frying the rice.
Heat oil to 375°F (191°C) in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan. Fry the rice for 3 to 5 minutes until puffed and lightly browned. Be careful as it can burn quickly.
Remove the rice from the oil using a slotted spoon.
Drain the rice on paper towels and place it in a heated tureen or bowls. Pour in the soup and serve immediately.
Alternatively, hot fried rice balls can be dropped into individual servings of hot soup, creating a "sizzling" sound.
Additional fried rice may be served separately during the course.

Variations

You can add shrimp, beef, or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
For a spicier version, add some chili paste or hot sauce to the broth.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use long-grain rice for this recipe, as it will hold its shape better when fried.

- Be careful when frying the rice, as it can burn quickly. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oil as soon as it is puffed and lightly browned.

- For a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute tofu for the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sizzling Rice Soup as a starter or as a main dish with some steamed vegetables on the side.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique in this recipe is frying the rice to make it crispy. Be sure to fry it until it is puffed and lightly browned for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have long-grain rice, you can use jasmine or basmati rice as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and fry the rice just before serving to ensure it stays crispy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Sizzling Rice Soup in individual bowls with a garnish of chopped green onions on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

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

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

35g per serving

Fats

5g per serving

Proteins

15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten.

Summary

Sizzling Rice Soup is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Sizzling Rice Soup is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its crispy fried rice and savory broth, it is a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Sizzling Rice Soup. It was a cold winter's day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily for lunch. As I walked into her cozy kitchen, the aroma of a delicious soup filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Lily greeted me with a warm smile and motioned for me to take a seat at her dining table. She then disappeared into the kitchen, only to emerge moments later with a steaming bowl of soup in hand. As she placed it in front of me, I couldn't help but let out a gasp of surprise.

The soup was like nothing I had ever seen before. The base was a rich, golden broth filled with colorful vegetables and tender pieces of chicken. But what truly caught my eye was the crispy rice cakes that floated on top, emitting a delightful sizzle.

"What is this?" I asked Lily, my curiosity piqued.

"It's Sizzling Rice Soup," she replied with a grin. "A family recipe passed down through generations."

I eagerly dug into the soup, savoring each spoonful. The combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything I had ever tasted. The crispy rice cakes provided a satisfying crunch, while the broth was hearty and full of depth.

As I finished my meal, I begged Lily to share the recipe with me. She agreed, on one condition – that I promise to pass it on to future generations. I eagerly agreed, knowing that this recipe was too good not to be shared.

Lily began by explaining that the key to making Sizzling Rice Soup lies in the preparation of the rice cakes. She taught me how to cook the rice until it was slightly sticky, then spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. Once the rice had hardened, I cut it into small squares and fried them until they were crispy and golden brown.

Next, Lily taught me how to make the broth. She used a combination of chicken stock, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic to create a flavorful base. She then added in a medley of vegetables – carrots, peas, and mushrooms – along with tender pieces of chicken.

As the soup simmered on the stove, Lily instructed me to prepare a cornstarch slurry to thicken the broth. Once the desired consistency was reached, I carefully added in the crispy rice cakes, allowing them to sizzle and pop as they absorbed the hot liquid.

Finally, after a few more minutes of cooking, the Sizzling Rice Soup was ready to be served. I ladled it into bowls, making sure to distribute the rice cakes evenly among each portion.

As I sat down to enjoy my first homemade batch of Sizzling Rice Soup, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Not only had I learned how to make a delicious new dish, but I had also become a steward of a cherished family recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to make Sizzling Rice Soup for my family and friends, delighting in their reactions as they taste it for the first time. Each time I prepare this dish, I am reminded of that fateful day in Lily's kitchen and the bond we shared over a steaming bowl of soup.

And as I pass on this recipe to future generations, I know that the tradition will live on, bringing joy and warmth to those who taste it. For Sizzling Rice Soup is not just a meal – it is a reminder of the love and friendship that can be found in sharing a good meal with those we hold dear.