Rich and Hearty King Crab Meat Soup with Bamboo Shoots
Rich and Hearty King Crab Meat Soup with Bamboo Shoots
#KingCrabRecipes #CrabSoup #HomemadeCrabSoup #BambooShootIdeas #CrabCongee #CrispyRice
When dining alone, I’ve often ordered Chinese-style soups instead of porridge, finding them easier to digest and more satisfying. After enjoying them twice, I decided to recreate this delightful dish at home! I purchased fresh King Crab meat and added bamboo shoots to make a soup that tastes just like the premium crab congee I ordered. This crab and bamboo shoot ‘congee’ transforms into a thick, comforting porridge when crispy rice is added. However, the cost of pre-made crispy rice can be quite high. So, I realized it would be far more economical to make it myself and store it for future enjoyment! This is the story behind my King Crab Soup, which can also be enjoyed as a congee. Bamboo shoots are a key ingredient, adding a wonderful texture. Mushrooms are also a great addition for extra flavor.
Ingredients- King Crab Meat 350g (Thawed and drained if frozen)
- Cooked Bamboo Shoots 400g
- Carrot 1/4
- Minced Garlic 1 Tbsp
- Chopped Scallion 2 Tbsp
- Chicken Stock 3 Tbsp
- Salt 1 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Consommé Cubes 2 (or 1 cup Chicken Stock)
- Soju 1 Tbsp (for de-odorizing)
- Whiskey 1 Tbsp (for aroma)
- Water 1L
- Black Pepper 1 tsp
- Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp
- Cornstarch Slurry (2 Tbsp Cornstarch + 3 Tbsp Water)
- Crispy Rice 50g (optional, for thickening)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing the bamboo shoots. Rinse the cooked bamboo shoots under running water and then thinly julienne them. Aim for about 0.5cm thickness for a pleasant texture.
Step 2
Heat a little cooking oil in a deep pot or pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped scallions, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the julienned carrots and stir-fry until their color becomes vibrant. (Carrots are primarily for color and can be omitted if you prefer.)
Step 3
Add the julienned bamboo shoots to the pot with the sautéed aromatics and carrots. Stir-fry briefly to allow the bamboo shoots to absorb some of the flavors from the oil.
Step 4
Now, prepare the King Crab meat. If using frozen crab meat, ensure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This helps keep the soup clear. (Use about half of the frozen King Crab meat for this recipe.)
Step 5
Carefully add the prepared King Crab meat to the pot containing the sautéed vegetables and bamboo shoots.
Step 6
Pour in the chicken stock and add the salt. Since chicken stock is already seasoned, it’s best to start with a smaller amount of salt and adjust later according to your taste.
Step 7
Add the consommé cubes (or additional chicken stock), 1L of water, soju, and whiskey. Bring everything to a rolling boil over high heat. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface for a cleaner broth. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, taste, and add more salt if needed. Finally, sprinkle in the black pepper for a touch of warmth. (The alcohol from the soju and whiskey will evaporate during cooking, leaving behind their flavor-enhancing properties and removing any unpleasant odors.)
Step 8
While the soup simmers, prepare the cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 Tbsp of cornstarch with 3 Tbsp of water. Gradually add the slurry to the simmering soup, stirring constantly, until you reach your desired thickness. The cornstarch helps to slightly thicken the soup and allows the flavors to meld with the ingredients. If you prefer a thinner soup, use less slurry. Finish by drizzling in the sesame oil and stirring gently to combine.
Step 9
Now, add the crispy rice and optional dumplings to the King Crab soup. Cook over medium heat. If the soup seems too thick, add a little more water to adjust the consistency. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Continue to simmer until the crispy rice softens and the dumplings are cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 10
Your delicious King Crab Soup is ready! Packed with rich King Crab flavor and the delightful crunch of bamboo shoots, this soup is not only satisfying but also a healthy and light meal. It’s perfect for a refreshing start to your day or a comforting meal when you need something gentle and nourishing.
