Fried Fish Soup Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Meal Idea

If you're looking for a hearty and flavourful soup that's easy to make, look no further than fried fish soup. This dish is a staple in many Asian cuisines, and it's easy to see why. The soup is made with a variety of ingredients, including fish, vegetables, and spices, which all come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

To make fried fish soup, you'll need a few essential ingredients, including fish bones, garlic, ginger, and spring onions. You can use any type of fish you like, but some of the most popular choices include garoupa, dory, and cod. The soup is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices, and it's often garnished with fresh herbs like coriander or parsley.

To cook the soup, you'll need to first prepare the fish and other ingredients by cleaning and chopping them into small pieces. Then, you'll need to fry the fish bones and other ingredients in a wok or frying pan until they are crispy and golden brown. Finally, you'll add the fish and vegetables to the pot, along with any seasonings or spices, and let the soup simmer until everything is cooked through and the flavours have melded together.

Key Takeaways

• Fried fish soup is a hearty and flavourful dish that's easy to make.
• The essential ingredients for this soup include fish bones, garlic, ginger, and spring onions.
• To cook the soup, you'll need to fry the fish bones and other ingredients before adding the fish and vegetables and letting everything simmer together.

Essential Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious fried fish soup, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. Here are the essential ingredients you will need to make a mouth-watering fish soup.

Choosing the Right Fish

The first step to making a good fish soup is choosing the right fish. Fresh fish like garoupa, snakehead, red grouper, or any other white-fleshed fish are perfect for this recipe. The fish should be firm and not too flaky, so it holds up well in the soup. You can either use fish fillets or fish heads and bones to make the soup stock.

Stock Preparation

The soup stock is the heart of the fish soup, and you want to make sure it is flavourful and rich. You can make the stock with fish bones, chicken stock, or a combination of both. To make the stock, simmer the fish bones, chicken stock, and water with aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onions for about an hour. Strain the broth, and you have a rich and flavourful fish stock.

Aromatics and Seasonings

To enhance the flavour of the soup, you will need to add aromatics and seasonings. Aromatics like ginger, garlic, and spring onions will give the soup a fragrant aroma, while seasonings like salt, sugar, and white pepper will add depth and balance to the flavour. You can also add shaoxing wine, fish sauce, and rock sugar for an extra umami flavour.

Additional Elements

To make the soup more filling and nutritious, you can add additional elements like vegetables and dairy. Chinese cabbage, lettuce, and tomatoes are great options for vegetables. You can also add milk, cream, or evaporated milk to give the soup a creamy and rich texture.

Cooking Process

Preparing the Fish

To make a delicious fried fish soup, you need to start with fresh dory fillet. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and wash it thoroughly. To create a crispy texture, you can coat the fish with cornstarch or tapioca flour before deep-frying it in hot oil. Fry the fish until it turns golden brown, then set it aside.

Creating the Soup Base

To make the soup base, heat up some cooking oil in a pot and add sliced ginger and garlic. Once fragrant, add water and let it boil. You can also add chicken stock powder to enhance the flavour. Then, blanch some lettuce leaves in the boiling soup for a few seconds to add some greens to your soup.

Finishing Touches

To finish the soup, you can add some fresh milk to make it milky and creamy. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra flavourful touch, you can top the soup with fried shallots and serve it with rice noodles.

To serve, place some rice noodles in a serving bowl and pour the hot soup over it. Add the fried fish, some spring onions, and other desired toppings. Enjoy your homemade fried fish soup!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best type of fish to use for a hearty fish soup?

When it comes to making a hearty fish soup, it's important to choose a fish that can hold up well in the soup without falling apart. Some good options include cod, haddock, and halibut. These types of fish have a firm texture and mild flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients in the soup.

How can I make my fried fish extra crispy for my soup?

To make your fried fish extra crispy, try dredging it in a mixture of flour and cornstarch before frying. This will create a crispy coating that will hold up well in the soup. Another tip is to fry the fish in hot oil until it's golden brown and crispy on the outside.

What are some tips for creating a rich and flavourful fish soup base?

To create a rich and flavourful fish soup base, start by sautéing aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger in a bit of oil until they're fragrant. Then, add in some tomato paste and cook it for a few minutes to deepen the flavour. Finally, add in your fish stock or water and let the soup simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

Can I use milk in my fish soup, and if so, how should I incorporate it?

Yes, you can use milk in your fish soup to create a creamy and rich texture. To incorporate it, simply add it to the soup towards the end of cooking and heat it through gently. Be sure not to let the soup boil once the milk has been added, as this can cause it to curdle.

Are there any healthy twists to making a traditional fried fish soup?

Yes, there are plenty of healthy twists you can make to a traditional fried fish soup. For example, you can use a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach to add more nutrients and fibre to the soup. You can also use a lighter broth or stock to reduce the calorie count.

How do I keep the fish from falling apart when frying it for my soup?

To keep the fish from falling apart when frying it, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels before dredging it in flour. This will help the coating adhere better and prevent the fish from getting too wet. Additionally, make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the fish, as this will help create a crispy exterior that will hold the fish together.