Name: Mushroom, Shrimp, and Winter Melon Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 0.5 cup dried shiitake mushrooms; 3 cups water; 0.5 pound shell-on medium shrimp, deveined; 1 teaspoon sunflower oil (or other neutral oil); 1 (10 ounce) peeled winter melon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces; 0.25 (8 ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained and thinly sliced; 2 teaspoons cooking sake (or dry sherry); 1 cube chicken bouillon (or equivalent chicken broth concentrate); 1 (1 inch) piece ginger, grated; 2 slices lemon; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro; Salt and ground white pepper to taste

A delicate and flavorful soup that marries the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms with the sweetness of shrimp and the subtle coolness of winter melon. This light yet satisfying soup is perfect for any season, offering a comforting warmth in winter and a refreshing lightness in summer.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Rehydrate the Mushrooms: In a bowl, combine the dried shiitake mushrooms and water. Allow them to soak until softened, approximately 15-20 minutes. Once softened, drain the mushrooms, reserving 2 cups of the soaking water. (Time: 20 minutes)

02

Step

Prepare the Shrimp: Soak the shrimp in lightly salted water for about 5 minutes. Peel and devein the shrimp, then soak them again in fresh salted water for another 5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. (Time: 10 minutes)

03

Step

Sauté the Shrimp: Heat sunflower oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the prepared shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside. (Time: 5 minutes)

04

Step

Simmer the Soup Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the winter melon, rehydrated mushrooms, sliced bamboo shoots, reserved mushroom soaking water, cooking sake, chicken bouillon, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. As the soup simmers, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Cook until the winter melon becomes translucent, about 10-15 minutes. (Time: 15 minutes)

05

Step

Assemble and Serve: Divide the sautéed shrimp evenly between two serving bowls. Ladle the hot soup over the shrimp in each bowl. Garnish with a slice of lemon and chopped fresh cilantro. Season the soup with salt and ground white pepper to taste before serving. (Time: 5 minutes)