Easy and Delicious Chinese Tomato Soup Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting and flavourful soup to warm you up on a chilly day, Chinese tomato soup is a great option. This soup is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is loved for its tangy tomato flavour and silky egg ribbons. With a few essential ingredients and some simple preparation techniques, you can make this soup at home and enjoy it any time of the year.
To make Chinese tomato soup, you'll need ripe tomatoes, eggs, chicken or vegetable stock, and a few seasonings like salt, white pepper, and sesame oil. Some recipes also call for garlic, scallions, or cilantro for added flavour. The tomatoes are typically simmered in the stock until they break down and form a thick, flavourful base. Then, beaten eggs are slowly poured into the soup while stirring, creating delicate ribbons throughout the soup.
While the basic recipe for Chinese tomato soup is delicious on its own, there are also many variations you can try. For example, you could add some seafood like shrimp, crab, or scallops to the soup for a more luxurious flavour. You could also add some noodles or rice to make the soup more filling. With so many possibilities, Chinese tomato soup is a versatile and satisfying dish that you can make your own.
Key Takeaways
- Chinese tomato soup is a comforting and flavourful soup that is a staple in Chinese cuisine.
- The essential ingredients for this soup include ripe tomatoes, eggs, chicken or vegetable stock, and seasonings like salt, white pepper, and sesame oil.
- You can add seafood, noodles, or rice to the soup for added flavour and texture.
Essential Ingredients
If you want to make a delicious Chinese tomato soup, you will need to start with the right ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you will need to make a tasty tomato soup.
Tomato Selection
The first and most important ingredient in Chinese tomato soup is, of course, the tomato. Ripe tomatoes are the best choice for this recipe. You can use any variety of ripe tomatoes, but the most common ones are beefsteak, Roma, and vine-ripened tomatoes.
Protein Choices
There are several protein options that you can use in your tomato soup. The most common ones are chicken and eggs. You can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, or you can use tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. If you want to add seafood to your soup, you can use shrimp or scallops.
Aromatics and Seasonings
To add flavor to your soup, you will need to use aromatics and seasonings. Garlic, ginger, and green onions are the most common aromatics used in Chinese tomato soup. You can also use mushrooms to add depth of flavor. As for seasonings, you will need salt, pepper, and sugar to balance the flavors. Soy sauce and sesame oil are also used to add umami and nutty flavors to the soup.
In addition to these essential ingredients, you will also need chicken or vegetable stock to make the soup base. With these ingredients, you can create a delicious Chinese tomato soup that is hearty, healthy, and satisfying.
Preparation Techniques
Creating the Base
To start making Chinese tomato soup, you need to create a flavourful base. Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
To enhance the flavour, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste and a pinch of sugar. This will give the soup a slightly sweet and tangy taste. If you want to add seafood to your soup, you can add prawns or crab meat at this stage.
Thickening the Soup
To thicken the soup, you can use cornstarch or all-purpose flour. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a starch slurry. Add the slurry to the soup and stir until it thickens. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more cornstarch.
Adding the Egg
The final step is to add the egg ribbons. Beat two eggs in a bowl and pour them slowly into the soup while stirring. The egg will cook instantly and create ribbons in the soup. If you want to add more seafood, you can add fish fillet or scallops at this stage.
Once the egg is cooked, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to meld together. Serve the soup hot in a bowl with some chopped coriander on top.
Overall, Chinese tomato soup is a simple and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious soup that is both healthy and satisfying.
Cooking and Serving
Boiling and Simmering
To start with, you need to gather all the ingredients required to make Chinese tomato soup, including ripe tomatoes, eggs, scallions, cilantro, light soy sauce, and sesame oil. The soup base can be made by boiling and simmering the tomato chunks in chicken stock or water for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and start to fall apart. You can also add some noodles to the soup to make it more filling.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a blender to puree the soup base before adding in the eggs. Otherwise, you can simply crack the eggs into the soup and let them cook for a few minutes until they form ribbons. Remember to stir the soup gently to avoid breaking the egg ribbons.
Garnishing and Presentation
Once the soup is ready, you can garnish it with some chopped scallions and cilantro for added freshness and flavour. You can also drizzle some sesame oil on top to enhance the aroma. If you prefer a more filling soup, you can add some seafood such as prawns or crab meat to the soup. These will not only add more flavour but also provide some nutritional benefits.
To serve the soup, you can use bowls or cups depending on your preference. You can also use some chopsticks or a spoon to eat the noodles and sip the soup. Before serving, you can do a taste test to ensure that the soup is seasoned to your liking. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to achieve the desired taste.
