Chicken And Straw Mushroom Soup
A comforting Chinese-inspired chicken and straw mushroom soup with delicate egg ribbons, fragrant ginger, and seasoned with sesame oil and white pepper for a savory, aromatic flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) chicken breast ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup straw mushrooms ⓘ
- about 20 straw mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup straw mushroom juice ⓘ
- 3 slices fresh ginger ⓘ
- 2 whole green onions ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/3 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 egg whites ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sesame oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine 1 tablespoon cornstarch and water; set aside for later use.
- Debone the chicken breast and cut into 1/4-inch cubes.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and salt; mix well and set aside.
- In a 3-quart soup pot, combine straw mushrooms, mushroom juice, ginger slices, green onions, and chicken stock.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove and discard the ginger slices and green onions.
- Add the chicken pieces gradually and the frozen peas to the soup.
- When the soup begins to boil, slowly pour the beaten egg whites over the boiling mixture.
- Restir the cornstarch and water mixture and pour into the soup while stirring.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in sesame oil and white pepper.
- Pour into serving bowls and garnish with chopped coriander.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a few drops of fish sauce to the soup. If straw mushrooms are unavailable, shiitake or button mushrooms can be good substitutes. To achieve a silkier texture in the soup, ensure the egg whites are beaten well before adding them. This dish pairs beautifully with Fried Rice - Grandpa Lim'S Recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup hot as a starter or main dish. It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a light salad, such as Shan Tung Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh coriander for an extra burst of flavor and color, enhancing the overall presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the egg whites from becoming rubbery. If the soup thickens too much, add a little chicken stock or water to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Straw Mushroom Soup contains roughly 610 calories, with 25g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 999mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp will cook faster than chicken, while tofu requires a bit more time to absorb flavors.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken and peas when you're ready to serve to ensure they remain tender and fresh. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
What if I don't have straw mushroom juice?
If you don't have straw mushroom juice, you can replace it with vegetable broth or additional chicken stock. This will still provide a flavorful base for your soup while keeping it delicious and satisfying.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).