Fish bee hoon soup is a popular dish in Singapore that is often enjoyed as a healthy and satisfying meal. It is a hawker food that has gained popularity due to its delicious taste and nutritious ingredients. If you're looking for a comforting bowl of soup that is easy to make and packed with flavour, then this recipe is for you.
Preparing the ingredients for fish bee hoon soup is simple and requires only a few key ingredients. You will need fish fillet, bee hoon (vermicelli), ginger, garlic, and green onions to make the soup base. Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you can start preparing the soup by marinating the fish fillet and stir-frying the ginger, garlic, and green onions until fragrant. Then, you can add the fish and bee hoon to the soup and let it simmer until the fish is cooked through.
Cooking fish bee hoon soup is a straightforward process that can be completed in under an hour. Whether you're looking for a comforting bowl of soup on a cold day or a light and nutritious meal, fish bee hoon soup is a great choice.
Key Takeaways
- Fish bee hoon soup is a popular and healthy hawker food in Singapore.
- The soup can be prepared with simple ingredients and cooked in under an hour.
- Fish bee hoon soup is a satisfying and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it's essential to prepare the ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure that your fish bee hoon soup turns out delicious.
Selecting the Fish
When choosing fish for your soup, it's best to go to your local wet market to get the freshest catch. Look for a firm and white fish fillet, such as golden pomfret or sea bass. Avoid using fish that has a strong fishy smell or is discoloured.
Prepping Vegetables
To add flavour and nutrition to your soup, you can add vegetables such as tomatoes, ginger, spring onions, bittergourd, and chye sim. Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can also slice the ginger thinly or julienne it for a more delicate flavour.
Rice Vermicelli Preparation
Rice vermicelli, also known as dried bee hoon, is a staple in this soup dish. Before cooking, soak the rice vermicelli in cold water for at least 30 minutes until it becomes soft. Drain the water and set aside.
Cooking the Soup
Making the Fish Stock
To start, you will need to prepare the fish stock. You can use either fish bones or anchovies to make the stock. If you are using fish bones, it is best to use white fish such as sea bass or golden pomfret. To make the stock, you will need to boil the fish bones or anchovies in water for about 20-30 minutes. You can also add ginger and onion for extra flavour. Once the stock is ready, strain it to remove any impurities and set it aside.
Combining Ingredients
Next, it's time to combine the ingredients for the soup base. In a pot, heat up some oil and fry some sliced onions and garlic until fragrant. Then, add in ikan bilis or anchovies and fry for another minute. Pour in the fish stock and bring it to a boil. Add in some fish sauce, Shaoxing wine or Chinese cooking wine, brandy, evaporated milk, cornstarch, white pepper, salt, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Final Touches and Garnish
Once the soup base is ready, it's time to add in the bee hoon and fish slices. You can use any type of fish, but it's best to use a firm and white fish such as batang or golden pomfret. Let the fish cook for about 3-4 minutes until it is just cooked through. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fried shallots, crispy garlic oil, coriander, and chilli padi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a simple way to make fish bee hoon soup?
A simple way to make fish bee hoon soup is to first prepare the soup base by boiling fish bones with ginger and garlic. Then, add sliced fish and bee hoon noodles to the soup and let it simmer until the fish is cooked. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
How do I slice fish for bee hoon soup?
To slice fish for bee hoon soup, first remove the skin and bones from the fish. Then, cut the fish into thin slices against the grain. This will ensure that the fish is tender and easy to eat.
Can you suggest an easy method for preparing fish bee hoon soup?
An easy method for preparing fish bee hoon soup is to use pre-made fish stock instead of boiling fish bones. This will save you time and effort. Simply add the fish stock to a pot and bring it to a boil. Then, add sliced fish and bee hoon noodles to the pot and let it simmer until the fish is cooked. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
What's the best recipe for a traditional Chinese fish bee hoon soup?
The best recipe for a traditional Chinese fish bee hoon soup is to use fish bones to make the soup base. Add ginger, garlic, and other herbs and spices to the soup for added flavour. Then, add sliced fish and bee hoon noodles to the soup and let it simmer until the fish is cooked. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
How do I incorporate milk into fish bee hoon soup?
To incorporate milk into fish bee hoon soup, simply add a small amount of evaporated milk to the soup after the fish is cooked. This will give the soup a creamy texture and enhance the flavour.
Is there a recipe for fried fish bee hoon soup?
Yes, there is a recipe for fried fish bee hoon soup. First, deep-fry sliced fish until crispy. Then, cook bee hoon noodles and mustard greens in a separate pot. Finally, combine the fried fish, bee hoon noodles, and mustard greens in a bowl and pour hot fish soup over it. This will create a delicious and satisfying meal.