Simple Chinese fish soup recipe

Imagine a tranquil Chinese kitchen, where the scents of delicate fish broths simmering on the stove blend with the earthy fragrance of herbs. This is a version of fish soup that invites a deeper connection to the flavors of the sea.

I don’t discriminate when it comes to soups—whether it’s vegetable, chicken, seafood, or beef, I love them all. Soups are my passion, and they have the power to make my knees weak at the mere sight of them. But this Chinese Fish Soup... it’s a whole new level.

What you'll need to make Chinese Fish Soup

• 250g conger eel
• 250g monkfish
• 1 whiting
• 1 onion

• 2 cloves
• 1 bouquet garni
• salt and pepper
• 1 red pepper

• 50g butter or 3 tablespoons oil
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/2g saffron
• rice noodles (optional)

It’s the one dish that’s bound to make everyone feel at home!

 

Fish Soup: Recipe Instructions

Chop the onion. Brown it in a casserole with butter or oil without letting it brown. Then add the peeled and chopped red pepper, crushed garlic and fish. Let simmer for 10 minutes uncovered.

Add saffron, cloves, bouquet garni, salt and pepper. Moisten with ½ l of water. Close the casserole and cook for 15 minutes from the moment the valve whispers. Add rice noodles and close the casserole for 5 minutes from the moment the valve whispers.

Variations 

This fish soup has many variations, each with its own unique ingredients. One such variation is tofu fish soup, and during the colder months, white radish makes a great addition. The soup can also be made with fish heads or fish bones, which provide a creamy texture when simmered for a long time.

The soup's white hue comes from the extended cooking over high heat, where the fat is released into the broth, rather than from tofu or white radish.

What to serve with Chinese fish soup

To complement this rich and subtly savory soup, I recommend serving it with various types of steamed buns, including scallion pancakes. For a lighter, healthier option, blanched vegetables or a refreshing smashed cucumber salad would pair well.