Vietnamese Bamboo Shoot Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (150g) bamboo shoots, sliced 1 cup (150g) bamboo shoots, sliced
• 200g pork loin, thinly sliced (or 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined) 200g pork loin, thinly sliced (or 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth and water to a boil.
2. 2.
   Add the bamboo shoots and simmer for 5 minutes until tender.
3. 3.
   Add the pork loin or shrimp and cook until they are fully cooked through.
4. 4.
   Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bamboo shoots — If using fresh bamboo shoots, make sure to peel and blanch them before slicing. If using canned bamboo shoots, rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess saltiness.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a small amount of sliced chili peppers to the soup.
• To enhance the umami flavor, you can add a few drops of sesame oil before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can dissolve a small amount of cornstarch in water and add it to the soup while simmering.

Serving advice

Serve Vietnamese Bamboo Shoot Soup as a starter or as part of a larger Vietnamese meal. It pairs well with steamed rice and can be enjoyed alongside other Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls or grilled meats.

Presentation advice

Garnish the soup with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a slice of lime for an appealing presentation. Serve it in individual bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.