If you're looking for a comforting and healthy soup, you can't go wrong with a batang fish soup recipe.
This soup is a popular dish in Singapore and Malaysia, and it's easy to see why.
The soup is light and flavourful, and it's made with simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store.
To prepare the batang fish, you'll need to slice it into thin pieces and marinate it in a mixture of Chinese wine, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
The fish is then added to a pot of boiling water, along with ginger, garlic, and other aromatics, to create a fragrant broth.
The soup is finished off with sliced tomatoes, tofu, and leafy greens, making it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Key Takeaways
- Batang fish soup is a light and flavourful dish that's popular in Singapore and Malaysia.
- To prepare the soup, you'll need to slice the fish and marinate it in a mixture of Chinese wine, sesame oil, and soy sauce.
- The soup is finished off with sliced tomatoes, tofu, and leafy greens, making it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.
Preparing the Batang Fish
If you want to make a delicious batang fish soup, you need to start with fresh and high-quality batang fish. Here are the steps to prepare the batang fish for your soup:
Selecting Fresh Batang
When selecting fresh batang fish, look for clear and bright eyes, bright red gills, and shiny skin. The fish should smell fresh and not have a strong fishy odour.
You can also check the texture of the fish by pressing it with your finger. If it bounces back, it's fresh.
Cleaning and Slicing the Fish
Once you have selected your batang fish, it's time to clean and slice it.
First, rinse the fish under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Then, remove the scales and gut the fish. You can also remove the head and tail if you prefer.
To slice the batang fish, use a sharp knife and cut it into thin slices. You can also remove the bones if you prefer boneless slices.
Marinating the Batang Slices
Before adding the batang slices to the soup, it's a good idea to marinate them for extra flavour.
In a small bowl, mix together some salt, ginger slices, sesame oil, soya sauce, and pepper. Then, add the batang fish slices and mix well. Let the fish marinate for at least 15 minutes before adding it to the soup.
Cooking the Soup
Making a delicious batang fish soup is easy and straightforward. Here are the steps to follow:
Building the Soup Base
Start by heating up a pot of water over medium heat.
Add in ikan bilis, ginger, and garlic to infuse the water with flavour. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Next, add in the fish stock and bring the mixture to a boil. You can also add in some tau cheo for added flavour.
Adding the Fish and Ingredients
Once the soup base is ready, add in the sliced batang fish and let it cook for about 5 minutes.
You can also add in some prawns or other seafood to make the soup even more flavourful.
After that, add in some Chinese wine and light soy sauce to taste. You can also add in some evaporated milk if you want a milky soup base.
Finally, add in some bee hoon or rice noodles and let it cook for a few minutes.
You can also add in some green veggies such as Chinese spinach, napa cabbage, or spring onions.
Final Touches and Garnishing
To finish off the soup, add in some fried shallots, chilli padi, and coriander for added flavour and garnish.
You can also thicken the soup with some cornstarch if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the simplest way to prepare batang fish soup?
The simplest way to prepare batang fish soup is to slice the fish and add it to boiling water along with some salt, pepper, and ginger.
You can also add some vegetables like tomatoes, Chinese cabbage, and spinach to enhance the flavour. Simmer for about 10 minutes until the fish is cooked through, then serve hot.
Can you recommend the best herbs and spices for batang fish soup?
Some of the best herbs and spices to use in batang fish soup include garlic, shallots, lemongrass, and coriander.
These ingredients can help to enhance the flavour and aroma of the soup. You can also add some chilli flakes or fresh chillies if you prefer a spicier soup.
How do you ensure batang fish remains tender when cooking soup?
To ensure that batang fish remains tender when cooking soup, it's important not to overcook it.
Simmer the fish for no more than 10 minutes, or until it is just cooked through. You can also marinate the fish in some soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornflour before cooking to help keep it tender.
What are some tips for marinating batang fish for a steamboat?
When marinating batang fish for a steamboat, it's important to use fresh fish that has been cleaned and sliced into thin pieces.
Marinate the fish in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornflour for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add some sliced ginger and garlic to the marinade for extra flavour.
Which type of fish is traditionally used in Singaporean fish soup?
The most commonly used fish in Singaporean fish soup is batang fish, also known as Spanish mackerel.
This fish is prized for its firm, white flesh and delicate flavour. Other types of fish that are commonly used in fish soup include pomfret, red snapper, and grouper.
Is batang fish considered a good source of protein?
Yes, batang fish is considered a good source of protein. It is also low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Eating batang fish regularly as part of a balanced diet can help to promote overall health and wellbeing.