Mixed Seafood Soup Recipe: Authentic Singaporean Style

If you're a seafood lover, you'll definitely want to try out this mixed seafood soup recipe from Singapore. This soup is a perfect example of the diverse and flavourful cuisine that Singapore is known for. It is a hearty and healthy soup that is perfect for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather.

To make this soup, you'll need a variety of seafood, such as fish fillets, prawns, mussels, and squid. You'll also need a range of herbs and spices, including ginger, garlic, lemongrass, and chilli. The soup is typically served with rice noodles or vermicelli, which soak up the delicious broth and add a satisfying texture to the dish.

Key Takeaways

• Mixed seafood soup is a hearty and healthy dish that is perfect for cold days.
• The essential ingredients for this soup include a variety of seafood and herbs and spices.
• This soup is a popular variation of seafood soup in Singapore and is typically served with rice noodles or vermicelli.

Essential Ingredients for Seafood Soup

If you're planning to make a delicious seafood soup, it's important to use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you'll need to make a hearty and flavourful seafood soup.

Selecting the Seafood

When it comes to seafood soup, the possibilities are endless. Some popular seafood options include prawns, fish slices, clams, mussels, and white fish. You can use a combination of these seafood options or pick your favourite ones. Make sure to choose fresh seafood that's not slimy, has a fresh smell, and has no discolouration.

Vegetables and Aromatics

Vegetables and aromatics are essential to add flavour and depth to your seafood soup. Some popular vegetables and aromatics include ginger, garlic, onion, and tomatoes. These ingredients will add a savoury note to your soup and balance out the seafood's natural sweetness. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, and leeks to add more texture and flavour to your soup.

Stocks and Liquids

Stocks and liquids are the base of your seafood soup. You can use chicken, pork, or seafood stock to add depth of flavour to your soup. You can also use broth or coconut milk to add creaminess and richness to your soup. Evaporated milk is also a great addition to make your soup more velvety and smooth.

To summarise, to make a delicious seafood soup, you'll need fresh seafood, vegetables, aromatics, and a flavourful stock or liquid. By using fresh and high-quality ingredients, you'll be able to create a hearty and flavourful soup that's perfect for any occasion.

Preparing the Base

To make a delicious mixed seafood soup, you need to start with a flavourful base. Here are some tips on how to create a base that will make your soup taste amazing.

Creating a Flavourful Broth

The first step in making a great mixed seafood soup is to create a flavourful broth. To do this, you will need to use a combination of ingredients that will give your soup a rich, complex flavour.

Start by sautéing some chopped lemongrass, chilli, and shrimp paste in a large pot. This will help to release the flavours of these ingredients and infuse them into the broth. Next, add some water to the pot and bring it to a boil. You can also add some fish sauce and tamarind to the pot to give the broth a tangy, umami flavour.

Once the broth is boiling, add your seafood to the pot. You can use a combination of prawns, squid, mussels, and fish to create a delicious mixed seafood soup. Let the seafood cook in the broth for a few minutes until it is fully cooked.

Balancing Spices and Seasonings

To make sure your mixed seafood soup has the perfect balance of spices and seasonings, you need to taste the broth as you go along. Start by adding some salt to the pot to bring out the flavours of the other ingredients. You can also add some lime juice to the pot to give the soup a bright, citrusy flavour.

As you taste the broth, you may find that it needs more of certain spices or seasonings. You can add more chilli to make the soup spicier, or more fish sauce to make it saltier. You can also add some cilantro to the pot to give the soup a fresh, herbaceous flavour.

By following these tips, you can create a base for your mixed seafood soup that is packed with flavour and depth. Experiment with different spices and seasonings to create a soup that is uniquely your own.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Achieving the Perfect Texture

When it comes to cooking mixed seafood soup, achieving the perfect texture is key. Overcooking can result in tough and rubbery seafood, while undercooking can lead to a raw and unpleasant taste. To ensure that your seafood is cooked to perfection, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Boiling: Boiling is a common method for cooking seafood in soup. Make sure to bring the soup to a rolling boil before adding the seafood. Once the seafood is added, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the seafood is just cooked through.

• Steaming Hot: Steaming is another great way to cook seafood in soup. Place the seafood on a steaming rack over the soup and cover with a lid. Steam until the seafood is just cooked through.

