shrimp and winter melon soup

How to Make Shrimp and Winter Melon Soup: A Complete Guide

Shrimp and winter melon soup is a light, nourishing dish, perfect for year-round enjoyment. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to guide you.

Ingredients: 200g fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined), 500g winter melon (peeled and cubed), 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 sliced green onion, a pinch of salt, and a dash of white pepper. Optional: a few drops of sesame oil for aroma.

Steps:

1. Prep the Shrimp: Marinate peeled shrimp with a pinch of salt and starch for 10 minutes to tenderize. Rinse and drain.

2. Cook the Broth: In a pot, bring broth to a simmer. Add minced garlic and winter melon cubes. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the melon turns translucent.

3. Add Shrimp: Gently drop the shrimp into the pot. Cook for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque—do not overcook to keep them tender.

4. Season and Serve: Season with salt and white pepper. Garnish with green onions. For extra flavor, a drizzle of sesame oil before serving enhances the taste.

Tips: For a richer broth, use dried shrimp or kombu (kelp) to simmer with the winter melon first. This soup is low-calorie, hydrating, and packed with umami, making it a healthy choice for any meal!