Chinese Seafood Soup, known for its deep umami flavor and delicate balance of textures, is a beloved dish in many regions of China. This aromatic, rich, and satisfying soup brings together a mix of fresh seafood, aromatic herbs, and savory broths. It’s not just a comfort food but also an important part of celebratory meals and family gatherings in Chinese culture.
Whether you’re a fan of seafood or just looking for a new dish to try, this Chinese seafood soup will transport your taste buds to the heart of China. With its deliciously clear broth, tender seafood, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a masterpiece of flavors. Best of all? You can adjust the ingredients based on what’s in season or your personal preferences, making it highly customizable.
Chinese Seafood Soup Recipe
Here’s a tried and tested recipe that will bring authentic Chinese flavors into your kitchen with minimal fuss. This recipe allows you to experiment with different types of seafood while keeping the base flavors intact.
Ingredients Needed
- Seafood (Shrimp, Scallops, and Fish) – About 1 pound total (mixed or individually)
- Fish Stock or Seafood Broth – 4 cups (You can also use chicken broth, but fish stock is ideal)
- Ginger – 2-inch piece, thinly sliced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Green Onions – 3 stalks, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- Shiitake Mushrooms – 5 to 6, sliced thinly (can substitute with other types of mushrooms)
- Carrot – 1, julienned
- Bok Choy – 1 bunch, chopped
- Chinese Shaoxing Wine – 2 tablespoons (adds depth of flavor)
- Soy Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon (for that signature nutty flavor)
- Salt – to taste
- White Pepper – to taste (for a mild heat)
- Cilantro – for garnish (optional)
- Red Chili (optional) – for garnish, sliced thinly (if you like a touch of heat)
Cooking Instructions
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Prepare The Broth
- In a large pot, bring the fish stock or seafood broth to a simmer over medium heat. If you don’t have stock, you can use water, but adding a bit of chicken bouillon can help elevate the taste.
- Add the sliced ginger and minced garlic to the broth. Let this simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors infuse.
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Cook The Vegetables
- Add the sliced mushrooms, julienned carrots, and bok choy to the pot. Continue simmering for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain a slight crunch.
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Add The Seafood
- Gently add the seafood to the broth. Depending on the types of seafood you use, this can take 3-5 minutes. For shrimp, you’ll know they’re done when they turn pink and curl up. Scallops should be opaque, and fish should flake easily with a fork.
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Season The Soup
- Stir in the Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences. If you like it saltier, add a bit more soy sauce or salt.
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Final Touches
- Once everything is cooked through and the flavors have melded, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and red chili slices for an added burst of color and flavor.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each portion has a mix of seafood, vegetables, and a good amount of broth. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup brings its own special contribution to the dish, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors:
- Seafood: The shrimp, scallops, and fish are the stars of this dish. They provide a naturally sweet, oceanic flavor that’s enhanced by the broth and seasonings. Fish like tilapia, cod, or snapper works beautifully in this recipe.
- Shaoxing Wine: This traditional Chinese rice wine adds a complex and slightly sweet flavor, cutting through the richness of the seafood. If you can’t find it, dry sherry is a good substitute.
- Ginger & Garlic: Both are essential in Chinese cooking, lending a deep aromatic quality that enhances the overall flavor profile. Ginger adds warmth, while garlic adds a savory punch.
- Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms are perfect in this soup because of their earthy taste and meaty texture. They soak up the broth and add richness, but other varieties like oyster mushrooms can be used if shiitakes aren’t available.
- Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end of cooking gives the soup a nutty fragrance and a slight richness that rounds out the soup.
Expert Tips
- Make Your Own Broth: If you have time, homemade fish stock or seafood broth will make the soup infinitely better. It’s very simple-just simmer fish bones (or shrimp shells), onion, ginger, and a few herbs for about an hour.
- Don’t Overcook the Seafood: Seafood cooks very quickly, so make sure you don’t overdo it. Overcooked seafood becomes rubbery and loses its natural sweetness.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh seafood and crisp vegetables will make a noticeable difference. The fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant and flavorful the soup.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to add a dash of chili oil or fresh chili slices. For a milder flavor, skip the chili altogether.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is delicious as written, there are a few ways you can personalize it:
- Spicy Seafood Soup: Add more chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste to the broth for a fiery kick. You can also drizzle in some chili oil to finish.
- Adding Tofu: For a vegetarian twist or to make the soup even heartier, tofu is a fantastic addition. Silken tofu works best for this.
- Substitute Vegetables: If bok choy isn’t available, use napa cabbage, spinach, or even kale for a different texture.
- Mushroom Variety: Shiitake mushrooms are traditional, but you can swap them for other varieties like enoki, oyster, or even cremini mushrooms depending on your preference.
- Rice or Noodles: Turn this soup into a meal by adding cooked rice or noodles to the bowl. Just pour the soup over the base of rice or noodles for a more substantial dish.
Final Words
This Chinese seafood soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of freshness, flavor, and tradition. With its complex but comforting broth, delicate seafood, and vibrant vegetables, it captures the essence of Chinese cuisine in a single bowl. It’s versatile, easy to make, and perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Plus, it’s an excellent way to show off your cooking skills to family and friends!