Chinese Seafood Delight Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, squid) 500g (1.1 lb) mixed seafood (shrimp, fish, squid)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) fish or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) fish or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 12g, 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• 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 fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced carrot and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until slightly softened.
3. 3.
   Add the mixed seafood to the pot and cook until they start to turn opaque.
4. 4.
   Pour in the fish or vegetable broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and Chinese five-spice powder. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the seafood is fully cooked and tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the Chinese Seafood Delight Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Seafood — Ensure that the seafood is fresh and properly cleaned before adding it to the soup.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can create a substitute by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Szechuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili pepper.
• Feel free to customize the seafood selection based on your preferences and availability.
• Serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a more substantial meal.
• To enhance the umami flavor, you can add a splash of fish sauce to the soup.
• For a touch of freshness, squeeze some lime juice over the soup before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Chinese Seafood Delight Soup in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Accompany it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation, arrange the seafood pieces on top of the soup and sprinkle some finely chopped green onions for a pop of color. Serve the soup in beautiful ceramic bowls to showcase its vibrant colors.