Malatang Soup Recipe?

The Malatang soup recipe is made with chicken or vegetable broth, Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chili peppers, ginger, garlic, doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste), soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame oil, Napa cabbage, bok choy, bean sprouts, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, tofu, fish balls or shrimp, fresh noodles, and optional ingredients like thinly sliced beef or pork, and quail eggs. This spicy and flavorful Malatang soup recipe creates a hearty meal that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Malatang soup Ingredients

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1-2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 3-4 dried red chili peppers (adjust to taste)
• 2-3 slices of ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy fermented bean paste)
• 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 cup Napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup bok choy, chopped
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or button)
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots
• 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
• 1/2 cup fish balls or shrimp
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced beef or pork (optional)
• 1/2 cup quail eggs (optional)
• 200g fresh noodles (udon, rice noodles, or glass noodles)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Scallions, chopped
• Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds
• Chili oil, to taste

Malatang soup Instructions

• Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chili peppers, ginger slices, and minced garlic; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in doubanjiang; cook for another 1-2 minutes.
• Pour in chicken or vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
• Add soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar; adjust seasoning to taste.
• Add chopped Napa cabbage, bok choy, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots to the simmering broth.
• Add tofu, fish balls, shrimp, and any other proteins; simmer for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and proteins are cooked through.
• Cook noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Place a portion of cooked noodles into individual serving bowls.
• Ladle hot broth with vegetables and proteins over the noodles.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, scallions, crushed peanuts, and a drizzle of chili oil.
• Serve immediately while hot.

Recipe Tips

• Add Freshness: To balance the richness and heat, add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors.
• Texture Tips: To keep vegetables crisp, add them to the pot based on their cooking times. For instance, add delicate vegetables like bok choy towards the end of cooking, while heartier ones like bamboo shoots can go in earlier.
• Noodle Prep: Cook noodles separately to avoid them becoming mushy in the soup. Rinse them under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together.

How To Store Malatang soup

Refrigerate: Cool the Malatang soup completely. Then, transfer the soup to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the soup. Pour the cooled soup into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Leftover Malatang soup

In a Pot: Reheat the leftover Malatang soup in a pot over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it heat through for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the Malatang soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the soup is heated evenly.

In The Air Fryer: While not a typical method for soup, if you want to reheat the solid ingredients separately, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the solid ingredients like meat or tofu in an air fryer-safe container and heat for 5-7 minutes. Reheat the broth separately in a pot or microwave, then combine them.

What To Serve Malatang soup

Malatang soup pairs well with steamed rice, crispy spring rolls, dumplings, and egg pancakes. It can also be served alongside pickled vegetables, garlic naan, vegetable skewers, and kimchi for a fuller meal experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the spice level of the Malatang soup?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer dried red chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. Start with less if you prefer a milder soup and gradually add more to reach your desired level of spiciness.

What can I use as a substitute for doubanjiang?

If you can’t find doubanjiang, you can use a combination of miso paste and a small amount of chili paste. This will give you a similar savory and spicy flavor, though it won’t be identical to the authentic taste.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or instant noodles. Just add them to the soup in the last few minutes of cooking to heat through. Adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking.

Try more recipes:

• Cast Iron Vegetable Soup Recipe
• French Duck Soup Recipe
• Chinese Pork Noodle Soup Recipe