Craving warm comfort in a hurry? Discover the magic of Chinese Ham Bone Rice Soup Congee, a surprisingly simple dish that transforms leftover ham and rice into a flavor-packed experience. This recipe is your secret weapon against takeout cravings, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
About
Hey there, soup lover! I'm gonna tell you about my Chinese Noodle Soup! It's like, the best speedy version of what you'd get at your fave Chinese takeout joint— but you're making it!
This recipe's quick: fifteen minutes total. I'm betting you can do it. The broth? Trust me, it tastes way fancier than the work you put in. I built this thing for weeknights, so I'm not messin' around with scratch-made broth. If you have day-old rice in the fridge, you can use it to thicken up that broth.
This recipe makes a big bowl to feed one hungry monster–or a small pair. I've kept the toppings simple 'cause it's all about that broth flavor punch! But, don't let me stop you from getting fancy!
I've got clear and easy steps. Making this soup will be a breeze, even if your cooking skills are… limited!
Ingredients
To nail this Chinese Noodle Soup, you've gotta grab all the right stuff first, and I promise it isn't anything too crazy! You'll need chicken broth – about 3 cups! Try to get low sodium if you can, and I vouch for a good quality one!
Next up, aromatics! Two smashed garlic cloves and ginger slices—about a half-inch piece—really adds something special. Then, we get to the flavor boosters:
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of light soy sauce.
- 2 teaspoons of sugar—any kind works!
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of Chinese cooking wine — it transforms the broth!
- A dash of sesame oil — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon — it's optional, but adds that perfect touch of nutty goodness.
Now, for toppings and noodles, I suggest 6 ounces of fresh egg noodles, plus bok choy, shredded chicken (about a cup), and some sliced scallions to garnish! You can also substitute with other noodle types if you prefer, such as thin wheat noodles.
Instructions
Now, let's get cooking, and I'll guide you through making this mouthwatering soup! First, grab your broth ingredients, you'll need about 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Add to that 2 smashed garlic cloves—smash 'em good!—and about a 1/2-inch piece of ginger, sliced. If you are feeling fancy, add a small star anise.
Next, toss in 1 1/2 tablespoons of light soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of Chinese cooking wine—or dry sherry if you're out! A little sesame oil to top it off if you got it! Simmer all this over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
While the broth is brewing, cook your noodles. I like egg noodles and also a pound of ham bone and some cooked ham off the bone to flavor the soup and act as the main ingredient. Now, put it all together yum!
Variations
Once you've nailed the original recipe, you might want to switch things up a little – and I've got some ideas for you! I'm all about keeping it fresh, so listen up!
First, consider different proteins. Try shredded chicken, leftover roast pork, or even some pan-fried tofu for a vegetarian kick! Then, think about veggies. Bok choy is classic, but you've gotta use what you like, you know? Let's get creative with it:
- Mushrooms: Shiitake or oyster mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
- Spinach: Toss it in at the end – it wilts in seconds!
- Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Broccoli: Small florets work best to make it easier bite size.
Don't be afraid to play around with spices either! A dash of white pepper or a pinch of dried chili flakes can totally transform the flavor profile; it's gonna be fantastic! Make it your own – it's all about having fun!
Short Recipe Version
Chinese Ham Bone Rice Soup Congee
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 ham bone
- 6 cups water
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Optional Garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame oil
Instructions:
- Place ham bone and water in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Remove ham bone. Shred any meat from the bone and return to the pot.
- Add cooked rice and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in soy sauce and salt to taste.
- Garnish as desired and serve.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Estimated):
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 15-25g