Chinese Bird's Nest Soup

Ingredients

• 30g (1 oz) dried bird's nest 30g (1 oz) dried bird's nest
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth
• 200g (7 oz) boneless chicken breast, shredded 200g (7 oz) boneless chicken breast, shredded
• 100g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced 100g (3.5 oz) mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and white pepper to taste Salt and white pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Soak the dried bird's nest in water for at least 4 hours or until softened. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. 4.
   Add the soaked bird's nest, shredded chicken, and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the bird's nest is fully cooked and tender.
5. 5.
   Season the soup with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
6. 6.
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.
7. 7.
   Serve hot and enjoy the delicate flavors of Chinese Bird's Nest Soup.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bird's nest — Ensure that the dried bird's nest is properly soaked and cleaned before using it in the soup. Remove any impurities or feathers that may be present.
• Chicken breast — To achieve tender and juicy shredded chicken, poach the chicken breast in boiling water for 10-12 minutes until fully cooked. Then, shred it using two forks.

Tips & Tricks

• Soaking the bird's nest for a longer period of time will result in a softer texture.
• Use homemade chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add more soy sauce for a saltier taste or white pepper for a spicier kick.
• For an extra touch of luxury, you can add a few drops of edible bird's nest essence to the soup.
• Serve the soup immediately after cooking to enjoy its optimal texture and flavor.

Serving advice

Chinese Bird's Nest Soup is often served as a starter or as part of a special occasion meal. Serve it in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Chinese Bird's Nest Soup, you can place a few strands of soaked bird's nest on top of each bowl. This adds an elegant touch and showcases the star ingredient of the dish.