Chinese shrimp soup with noodles

Chinese Shrimp Noodle Soup: A Comforting Delight

Chinese shrimp noodle soup is a dish that combines exotic flavors and fresh ingredients, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is not only quick and easy to make but also packed with nutrients that will energize your day. Moreover, the soup is perfect for cool evenings or moments when you need a comforting yet sophisticated meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients:

- 5 whole Argentine shrimp (approximately 200 g)
- 100 g udon noodles (or egg noodles)
- 50 g fresh spinach
- 10 dried goji berries
- 3 slices of fresh ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 piece of cinnamon stick (note, not ground cinnamon!)
- 2 star anise
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 liter of water

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g

Step 1: Preparing the shrimp
If you have frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them in advance. Then, carefully remove the heads while keeping the tails intact. The legs can be discarded. Once done, place the shrimp tails on a kitchen towel to dry.

Step 2: Preparing the flavorful broth
In a large pot, pour in a liter of water and add the shrimp heads, ginger slices, whole garlic cloves, goji berries, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Heat the pot over medium heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This is when the flavors will meld and the succulent aromas will be released into the water.

Helpful tip: Cinnamon and cinnamon sticks are not the same. Ground cinnamon is often used in desserts, but cinnamon sticks impart a deep, spicy flavor that is perfect for soups. If you can't find it, it's not the end of the world, but I recommend trying to locate it!

Step 3: Straining the broth
After 10 minutes, use a skimmer to remove the foam from the surface of the broth. Then, strain the liquid to eliminate the shrimp heads and other solid ingredients. You will obtain a clear, aromatic broth.

Step 4: Cooking the noodles
In another pot, boil the udon noodles according to the package instructions. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 5: Finishing the soup
Put the broth back into the pot you used and add the shrimp tails. Simmer for 5 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Finally, add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients add depth of flavor and a touch of umami.

Step 6: Assembling
In a large bowl, place the cooked udon noodles and fresh spinach. Sprinkle some dried goji berries on top for a contrast of textures and a hint of sweetness. Carefully arrange the shrimp tails on top and pour the hot broth over all the ingredients.

Serving:
Serve the soup hot, directly from the bowl, and enjoy its complex flavors. You can accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or a green tea drink for a complete culinary experience.

Personalized option:
If you want to add more vegetables, you can include finely chopped carrots or shiitake mushrooms. You can also substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use noodles other than udon?
Yes, you can use rice noodles or egg noodles, but the cooking time may vary.

2. How can I store the soup for the next day?
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. I recommend adding the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft.

3. Can I use other types of shrimp?
Of course! Fresh shrimp or even frozen shrimp from other regions will work great.

This Chinese shrimp noodle soup is more than just a meal; it's an invitation to explore new flavors and enjoy moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!