sour radish and duck soup

How to Make Sour Radish and Old Duck Soup: A Complete Guide

Sour radish and old duck soup is a beloved Chinese comfort dish, prized for its tangy flavor and tender meat. Here’s a simple yet authentic recipe to recreate it at home.

Ingredients: 1 old duck (cut into pieces), 200g preserved sour radish (soaked and sliced), 1 ginger (smashed), 3 garlic cloves, 1 goji berry handful, water, salt, and white pepper to taste. Optional: dried tangerine peel for extra aroma.

Steps:

1. Prep the duck: Blanch duck pieces in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities. Rinse and drain.

2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pot. Stir-fry ginger, garlic, and sour radish until fragrant.

3. Simmer: Add the duck, goji berries, and dried tangerine peel (if using). Pour enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1.5–2 hours, until the duck is tender.

4. Season: Add salt and white pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust sourness by adding more radish if needed.

Tips: Use an old duck for richer flavor; soak sour radish to reduce saltiness. Serve hot as a hearty soup or with rice. This dish balances umami, tang, and warmth, perfect for any season!