sea rice and winter melon soup

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

Dried shrimp and winter melon soup is a light, nourishing Chinese classic, loved for its umami-rich broth and refreshing taste. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g winter melon (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1cm-thick slices)

- 10-15 dried shrimp (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes until soft, then drained)

- 1 liter water or chicken broth

- 2 slices ginger

- 1 green onion (chopped)

- Salt to taste

- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

Steps:

1. Prep the ingredients: Soak dried shrimp to rehydrate, then chop them roughly. Peel and dice winter melon into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook the broth: In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add ginger, dried shrimp, and green onion (reserve some for garnish). Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavor.

3. Add winter melon: Toss in winter melon slices. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the melon turns translucent and tender.

4. Season and serve: Add salt to taste. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired. Garnish with remaining chopped green onion. Serve hot.

Tips: For a richer flavor, stir-fry dried shrimp briefly with ginger before adding broth. Avoid overcooking the melon to keep its texture crisp yet soft. This soup is low-calorie, hydrating, and perfect for year-round enjoyment!