Dive into a world of umami with this simple yet incredibly flavorful seaweed soup recipe featuring succulent shrimp. Seaweed, a nutritional powerhouse brimming with vitamins and minerals, takes center stage, offering a unique and subtly salty taste that complements the delicate sweetness of the shrimp perfectly. This recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and time, making it ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a light and refreshing lunch. Forget complicated Asian cuisine; this recipe is accessible to even the most novice cooks.
The rich broth, infused with the essence of the sea, will transport your taste buds to coastal shores. We'll guide you through each step, ensuring a delicious and authentic result every time. Ready to unlock the secrets of this delightful soup? Let's get started with our simple step-by-step guide!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Shrimp: 300g (fresh, live shrimp preferred)
- Seaweed: 25g (half a 50g package)
- Shallots: 3
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Ginger: 1 small piece
- Green onions
- Cilantro
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- MSG: 1/3 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1/3 teaspoon
- Ground pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Water: 1 liter
- Cooking oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Soak seaweed in water for 5 minutes to expand.
- remove heads and veins, then peel and wash. Keep the shrimp heads and bodies separate.
- Chop green onions, cilantro, garlic, shallots, and ginger finely.
- Marinate shrimp with chopped shallots, garlic, ginger, seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, pepper, and fish sauce for 15 minutes. Cut shrimp in half if desired.
Step 2. Cook the Broth and Shrimp
- Heat cooking oil in a pot. Add minced garlic, ginger, and shallots, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add shrimp heads and stir-fry until they turn red to remove fishy smell.
- Add 1 liter of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes to extract sweetness from shrimp heads. Remove shrimp heads.
- Add shrimp and seaweed, bring to a boil again, then simmer for 3 minutes. Remove any white foam that rises to the surface.
Step 3. Season and Finish
- Reduce heat to low, season with sugar, MSG, and salt to taste. Add seasoning powder if needed.
- Stir to dissolve seasonings. Add green onions and cilantro, stir well, then turn off the heat.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- Use fresh, live shrimp for the best flavor.
- Don't use too much seaweed, as it will expand significantly during cooking.
- Removing the shrimp heads and simmering them helps prevent a fishy smell in the soup and adds sweetness.
- Rinse the seaweed several times before adding it to the soup.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of seaweed?
Yes! Kombu, wakame, and dulse are all great options. Just adjust the amount depending on the seaweed's saltiness and texture.
2. What if I don't have shrimp?
No problem! You can easily substitute with other seafood like scallops, mussels, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Chicken or pork broth can also be used.
This simple seaweed soup with shrimp recipe is a testament to how easily delicious and healthy meals can be created. Enjoy the satisfying taste and the nutritional benefits this soup offers, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and create your own bowl of coastal goodness!