Chicken Soup with Shiitake Mushroom
Chicken Soup with Shiitake Mushroom is a classic Chinese dish made by slow-cooking fresh chicken, mushrooms, and red dates. The chicken is tender, the mushrooms are flavorful, and the red dates add sweetness and nutrition. This soup is not only delicious but also nourishing. Slow simmering allows the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients to fully develop, making it both tasty and healthy for family meals.
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When making the chicken soup, there are several key points to keep in mind. First, choosing fresh ingredients is crucial. Second, proper preparation and cooking techniques enhance the soup's flavor and texture. Now, let's take a closer look at these considerations:
1.Choosing High-Quality Ingredients:
Chicken: Use fresh bone-in chicken, such as chicken thighs or whole chicken, for a richer flavor. Pre-cut options are available at supermarkets if you prefer.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Use fresh shiitake mushrooms, readily available in most supermarkets. If fresh ones are unavailable, soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water to enhance their aroma.
Red Dates (Jujube): Found in Asian supermarkets or online. If unavailable, substitute with goji berries for nutritional benefits, though the flavor will differ.
Ginger: Effective for removing any undesirable flavors and adding aroma. Fresh ginger is essential for optimal flavor.
2.Choosing and Substituting Seasonings:
Cooking Wine: It effectively removes the gaminess of chicken. If Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) is unavailable, you can substitute with dry sherry or omit it altogether. Some recipes also use rice wine or mirin (although mirin is sweeter).
Salt: Adjust according to personal taste preference, considering different types like table salt, kosher salt, or sea salt with varying levels of salinity.
3.Choosing Water Quality:
If possible, use filtered water. Especially if tap water has strong flavors or a chlorine taste, using filtered water can significantly enhance the soup's flavor.
4.Cooking Techniques:
Blanching Chicken: Blanching chicken removes impurities and blood, ensuring a clear and flavorful soup. After blanching, rinse the chicken thoroughly with cold water.
Skimming Foam: During boiling, regularly skim off any foam to maintain clarity and texture.
Simmering: Maintain a low simmer; boiling vigorously can toughen chicken and cloud the soup. Gentle simmering slowly releases flavors without compromising ingredients.
Allowing Ingredients to Steep: After cooking, let the soup sit covered off heat to allow ingredients to steep fully, enhancing the richness of flavors.
If you're eager to explore new cuisines, I warmly invite you to experience this delicious dish and share cozy moments with family and friends. Next, let's proceed step by step.
INGREDIENTS
MAIN INGREDIENTS
- Half a chicken, chopped into pieces
ACCESSORIES
- 3.5 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, halved
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced
- 3 dried red dates
SEASONINGS
- Enough warm water
- Some cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Prepare Ingredients:
Cut 3.5 ounces of fresh shiitake mushrooms in half.
1 piece of ginger, sliced.
Take half a chicken and cut it into large pieces, then chop those pieces into smaller chunks.
STEP 2
Blanch the Chicken:
Fill a pot with enough warm water to cover the chicken pieces.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and bring to a boil. Blanch the chicken to remove any blood and impurities.
Remove the chicken pieces, rinse them under cold water, and drain well. Set aside.
STEP 3
Sauté Ingredients:
Heat some cooking oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add the sliced ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for a few seconds.
Add the shiitake mushrooms and continue to stir-fry for a short while.
STEP 4
Add Seasonings:
Pour in 1 tablespoon of cooking wine.
Add enough water to the pot to cover the ingredients (about halfway up the pot).
Add 3 dried red dates.
STEP 5
Simmer:
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 40 minutes.
STEP 6
Final Seasoning:
After 40 minutes, uncover the pot.
Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and stir well to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
STEP 7
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy while hot.
Recipe analyzer
- Recipes: Chicken Soup with Shiitake Mushroom
- Main Ingredients:4
- Servings per recipe:1
- Servings size:1.3 kg
-
Energy (calories)：117 kcal
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Protein：2.11 g
-
Fat：0.32 g
Why gray?
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Carbohydrates：30.65 g
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Protein: 5%6 kcal
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Fat: 2%3 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 93%109 kcal
The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.
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