Hearty and Healthy: Wholesome Chinese Oxtail Tomato Soup Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty and flavourful soup that's perfect for a cold day, then you might want to try making Chinese oxtail tomato soup. This soup is a classic Chinese dish that's known for its rich and savoury flavour, as well as its tender and succulent meat. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can easily make this soup at home.

The history and tradition of Chinese oxtail soup date back centuries, and it's been enjoyed by people all over the world for generations. The soup is typically made with oxtail, which is a cut of beef that's known for its rich and meaty flavour. Other essential ingredients include tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices. The soup is usually simmered for several hours to allow the flavours to meld together and the meat to become tender.

If you're interested in making Chinese oxtail tomato soup, there are a few essential ingredients and cooking techniques that you'll need to keep in mind. For example, you'll want to use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you'll need to simmer the soup on a low heat for several hours to allow the flavours to develop fully. You'll also need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the soup, as well as a variety of herbs and spices to give it a rich and savoury flavour.

Key Takeaways

• Chinese oxtail tomato soup is a classic Chinese dish that's known for its rich and savoury flavour.
• The soup is typically made with oxtail, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onions, and a variety of herbs and spices.
• To make the soup, you'll need to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and simmer it on a low heat for several hours to allow the flavours to develop fully.

History and Tradition of Chinese Oxtail Soup

Chinese Oxtail Soup is a dish that has been prepared for generations in many families. It is a traditional soup that is usually served during special occasions such as weddings, Chinese New Year, and other celebrations. The soup is believed to have originated from the Russian-style oxtail soup from Moscow Restaurant, one of the earliest foreign restaurants in Beijing. Opened in 1954, its French-influenced Russian food was the only Western food known to local people, and was unimaginably expensive.

The soup is typically made with oxtail, which is a tough and flavorful cut of beef. It is cooked slowly to allow the meat to become tender and to release its rich flavor. The addition of tomatoes, carrots, and other vegetables gives the soup a sweet and tangy taste. Some families add Chinese herbs to the soup to give it added health benefits.

The tradition of making Chinese Oxtail Soup has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having their own unique recipe. Some families add seafood to the soup, such as shrimp or crab. If you are interested in adding seafood to your Chinese Oxtail Soup, you can use prawns or scallops. These seafood options will add a sweet and savory flavor to your soup, and will complement the oxtail perfectly.

Chinese Oxtail Soup is a delicious and comforting soup that is steeped in tradition. It is a dish that is perfect for special occasions or for a cozy night in. With its rich and flavorful broth, tender oxtail meat, and sweet and tangy vegetables, it is a soup that is sure to become a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients for the Soup

If you're planning to make Chinese oxtail tomato soup, it's important to have the right ingredients to ensure that your soup is flavourful and delicious. Here are the essential ingredients that you'll need:

Selecting the Oxtail

The oxtail is the star of this soup, so it's important to choose the right one. Look for oxtails that are fresh and meaty. The bones should be thick and have a lot of marrow, which will give your soup a rich and flavourful base. You can also use beef bones if oxtail is not available.

Vegetable Choices

The vegetables you choose will add flavour, texture, and nutrition to your soup. Onion, garlic, ginger, and green onion are key ingredients that add depth of flavour. You can also add carrots, celery, potatoes, and green cabbage for texture and nutrition. Daikon can also be added for a more authentic taste.

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices are essential for flavouring your soup. Bay leaves, black pepper, and salt are the basic seasonings that you'll need. You can also add tomato paste, soy sauce, and dark soy for added flavour. If you want to add a seafood twist to your soup, you can add prawns or scallops to give it a unique flavour.

These ingredients will give you a delicious and flavourful Chinese oxtail tomato soup. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious soup!

Cooking Techniques and Equipment

Preparation Tips

Before starting to cook the Chinese oxtail tomato soup, it's important to prepare the ingredients properly. Rinse the oxtail under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. Roast the oxtail in the oven for 30-40 minutes to enhance the flavor. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for a few seconds, then place them in cold water to remove the skin easily. Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and set them aside.

It's recommended to use cooking wine when preparing the soup. The wine adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can also add seafood to the soup to enhance its flavor. For example, you can add prawns or squid to the soup. Make sure to clean and devein the seafood properly before adding it to the soup.

