Dried Oyster Soup: A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting soup that's packed with flavour, dried oyster soup is definitely worth a try.
This Cantonese dish is a popular choice during Chinese New Year, as it's believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. However, it's also enjoyed year-round, especially during the hot summer months when it's thought to have cleansing properties.
Preparing dried oyster soup is relatively simple, and there are many variations of the dish to try.
Typically, the soup is made with dried oysters, pork ribs, and a variety of vegetables and herbs.
The oysters are first soaked in water to rehydrate them, then added to a pot of boiling water with the other ingredients.
The soup is simmered for several hours to allow the flavours to develop, resulting in a rich and savoury broth that's perfect for warming you up on a cold day or refreshing you on a hot one.
Key Takeaways
- Dried oyster soup is a popular Cantonese dish enjoyed year-round, but especially during Chinese New Year for its association with prosperity.
- The soup is made by simmering dried oysters, pork ribs, and a variety of vegetables and herbs in boiling water for several hours.
- Dried oyster soup is thought to have cleansing properties and is a great option for warming up on a cold day or refreshing you on a hot one.
Preparing the Dried Oyster Soup
When it comes to making dried oyster soup, selecting the right ingredients is crucial.
For this recipe, you will need dried oysters, water, salt, ginger, hot water, red dates, mushrooms, pork rib, chicken stock, and dried shiitake mushrooms.
Selecting Ingredients
When selecting dried oysters, look for ones that are plump and have a fresh aroma. Make sure to choose oysters that are free from any signs of mold or discoloration.
For the mushrooms, dried shiitake mushrooms are an excellent choice as they add a rich and earthy flavor to the soup.
Soaking and Cleaning Dried Oysters
Before using the dried oysters, it is important to soak them in hot water for at least 30 minutes to soften them up. After soaking, rinse them thoroughly to remove any sand or debris.
Soup Base Preparation
To prepare the soup base, start by boiling water in a large pot.
Add in the pork rib and chicken stock, along with ginger and red dates. Let the mixture simmer for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Next, add in the soaked dried oysters and shiitake mushrooms.
Let the soup simmer for another 30 minutes until the oysters are tender and the mushrooms are fully rehydrated.
Finally, add salt to taste and serve hot.
This delicious and hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting meal when you're feeling under the weather.
Cultural Significance and Variations
Dried oyster soup is a dish that holds great cultural significance in East Asian cuisine. It is believed to bring prosperity and wealth to those who consume it during Chinese New Year.
The soup is often served with lettuce, dried mushrooms, and shaoxing wine to enhance its flavour.
Dried Oyster and Black Moss
Dried oyster and black moss soup, also known as ho see fat choy, is a traditional Cantonese dish that is often served during Chinese New Year.
The dish is believed to bring good events and wealth to those who consume it. The black moss is said to resemble wealth, and the dried oysters are believed to symbolise good events.
Traditional Cantonese Recipes
Traditional Cantonese dried oyster soup recipes often include soy sauce and iceberg lettuce to add a sweet and savoury flavour to the dish.
The soup is typically made by simmering dried oysters, dried mushrooms, and black moss in a chicken or pork broth. The soup is then seasoned with soy sauce and shaoxing wine to taste.
Modern Takes on a Classic
Modern takes on dried oyster soup often include additional ingredients such as ginger, garlic, and scallions to add more depth to the flavour.
Some recipes also call for the addition of other seafood such as clams or shrimp to create a more complex flavour profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prepare dried oyster soup?
The best way to prepare dried oyster soup is to soak the dried oysters in cold water for 15 minutes, and rinse them well to ensure any and all sand has been rinsed off. Set them aside.
You can then prepare the soup base using your choice of ingredients such as pork ribs, old cucumber, and red dates.
Once the soup is ready, add the dried oysters and let them simmer for a few minutes until they are fully cooked.
Can you suggest a simple recipe for dried oyster soup?
Sure! Here's a simple recipe for dried oyster soup:
Ingredients:
- 10-15 dried oysters
- 500g pork ribs
- 1 old cucumber
- 6 red dates
- 2L water
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Soak the dried oysters in cold water for 15 minutes, and rinse them well to ensure any and all sand has been rinsed off. Set them aside.
- Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for a few minutes to remove any impurities. Rinse them well and set them aside.
- Cut the old cucumber into chunks and remove the seeds.
- In a pot, add the pork ribs, old cucumber, red dates, and water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1-2 hours.
- Add the dried oysters and let them simmer for a few minutes until they are fully cooked.
- Season with salt to taste.
What ingredients are essential for making a traditional dried oyster soup?
The essential ingredients for making a traditional dried oyster soup are dried oysters, pork ribs, old cucumber, and red dates.
These ingredients are commonly used in Cantonese cuisine and are believed to have nourishing and health benefits.
How does one incorporate dried oysters into a Cantonese double boiled soup?
To incorporate dried oysters into a Cantonese double boiled soup, simply add them to the soup along with the other ingredients.
Double boiling is a slow-cooking method that involves simmering the soup in a ceramic pot placed inside a larger pot filled with water. This method helps to retain the nutrients and flavours of the ingredients.
What are the health benefits of old cucumber in soup?
Old cucumber is believed to have cooling properties and is commonly used in Chinese soups to help alleviate heatiness in the body.
It is also a good source of dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals. When combined with other ingredients such as pork ribs and dried oysters, it can create a nutritious and delicious soup.
How should dried oysters be prepped before adding them to soup?
Before adding dried oysters to soup, it is important to soak them in cold water for 15 minutes. Then, rinse them well to ensure any and all sand has been rinsed off. This will help to remove any impurities and ensure that the oysters are clean and ready to be cooked.