Craving a hearty and flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting family meal? Look no further than this Western Red Noodle Soup recipe! This vibrant dish boasts a rich, savory broth infused with the umami depth of beef, the sweetness of carrots and celery, and a delightful tang from tomatoes. Tender noodles perfectly complement the hearty broth, creating a satisfying and delicious experience. It's a classic for a reason, and this recipe delivers all the deliciousness you've come to expect, with a few modern twists to elevate the flavor profile.
Forget complicated techniques and lengthy prep times; this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. The combination of readily available ingredients and straightforward instructions ensures a delicious outcome every time. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with the step-by-step guide to making your own bowl of comforting Western Red Noodle Soup.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Bowl
- Spoon
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Pork leg
- Pig tail
- Pig's feet
- Onion
- Shallot
- Straw mushrooms: 200g raw + 100g
- Tomatoes
- Blood: 200g
- Water spinach
- Tofu
- Live crab: half a kilo
- Seasoning powder
- Salt
- Ginger
- Shrimp paste
- Dried shrimp
- Annatto oil
- Green onion
- Lemon
- Ground chili
- Large rice noodles
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Ingredients
- Wash pig's feet and pig's tail with salt water. Blanch in boiling water, then transfer to cold water.
- Boil water in a pot. Add onion, shallot, and pork leg. Cook for about an hour, skimming off foam.
- After an hour, remove onion and shallot. Add salt and ginger.
- Wash and soak straw mushrooms in diluted salt water for 15 minutes.
- Fry tofu.
- Wash and puree live crab. Make crab patties with seasoning powder, salt, shrimp paste, dried shrimp, cooked pork leg and pig tail.
- Remove pig's feet from the braised pig's feet pot. Add dried shrimp to the broth and cook until sweet.
- Chop shallots. Fry half for fried onions; stir-fry the other half with tomatoes and annatto oil.
- Boil water spinach with a little cooking oil. After cooking, place in ice water to maintain color and crispness.
Step 2. Cook the Soup Base and Addings
- Add half of the straw mushrooms to the broth and let it boil for 5 minutes before adding blood.
- Chop the remaining straw mushrooms with green onion, seasoning powder, and salt. Mix well and let stand for 15 minutes before frying.
- Add blood to the pot, bring to a boil. Pour in crab water, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Season with seasoning powder, salt, and shrimp paste. Add tomatoes.
- Fry crab patties until cooked and add to the broth. Add fried tofu, fried onions, and season to taste.
Step 3. Prepare Noodles and Garnish
- Boil rice noodles until cooked; drain before adding to broth. Alternatively, add directly to broth if preferred.
Step 4. Serve
- Add noodles to the broth. Serve hot.
Read more: Vietnamese Sweet & Sour Fish Soup: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
Tips
- The water should taste sweet and not fishy.
- Serve with boiled morning glory, a little shrimp paste, ground chili, and a few drops of lemon.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 600-800
- Fat: 25-40g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While traditional Western Red Noodle Soup uses thin egg noodles, you can experiment with other shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even wider egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. What can I substitute for beef broth?
You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a different flavor profile. For a richer vegetarian option, consider using a beef-flavored vegetable broth.
This Western Red Noodle Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The comforting flavors and simple preparation make it a family favorite you'll return to again and again. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this classic dish!