If you're looking for a comforting, hearty soup that's packed with flavour and nutrition, milk fish soup is an excellent choice. This traditional Chinese soup is made with milkfish bones and tofu, resulting in a creamy, delicate broth that's perfect for warming up on chilly days.
Not only is this soup delicious, but it's also incredibly nutritious. Milkfish is an excellent source of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin A, making this soup a great way to get a healthy dose of essential nutrients. Plus, it's easy to prepare and can be customized with your favourite ingredients, such as vegetables or noodles.
In this article, we'll provide you with a milk fish soup recipe that's easy to follow and full of flavour. We'll also cover the nutritional benefits of this soup and answer some frequently asked questions about the cooking process. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you'll be able to whip up a delicious bowl of milk fish soup in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Milk fish soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's perfect for chilly days.
- Milkfish is an excellent source of protein, calcium, iron, and vitamin A.
- With this easy-to-follow recipe and some basic ingredients, you can make a delicious bowl of milk fish soup at home.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start making milk fish soup, you need to prepare your ingredients. Here are the three main categories of ingredients you need to consider:
Selecting the Fish
The most important ingredient in milk fish soup is, of course, the fish. You can use any type of white fish, but milk fish is the traditional choice. When selecting your fish, make sure it is fresh and has a mild, sweet flavour. You can use either whole fish or fish fillets, but if you use whole fish, make sure to remove the scales and gut the fish before cooking.
Vegetables and Aromatics
To add flavour and nutrition to your soup, you will need some vegetables and aromatics. Some common vegetables used in milk fish soup include ginger, onion, garlic, tomato, cilantro, potatoes, and carrots. You can use any combination of these vegetables, depending on your personal preference. Aromatics like sesame oil, scallions, and green onion can also be used to enhance the flavour of the soup.
Herbs and Seasoning
To season your milk fish soup, you will need some herbs and spices. Salt, white pepper, and sugar are the basic seasonings you will need. You can also use other herbs and spices like cilantro, ginger, and garlic to add more depth of flavour. If you want a creamier soup, you can add some milk to the soup.
Cooking Process
Making the Broth
To start making your milky fish soup, you will need to create a flavourful broth. Begin by boiling water in a pot over medium heat. Once the water starts boiling, add in chicken backbones, chicken feet, and ginger. Let it boil for about 20 minutes until the broth becomes fragrant and flavourful.
Next, add in Chinese cabbage, tomatoes, salted plums, pickled cordia tree seeds, rock sugar, plaice powder or fried solefish, Chinese hua diao wine, and salt to taste. Let the broth simmer for another 30 minutes to an hour until the vegetables are soft and the flavours have melded together.
Combining and Simmering
Now that you have your broth ready, it's time to combine it with the seafood to create a hearty soup. In a separate pot, add in your fish bones and enough water to cover them. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the bones are cooked through.
Next, strain the fish bones and discard them. Add the evaporated milk to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the soup. Stir continuously until the soup becomes creamy.
Finally, add in the soy sauce and the cooked seafood of your choice. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the flavours have melded together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a simple milk fish soup?
Making a simple milk fish soup is easy. All you need is fresh fish, milk, water, and some basic seasoning. First, clean and cut the fish into small pieces. Then, bring water to a boil in a pot and add the fish. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked. Next, add milk and season the soup with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes. That's it! Your simple milk fish soup is ready to serve.
What ingredients are needed for a traditional Cantonese fish soup?
A traditional Cantonese fish soup is made with fresh fish, ginger, green onion, and dried tangerine peel. Other ingredients such as Chinese mushrooms, goji berries, and Chinese herbs may also be added for flavour and nutrition. The soup is usually simmered for several hours to extract the full flavour of the ingredients.
Can you make milk fish soup with tofu, and how?
Yes, you can make milk fish soup with tofu. To do this, first, prepare the fish as usual. Then, add cubed tofu to the soup along with the milk and seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the tofu is heated through. You can also add other vegetables such as bok choy or carrots to make the soup more nutritious and flavourful.
What's the secret to a clear and flavourful fish soup?
The secret to a clear and flavourful fish soup is to use fresh ingredients and not overcook the fish. It's also important to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface while simmering the soup. For a richer flavour, you can also add some chicken or pork bones to the soup.
Which fish is commonly used for soup in Singapore?
In Singapore, the most commonly used fish for soup is the batang fish. It has a firm texture and mild flavour that is perfect for soup. Other fish such as threadfin, pomfret, and grouper may also be used depending on personal preference.
Is it beneficial for your health to regularly consume fish soup?
Yes, regularly consuming fish soup can be beneficial for your health. Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. The broth of the soup also contains nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus that are essential for bone health. However, it's important to choose fresh fish and avoid adding too much salt or other seasonings that may be unhealthy.