Winter Melon Soup Recipe

I adore this winter melon soup recipe because it brings a comforting warmth and nostalgic flavor to cold days, much like a hug in a bowl. Plus, the savory mix of dried shrimp and shiitake mushrooms creates a rich, umami depth that’s just irresistible!

Winter Melon Soup is a delicious and comforting dish for cold winter nights. The tender cubes of winter melon soak up the flavor of the 8 cups of chicken broth, making the first spoonful as delightful as the last.

Shiitake mushrooms and lean pork provide satisfying and rich depths of flavor, while a handful of dried shrimp serves up an umami punch. And ginger and garlic give warming flavors that practically ensure a cold you-know-what won’t be coming your way anytime soon.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds winter melon, peeled and cubed
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup dried shrimp, rinsed and soaked
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 4 ounces lean pork, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions

1.

2. Decrease the heat to medium-low and let the winter melon simmer for roughly 10 minutes, until it becomes tender.

3. Drain and chop the soaked dried shrimp while the melon is cooking. Add them to the pot.

4.

5. In the soy sauce, white pepper, and salt, stir. To taste, adjust the seasoning.

6.

7. Stir in the chopped green onions and drizzle with sesame oil just before serving.

8. Take the soup off the heat and let it sit for several minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.

9. Spoon the soup into bowls, making sure that in each serving there is an even distribution of ingredients.

10. Warm and savor your cozy winter melon soup; the comforting dish is perfect for these cold winter months.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Peeler
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Ladle
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Colander or strainer (for draining shrimp)

FAQ

• Can I use fresh shrimp instead of dried shrimp?Absolutely, you can use fresh shrimp in place of dried shrimp. Just be sure to alter the cooking time so that the shrimp has time to cook through and is not served raw.
• Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version?Of course! A vegetarian version of the soup can easily be made by using vegetable broth instead of the chicken broth.
• Do I need to soak the shiitake mushrooms?If you are using dried shiitake mushrooms, softening them in water until they are completely rehydrated is essential. If they are fresh, you can use them without any prep.
• Can I skip the sesame oil?Although sesame oil contributes a lovely scent and taste, it can be omitted if you desire or are allergic. If you do so, make sure to use another oil that has a not-too-mild flavor and fragrance, as oil is an important ingredient in making this dish.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days at most. When it’s time to serve the soup again, reheat it on the stove, but do so gently; leftover soup tends to be more concentrated than when it was first made.
• Is winter melon similar to watermelon?The flavor of winter melon is not sweet like that of watermelon, despite the name. It has a mild taste that takes on the flavors of the broth or any other ingredients that are with it.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for winter melon: You can use cucumber or zucchini, but they will not match the texture of winter melon.
To make chicken broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
For shrimp that has been dried: Dried sea scallops can be used, or fresh shrimp may be substituted, or omit the shrimp altogether for an option that doesn’t include seafood.
For shiitake mushrooms: One may use fresh button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms.
Chicken breast or tofu can take the place of the protein in a different form.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Mushroom Flavor Before adding the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the soup, consider soaking them in hot water for about 20 minutes to rehydrate and deepen their flavor. Use the soaking liquid in the soup for added umami.

2. Pork Marinade Marinate the thinly sliced pork in a mixture of soy sauce, a little sugar, and a dash of sesame oil for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the soup. This will infuse the pork with flavor and keep it tender.

3. Layer the Aromatics When incorporating garlic and ginger, sauté them in a small amount of sesame oil before adding the chicken broth. This step enhances their flavors and adds depth to the soup base.

4. Simmering Technique To ensure the winter melon absorbs all the flavors, cover the pot with a lid while simmering. This helps to cook the melon evenly and enhances the infusion of flavors.

5. Finish with Fresh Herbs Just before serving, top the soup with an additional sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or a handful of cilantro to add a fresh, vibrant touch to the dish.