Hot And Sour Seafood Soup

HOT AND SOUR SHRIMP SOUP

Steps:

• Wash the raw shrimp, then peel and devein, saving the peelings. Wash the shrimp again, drain and pat dry. Cover and refrigerate.
• Cut each lemongrass stick into 3 (2-inch) pieces, starting from the rounded bottom end; discard the straw-like top. Lightly crush the 6 pieces with a heavy pestle, a mallet, or the blade of a knife.
• Combine the lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, the stock, and shrimp peelings in a pan. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer very gently for 20 minutes. Strain this stock and return to the rinsed-out pan.
• Add the fish sauce, lime juice, and chile paste. Stir and taste again, adding more fish sauce or lime juice if required.
• Drain the straw mushrooms and add them to the seasoned stock. If using fresh mushrooms cut into quarters, drop into lightly salted boiling water, and boil for 1 minute. Drain and add to the seasoned stock. (The soup may be prepared to this stage several hours ahead if necessary and refrigerated.)
• Prepare the garnishes shortly before you are ready to serve the soup. Cut the green chilies into very fine rounds, and wash and dry the cilantro leaves.
• Just before serving, heat the stock with the mushrooms in it. When it begins to bubble, drop in the peeled shrimp. Cook over a medium heat for about 2 minutes or just until the shrimp turn opaque. Serve the soup immediately in individual bowls, garnished with the green chiles and cilantro leaves.

HOT AND SOUR SHRIMP SOUP WITH NOODLES AND THAI HERBS

Steps:

• Soak the noodles in hot water to cover and let stand, about 30 minutes, until soft.
• Peel the shrimp, reserving the shells. Cut them in half lengthwise, then toss with 1/4 teaspoon salt and the sesame oil, and refrigerate.
• Bring the stock to a boil with galangal, garlic, and lemongrass. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 35 minutes. Add the shrimp shells and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, skimming if necessary. Strain the stock and bring to a boil. Turn heat to low and simmer with the shallots and chiles. Simmer for 15 minutes and add 2 teaspoons of salt, the fish sauce, and the sugar. Continue to simmer.
• Meanwhile, drain the noodles well and divide among four to eight bowls. Then add the shrimp to the simmering broth. Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh herbs and lime juice.
• Divide the soup among the soup bowls, sprinkle over the black pepper, and serve.

HOT & SOUR FISH SOUP

Steps:

• Put the coriander seeds and galangal or ginger in a saucepan. Pour in the stock, bring to the boil, then simmer gently for 5 mins. Leave to stand for 10 mins.
• Meanwhile, cook the noodles following pack instructions. Drain and keep warm. Return stock to the boil. Add the fish sauce, chillies and garlic, reduce the heat and simmer for 2 mins. Add the prawns and salmon, return to a simmer and cook gently for about 5 mins until both are firm and cooked. Add the spring onions, herbs and lime juice, to taste.
• Divide the noodles between soup bowls. Using a slotted spoon, lift out the prawns and fish, and place on the noodles. Season the hot stock, pour into the bowls and serve with Spring rolls on the side.

HOT AND SOUR SHRIMP SOUP

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Cook mushrooms and garlic in oil until soft (do not brown). Stir in tomato, pineapple, celery and sugar and cook until tomatoes begin to soften. Stir in chicken broth and water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and stir in lime juice and soy sauce; simmer 5 minutes. Stir in shrimp and red pepper and simmer 3 minutes more, until shrimp are pink. Stir in bean sprouts, onion and reserved noodles. Heat through and serve.

THAI HOT AND SOUR SEAFOOD SOUP

Steps:

• Combine shrimp shells with stock, Green chiles, salt, lime, zest, lime leaves and lemongrass stalks in heavy non-aluminum pot.
• Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Strain.
• Return liquid to pot and place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
• Add shrimp and scallops and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in fish sauce and lime juice.
• Add chopped cilantro, slivered red chili, shiitake slices, and green onions.
• Stir and ladle into individual bowls.