Using a Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot

Using a pressure cooker or instant pot can significantly reduce the cooking time of the Chinese oxtail tomato soup. Simply add all the ingredients to the pot, including the oxtail, tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, and cooking wine. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, then set the pressure cooker or instant pot to high pressure for 45 minutes. Once the cooking is complete, release the pressure and open the lid. The oxtail should be tender and the soup should be rich and flavorful.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the oxtail and the pressure cooker or instant pot used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that the oxtail is cooked properly and the soup is flavorful.

The Chinese oxtail tomato soup is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying soup that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Nutritional Information

When it comes to oxtail tomato soup, it is important to consider the nutritional information of the dish. A serving size of 1 cup (240ml) of oxtail tomato soup contains approximately 200-250 calories. The exact calorie count may vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used.

Oxtail is a rich source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12. However, it is also high in fat and cholesterol. A serving of oxtail tomato soup may contain up to 50mg of cholesterol and 3-4g of saturated fat. If you are concerned about your cholesterol intake, it is recommended to limit your consumption of oxtail and opt for leaner cuts of meat.

Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and calcium. A serving of oxtail tomato soup may contain up to 500-600mg of sodium, which is relatively high. If you are watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or opt for low-sodium broth.

To make the dish even more nutritious, you can add vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions to the soup. Seafood such as prawns or mussels can also be added to the recipe to increase its nutritional value. If you choose to add seafood, it is important to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly before serving.

Oxtail tomato soup can be a delicious and nutritious meal. By paying attention to the nutritional information and making small adjustments to the recipe, you can enjoy this dish without compromising your health.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments

Chinese oxtail tomato soup is a comforting and juicy dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Rice and noodles are obvious choices, but you can also try serving the soup with Yukon gold potatoes for a heartier meal.

If you're looking for a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream, sour cream, or Greek yogurt to the broth. This will give the soup a richer flavour and a creamier texture.

Garnishing Tips

When it comes to garnishing your Chinese oxtail tomato soup, there are plenty of options to choose from. Chopped cilantro is a classic choice, but you can also try adding a few slices of daikon radish for a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavour.

If you want to add a touch of spice to your soup, consider adding a star anise to the broth. This will give the soup a subtle licorice flavour and a warm, spicy aroma.

Seafood can also be a great addition to this soup. You can add shrimp, clams, or mussels to the broth for a delicious seafood twist. If you choose to add seafood, make sure to cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving to prevent overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to prepare a Chinese oxtail tomato soup?

The simplest way to prepare a Chinese oxtail tomato soup is to first brown the oxtail in a pot, then add onions, garlic, ginger, tomato, and water. Simmer for several hours until the oxtail is tender, and the soup has thickened.

Can I use tomato paste for making Chinese oxtail tomato soup, and if so, how?

Yes, you can use tomato paste for making Chinese oxtail tomato soup. Simply add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the soup along with the tomatoes.

How long should I cook Chinese oxtail tomato soup in a slow cooker for the best flavour?

For the best flavour, cook the Chinese oxtail tomato soup in a slow cooker for 8-10 hours on low heat. This will allow the flavours to develop and the oxtail to become tender.

What's the secret to the tastiest Chinese oxtail tomato soup?

The secret to the tastiest Chinese oxtail tomato soup is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Also, make sure to simmer the soup for several hours to allow the flavours to develop fully.

How can I incorporate peanuts into a Chinese oxtail soup recipe?

You can incorporate peanuts into a Chinese oxtail soup recipe by adding them as a garnish or by blending them into the soup for a creamy texture. Alternatively, you can also add some crushed peanuts to the soup for a crunchy texture.

What's a good method to reduce the greasiness of oxtail soup?

A good method to reduce the greasiness of oxtail soup is to refrigerate the soup overnight. This will allow the fat to solidify, and you can easily remove it from the surface of the soup the next day. You can also use a fat separator to remove excess fat while the soup is still hot.

If you want to add seafood to your Chinese oxtail tomato soup recipe, you can add some prawns or scallops to the soup towards the end of the cooking time. This will add a delicious seafood flavour to the soup.