• Rice and Noodles: Mixed seafood soup can be served with rice or noodles. To cook rice, use a rice cooker or cook it on the stove according to the package instructions. For noodles, you can use bee hoon or rice noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and add them to the soup just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To make the most out of your mixed seafood soup, here are some serving suggestions:

• Garnish: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley, to add a burst of flavour and colour.

• Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for a hearty meal.

• Spices: Add a touch of spice to the soup with chilli flakes or hot sauce.

• Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon over the soup to add a tangy twist to the flavour.

By following these simple techniques and tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying mixed seafood soup that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

Popular Variations and Local Favourites

When it comes to mixed seafood soup, Singapore offers a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you prefer a hearty bowl of chowder or a light and clear broth, there is something for everyone. Here are some popular variations and local favourites to try:

Hawker Centre Delights

One of the best places to try mixed seafood soup in Singapore is at the hawker centres. These open-air food markets are a staple of Singaporean cuisine, and they offer a variety of affordable and delicious dishes. Some of the most popular hawker centres to visit include Maxwell Food Centre and Amoy Street Food Centre.

At Maxwell Food Centre, you can find Piao Ji Fish Porridge, which serves a delicious fish soup made with fresh ingredients. The soup is light and flavourful, and it comes with generous portions of fish and vegetables. Another great option is First Street Teochew Fish Soup, which is located at Upper Serangoon Road. This stall is known for its Teochew-style fish soup, which is made with a clear broth and fresh fish slices.

Homemade Specialties

If you prefer to make your own mixed seafood soup, there are plenty of homemade recipes to try. One popular recipe is Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon, which can be found at Xin Yuan Ji. This recipe is a family favourite, and it is made with a rich and flavourful broth that is perfect for cold days.

Another great option is to experiment with your own recipe at home. You can use a variety of seafood, such as prawns, fish, and squid, and add your own mix of vegetables and spices. Some popular ingredients to include are lemongrass, ginger, and garlic. With a little bit of creativity, you can create your own unique version of mixed seafood soup that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Overall, mixed seafood soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is loved by many in Singapore. Whether you prefer to visit a hawker centre or make your own at home, there are plenty of options to choose from. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best type of fish to use in a Singaporean fish soup?

When it comes to making a delicious seafood soup, the type of fish you use is crucial. Some of the best fish to use in a Singaporean fish soup include red snapper, grouper, and sea bass. These fish are firm and have a mild flavour, making them perfect for seafood soups. You can also use other types of fish, such as cod or halibut, depending on your preference.

Could you suggest a simple way to prepare a seafood soup, Singapore style?

Making a seafood soup, Singapore style, is not as complicated as it may seem. Start by sautéing garlic and ginger in a pot, then add in your seafood of choice and stir-fry for a few minutes. Next, add in chicken or vegetable stock, along with some Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the seafood is cooked through. Finally, add in some vegetables such as bok choy or spinach, and serve with a side of rice noodles.

What are the key ingredients for a traditional Chinese seafood soup?

A traditional Chinese seafood soup typically includes a variety of seafood such as prawns, squid, and fish, as well as vegetables like mushrooms and bok choy. The soup is usually flavoured with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, and can also include Chinese cooking wine and sesame oil. Some recipes may also call for additional ingredients such as goji berries or wolfberries.

Is there a healthier version of mixed seafood soup that's easy to make?

Yes, there are many healthier versions of mixed seafood soup that are easy to make. One option is to use a clear broth made from chicken or vegetable stock, instead of a cream-based broth. You can also add in plenty of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and spinach to boost the nutritional value of the soup. Finally, try to use fresh seafood whenever possible, as it is generally lower in fat and calories than processed seafood.

How do you make a creamy seafood soup without it being too heavy?

To make a creamy seafood soup without it being too heavy, you can use a combination of low-fat milk and chicken or vegetable stock to create a creamy base. You can also add in some flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup without adding extra fat. Finally, try to use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, as it will still give the soup a creamy texture without being too heavy.

Can you name different varieties of seafood soup found in Singapore?

There are many different varieties of seafood soup found in Singapore, each with its own unique flavour and ingredients. Some popular varieties include fish soup, laksa (a spicy noodle soup with seafood), and tom yum (a sour and spicy soup with prawns and other seafood). Other popular seafood soups in Singapore include crab soup, clam soup, and seafood chowder.