This comforting and flavorful Salted Vegetable Duck Soup (咸菜鸭汤), a beloved Chinese home-style dish, is surprisingly simple to make. The salty tang of the preserved vegetables perfectly complements the richness of the duck, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that's both deeply satisfying and surprisingly light. This recipe utilizes readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. The result is a deeply flavorful broth that's both nourishing and delicious, a true testament to the magic of simple ingredients expertly combined.
The unique combination of tender duck meat, subtly salty preserved vegetables, and a fragrant broth makes this soup a culinary treasure. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll be amazed at how easily this dish comes together. For a step-by-step guide to crafting this delectable soup, follow the instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Small Container for Spices
Ingredients
- Salted Vegetables: 450-500g
- Duck: 2kg
- Tomatoes: 3
- Old Ginger: 80-100g
- White Peppercorns: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Sour Plums: 5 pieces
- Sour Plum Juice: 5 tbsp
- Water
- Chicken or Pork Stock Powder: 2 tbsp (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Blanch Duck
- Wash the salted vegetables. Do not soak for a long time to retain saltiness.
- Blanch the duck in cold water, bring to a boil for 1 minute, then rinse and drain to remove scum.
- remove skin).
- Smash the old ginger.
Step 2. Combine Ingredients & Boil
- Add peppercorns, garlic, and ginger to the pot.
- Add the duck, salted vegetables, and tomatoes to the pot.
- Add sour plums and sour plum juice.
- Add water and optional chicken/pork stock powder.
- Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-1.2 hours until duck is tender.
Step 3. Simmer & Adjust Seasoning
- Taste and adjust sourness by adding more sour plums if needed. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
Read more: Chinese Wonton Soup: Thousand-Li Fragrance Recipe
Tips
- Using old ginger provides a more intense flavor.
- If you don't have sour plums, use a substitute like Assa, soaked and juiced.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1100
- Fat: 70g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 100g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of preserved vegetables instead of salted vegetables?
Yes! Pickled mustard greens, or even kimchi could add a delicious twist. Just adjust the saltiness to your taste.
2. How can I make this soup even richer in flavor?
Simmer the duck for a longer time (up to 2 hours) to extract more flavor. Adding a star anise or two will also enhance the aromatic depth.
This Easy Salted Vegetable Duck Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy night in or a comforting meal any time. The simple recipe belies the depth of flavor achieved, proving that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this classic Chinese soup!