Burmese-Inspired Spicy Seafood Soup

Ingredients

This Burmese-inspired spicy seafood soup takes inspiration from the American clam chowder but adds a unique Burmese twist. While the original clam chowder is creamy and mild, this Burmese version is spicier and incorporates traditional Burmese spices and ingredients such as turmeric, lemongrass, and coconut milk. The seafood selection is also expanded to include shrimp, squid, and fish, giving the soup a more diverse and flavorful profile. We alse have the original recipe for Long Island Clam Chowder, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, fish fillets) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, fish fillets)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised 2 stalks lemongrass, bruised
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 carrot, diced 1 carrot, diced
• 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk 400ml (13.5 fl oz) coconut milk
• 500ml (2 cups) fish or vegetable broth 500ml (2 cups) fish or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Red chili flakes (for garnish) Red chili flakes (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 18g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
2. 2.
   Stir in the turmeric powder and lemongrass stalks, and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
3. 3.
   Add the diced tomatoes and carrots to the pot, and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and fish or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. 5.
   Add the mixed seafood (shrimp, squid, fish fillets) to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes until the seafood is cooked through.
6. 6.
   Stir in the fish sauce and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the lemongrass stalks from the soup before serving.
8. 8.
   Ladle the Burmese-inspired spicy seafood soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an extra kick.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every spoonful!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the soup.
• Lemongrass — Bruise the lemongrass stalks by lightly pounding them with a rolling pin or the back of a knife to release their aromatic oils.
• Turmeric powder — Be cautious while handling turmeric powder as it can stain surfaces and clothing.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chili flakes according to your preference.
• For a heartier soup, add additional vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms.
• Serve the soup with steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a small portion of the soup and then mix it back into the pot.
• Experiment with different types of seafood to suit your taste.

Serving advice

Serve the Burmese-inspired spicy seafood soup hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Garnish each bowl with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of red chili flakes for an added burst of color and heat.

Presentation advice

Present the Burmese-inspired spicy seafood soup in vibrant bowls that showcase the rich colors of the soup and its ingredients. Place a sprig of fresh cilantro on top as a final touch. Serve the soup alongside a plate of steamed rice or a basket of warm crusty bread to create an inviting and visually appealing presentation.