Chinese Chicken Sweet Corn Soup Recipe
Introduction:
Chinese Chicken Sweet Corn Soup is a classic dish found in many Chinese restaurants and is known for its comforting, rich, and slightly creamy texture. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, sweet corn kernels, and a smooth egg ribbon, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or as an appetizer before a main course. With a preparation time of only 20 minutes and a cooking time of 60 minutes, this soup is easy to prepare and makes for a delicious, healthy dish that your whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken breasts | 100 grams |
Garlic (crushed) | 4 cloves |
Ginger (crushed) | 1 inch |
Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 sprig |
Whole black peppercorns (crushed) | 1 teaspoon |
Corn flour (cornstarch) | 2 teaspoons |
Egg | 1 whole |
Sweet corn (kernels) | 1/2 cup |
Spring onion greens (chopped) | 2 sprigs |
Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chicken Stock:
Begin by heating a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cups of water along with the chicken breasts, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and coriander leaves. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes. -
Skim the Foam:
As the stock begins to boil, you’ll notice some foam forming on the surface. Skim this off using a spoon to ensure a clear broth. -
Drain the Stock:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the saucepan. Drain the broth into another saucepan, leaving the solid ingredients behind. Place the broth on low heat to keep it warm while you prepare the next steps. -
Shred the Chicken:
Take the boiled chicken breasts and shred them into small, bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside for later. -
Add the Soup Ingredients:
To the warm chicken stock, add the sweet corn kernels, chopped spring onions, corn flour (cornstarch), and the shredded chicken. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the corn flour is well incorporated. -
Thicken the Soup:
Continue stirring the soup until it thickens slightly. The corn flour will help give the soup a light creamy texture. -
Whisk the Egg:
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg until it is smooth and well-beaten. -
Add the Egg:
As the soup begins to boil, slowly pour in the whisked egg in a thin stream. Stir gently and continuously as you add the egg to the soup. The egg will form delicate, satin-like ribbons in the soup, giving it a beautiful texture. -
Season the Soup:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper to adjust the flavor. Make sure the soup is well-seasoned before removing it from the heat. -
Serve the Soup:
Ladle the Chinese Chicken Sweet Corn Soup into bowls and serve hot. For an even more indulgent meal, pair it with dishes like Chicken Manchurian or Chicken Noodles for a delightful weekend meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just ensure that you remove the bones before shredding.
- Corn Flour Alternative: If you don’t have corn flour, you can substitute it with a bit of all-purpose flour to thicken the soup. However, corn flour gives the soup a more delicate texture.
- Add More Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value, feel free to add vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers for a colorful and hearty soup.
- Egg Substitute: If you’re avoiding eggs, you can skip the egg altogether or use a plant-based egg alternative for a vegan version.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Chinese Chicken Sweet Corn Soup as a standalone dish, or pair it with other popular Chinese appetizers like spring rolls or dumplings. For a complete meal, serve alongside stir-fried rice, noodles, or a savory chicken main dish like Chicken Manchurian.
This recipe for Chinese Chicken Sweet Corn Soup offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and rich texture, making it an ideal appetizer for any meal. Enjoy this healthy and satisfying soup as part of your next family dinner or weekend gathering!