In terms of nutritional information, Chinese tomato soup is a healthy and low-calorie option that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is also a good source of protein, especially if you add some seafood to the soup. Overall, Chinese tomato soup is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Variations of the Recipe
Regional Twists
One of the great things about Chinese tomato soup is that it is so versatile. Depending on where you are in China, you might find that the recipe varies slightly. For example, in Shanghai, they like to add enoki mushrooms or button mushrooms to the soup. In other regions, they might add cabbage or potatoes to the mix. You can experiment with different vegetables to find the combination that you like best.
If you're looking for a heartier soup, you can add some beef to the recipe. Simply brown some beef in a pan before adding it to the soup. Alternatively, you can use chicken broth instead of water to give the soup a richer flavour.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you're a vegetarian or a vegan, you might be wondering if there are any options for you when it comes to Chinese tomato soup. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make this soup without using any animal products.
To make the soup vegetarian-friendly, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some umami taste to the soup by using tomato paste instead of fresh tomatoes. For a vegan version of the soup, use vegetable oil instead of butter and omit the eggs.
If you're looking to add some protein to the soup, you can use tofu or tempeh instead of meat. Alternatively, you can add some seafood to the soup. Shrimp or crab meat would work well with the tomato flavour. Just be sure to cook the seafood thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
Overall, Chinese tomato soup is a delicious and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you're a meat-eater or a vegetarian, there's a version of this soup that will work for you. So why not give it a try and see what variations you can come up with?
Tips and Tricks
If you're looking for a simple and delicious soup recipe to make at home, Chinese tomato soup is a great option. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect bowl of soup.
Use Fresh Tomatoes
For the best flavour, use fresh and ripe tomatoes. You can use any variety of tomato, but the sweeter ones tend to work best. If you can't find fresh tomatoes, you can use canned tomatoes instead.
Add Noodles
If you want to turn your tomato soup into a complete meal, add some noodles. You can use any type of noodle you like, but egg noodles work particularly well. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving.
Use Simple Ingredients
One of the great things about Chinese tomato soup is that it's made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. All you need is tomatoes, eggs, chicken stock, soy sauce, and some basic seasonings. You can also add other ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or seafood if you like.
Marinate the Eggs
To give your egg drop soup a little extra flavour, you can marinate the eggs before adding them to the soup. Whisk together some soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of MSG, then add the beaten eggs and let them sit for a few minutes before adding them to the soup.
Use Corn Starch
If you want your soup to be a little thicker, you can add some corn starch. Mix a tablespoon of corn starch with a tablespoon of water, then stir it into the soup before adding the eggs.
Toasted Sesame Oil
For a little extra flavour, drizzle some toasted sesame oil over the top of the soup just before serving. This will give the soup a rich, nutty flavour that complements the tomato flavour perfectly.
Seafood
If you want to add a little extra protein to your soup, you can add some seafood. Shrimp, scallops, and crab meat all work well in Chinese tomato soup. Simply add the seafood to the soup a few minutes before serving, and cook until it's fully cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the secret to a traditional Chinese tomato soup?
The secret to a traditional Chinese tomato soup is to use fresh and ripe tomatoes. Tomatoes are the star ingredient in this soup, so it's important to use the best quality tomatoes you can find. Another important aspect of this soup is the balance of flavors. The soup should be tangy, slightly sweet, and savory. The use of vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce helps to achieve this balance.
How can I make a simple Chinese tomato soup at home?
To make a simple Chinese tomato soup at home, you'll need fresh tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a pot, then add chopped tomatoes and broth. Simmer until the tomatoes are soft, then blend the soup until smooth. Add soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar to taste. Serve hot with your favorite garnishes.
What are the best ingredients to use for an authentic Chinese tomato soup?
The best ingredients to use for an authentic Chinese tomato soup are fresh tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar. You can also add other ingredients like mushrooms, tofu, or seafood to make the soup more flavorful.
Can you share a recipe for Chinese tomato noodle soup?
Sure, here's a simple recipe for Chinese tomato noodle soup:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 8 oz. noodles of your choice
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- Optional: cooked shrimp or crab meat
Instructions:
- In a pot, heat up vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes and broth to the pot, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, salt, and white pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- To serve, divide noodles among bowls, then ladle soup over the noodles. Top with chopped scallions and cooked shrimp or crab meat, if desired.
How do I incorporate chicken into a Chinese tomato soup recipe?
To incorporate chicken into a Chinese tomato soup recipe, you can use chicken broth as the base of the soup. You can also add cooked and shredded chicken to the soup towards the end of cooking. Another option is to sauté chicken with garlic and ginger before adding the tomatoes and broth.
What's a good way to thicken my Chinese tomato soup?
A good way to thicken your Chinese tomato soup is to use cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then add it to the soup and stir until it thickens. Another option is to simmer the soup for longer to reduce the liquid and thicken the soup naturally.