Asian shrimp soup in wok

Asian Shrimp Soup Stir-Fry

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a flavorful and comforting soup, especially when it comes to a perfect combination of shrimp, fresh vegetables, and Asian spices? This Asian shrimp soup stir-fry is not only quick but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for a light dinner or a family meal. The meeting of fresh ingredients and the stir-fry cooking technique will turn every spoonful into an unforgettable experience.

The history of this soup is steeped in Asian culinary traditions, where the wok is the preferred tool for quick and healthy cooking. This cooking method blends flavors and textures, bringing the ingredients together in a dance of tastes. Shrimp soup is often associated with home cooking, being a versatile recipe that can be adapted to personal preferences.

Ingredients:
- 200 g peeled shrimp
- 1 piece of ginger (about 5 cm)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1 red chili pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 100 g black Asian mushrooms or oyster mushrooms
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 small carrot
- 1 liter meat broth or warm water (with a meat stock cube)
- 100 g bamboo shoots (made from bamboo shoots)
- 100 g bean sprouts
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Thai sauce (or 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by hydrating the Asian mushrooms if using dried ones. Place them in a bowl with warm water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. Once hydrated, slice them thinly.

2. Preparing the wok:
Heat the wok or a deep pan over medium heat. Add the peanut oil and wait for it to heat up well. It is essential for the oil to be hot enough to achieve quick and even cooking of the ingredients.

3. The base flavors:
Peel and chop the ginger into slices or small cubes. Add the ginger and whole garlic cloves to the wok. If you want a spicier taste, you can also add the red chili pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until they start to release their aromas. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can give a bitter taste.

4. Adding the vegetables:
Cut the bell peppers into strips and the carrot into thin slices. Add them to the wok and caramelize for 3-4 minutes. You will notice how the vibrant colors blend, providing an appetizing appearance.

5. Creating the soup base:
Pour the meat broth or warm water into the wok, along with the meat stock cube. Add the hydrated mushrooms, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, and mix well. Let the soup simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes for the flavors to combine.

6. Adding the noodles and shrimp:
After 5 minutes, add the rice noodles and stir to soften them. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, then add the peeled shrimp. Cook everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn opaque and are well cooked.

7. Finishing the soup:
Before turning off the heat, add the honey or sugar, rice vinegar, and bean sprouts. Mix well and taste to adjust the seasonings if necessary.

8. Serving:
Pour the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. You can serve it alongside lime wedges for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use frozen vegetables to simplify the process.
- For an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of sesame oil at the end.
- Substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits:
This soup is rich in protein due to the shrimp, and the fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. Ginger and garlic are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and benefits for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Yes, you can use champignon or shiitake mushrooms, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I make the soup spicier?
Add more red chili pepper or a few drops of Sriracha sauce.

3. What other garnishes can I use?
The soup can be served with bread croutons, rice chips, or even boiled rice.

Personalized variation:
For a personal touch, you can add fresh pineapple cubes to the soup for a sweet-sour contrast that will elevate the flavor.

I hope you enjoy this Asian shrimp soup stir-fry, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring an explosion of flavors to your kitchen! Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply as a personal treat, every spoonful will be a delicious journey.