A Deliciously Tasty Jiyu Tang Soup Recipe
Jiyu Tang is a milky fish soup that is a mainstay in many Chinese restaurants. It’s full of flavor and warmth, making it one of the most popular soups. Here, we’ll show you how to make Jiyu Tang at home in just a few simple steps with ingredients you can find easily in your local supermarket. Below, we will provide some suggestions on how to serve Jiyu Tang soup and what would pair well with it.
What is Jiyu Tang Soup?
Jiyu Tang soup is a classic Chinese fish soup made with fish, mushrooms, vegetables, and tofu. Jiyu Tang is believed to have been created during the Tang Dynasty, hence the name Jiyu Tang. It has a rich and complex flavor and is often served as an appetizer or main course.
However, today Jiyu Tang soup is also an accompaniment to various dishes. It’s mainly served hot and is an excellent source of warmth during the colder months. The soup can also be served cold in the summer months, making it a versatile soup that can be enjoyed all year round.
Jiyu Tang Soup Ingredient List
Jiyu Tang soup ingredients are generally tricky to find in your local market. We recommend heading to your nearest Chinese grocery store to get all the necessary ingredients. If you can’t find specific ingredients, we will include a substitution list at the end of this recipe.
Here are the ingredients:
- 1 medium or two small whole trout or tilapia
- 1-inch ginger, diced
- 2 large green onions
- 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of rice wine or Chinese cooking wine
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper powder
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of chili oil
Garnishes & Sides:
- Boiled eggs
- Pickled mustard greens
- Rice sticks
- Cornstarch noodles
Alternatives & Substitutions:
- Fish can be substituted with chicken or tofu.
- Sesame oil can be substituted with vegetable or olive oil.
- Soy sauce can be replaced with tamari or coconut aminos.
Kitchenware & Cookware
- A large pot or wok
- A strainer
- A wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
- Knives
- Chopping board
Jiyu Tang Soup Cooking Instructions
Here are the steps to make Jiyu Tang soup:
Step 1: Dice The Fish & Tofu
The first step will be to take the fish of your choosing and to descale it. If you already have chunks or fillets of fish, you can skip this process and just roughly chop or remove the bones. Also, take the tofu and cut it into big chunks.
Step 2: Heat the Oil in a Large Pot or Wok
Add two tablespoons of oil to the heated pot or wok on medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, ginger, and green onions to the pot. Stir everything until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Fish and Aromatics
Add the fish to the pot and heat the fish on each side for five minutes until everything has a nice color. You will begin to smell the dish, which is how you know it’s at the stage where you need to boil. The aromatics should fill the home and create a lovely seafood smell.
Step 4: Add the Seasoning Ingredients
Once the fish has cooked through, add soy sauce, white pepper powder, and sesame oil to the pot. Stir everything together and let the soup simmer for 1-2 minutes. You can also add optional ingredients such as chili oil and sugar to enhance the soup’s flavor.
Step 5: Boil The Soup
Now, let the soup boil for at least 10-15 minutes on a medium-low setting. Simmer the soup until the fish is flaky and tender. You do not want to overcook the soup, as the fish will become tough to chew.
Step 6: Serve Jiyu Tang Soup
Once Jiyu Tang soup is done, it’s ready to be served. Garnish with boiled eggs, pickled mustard greens, rice sticks, and cornstarch noodles. Jiyu Tang soup pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice. Enjoy!
What Pairs Well With Jiyu Tang Soup?
Jiyu Tang soup pairs well with steamed white or brown rice. It also goes great with pickled mustard greens and boiled eggs. For an extra crunch, add some cornstarch noodles or rice sticks. You can also serve Jiyu Tang soup with meat or vegetables for a complete meal.
Most Chinese eat Jiyu Soup as a side dish rather than as a main course, so it’s essential to choose the right accompaniments. Try serving Jiyu Tang soup with steamed buns, noodles, or a light stir-fry. You can also serve Jiyu Tang soup with savory snacks such as edamame or steamed dumplings.
Serving Jiyu Tang Soup
Jiyu Tang soup is best served in small bowls. This allows each person to have enough soup for a few bites without overflowing the bowl. Jiyu Tang soup is also best served hot, so ensure to serve it soon after cooking or keep it warm. If you want to present Jiyu Tang soup elegantly, try garnishing it with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro.
Jiyu Tang Soup FAQs
Can Jiyu Tang Soup be frozen?
Yes, Jiyu Tang soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the soup before transferring it into an air-tight container. When reheating Jiyu Tang soup, heat it up until it’s piping hot before serving.
What other ingredients can I add to Jiyu Tang Soup?
Jiyu Tang soup is versatile, and you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Some popular additions include tofu, shiitake mushrooms, bamboo shoots, and Chinese cabbage.
Is Jiyu Tang soup vegan?
Jiyu Tang soup can easily be made vegan by substituting fish with tofu or mushrooms. To make Jiyu Tang soup vegetarian, you can substitute fish with eggs.
Can Jiyu Tang soup be made in a slow cooker?
Jiyu Tang soup can be made in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and set it low for 6-8 hours.
Conclusion
Jiyu Tang soup is a popular Chinese dish that can easily be made at home. It’s packed with flavor and the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With our Jiyu Tang soup recipe, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients and serve it alongside steamed rice or buns. Jiyu Tang soup also freezes well and can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. With this Jiyu Tang soup recipe, you can enjoy a hot and delicious bowl of Jiyu Tang soup in no time!
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