It is not common to use beef slices in Chinese soups, but you will find ox tails and other parts sometimes. I bought this beef from the wet part and truly, the softest and tenderest part has to come with fat. It is unavoidable. Depending on how you make it, you can eliminate the fat in soups through a fat scooper. This type of beef cut is probably best used for quick boil soups (as old fire soups) will just beat the living daylights out of the meat.
What is this?
Fresh beef slices from the loin portion of the cow
This muscle does the least amount of work (in the cow’s body) and therefore is normally the most tender
This type of meat is often used in tartares, whole steak or sliced
It is one of the more expensive parts of the cow for consumption
How do I prepare it?
To prepare, wash first before cooking or marinating
You may need to cut up into pieces if you’ve purchased it by the pound
Where can I buy this?
You can buy this in any supermarket
In Asian supermarkets, you can purchase them by the weight and cut
What is the cost?
1 bitter melon about 30cm in length cost around $5-6 HKD
Any benefits?
Lean beef is an important source of 12 essential nutrients including high quality protein, iron, zinc and B vitamins
Any precautions?
Be sure to remove excess fat
Many believe that organic beef is best as there are no growth hormones and antibiotics, which can potentially make you sick if there is over consumption of beef
Any substitutes?
Depending on the soup, pork or even chicken meat is substitutable
Ingredient Name: White radish, radish, oriental radish, Japanese radish, daikon
Chinese Name:白蘿蔔 (bái luóbo)
One of my favorite roots to eat of all time! Both cooked (in soups, stews, dishes, dim sum) and raw ( as the Japanese appetizers). This type of root absorbs the flavor of whatever ingredients you use to marinate or cook it in and it has a very particular and unique taste that almost borders slightly bitter, but not quite.
What is this?
Mildly flavoured and pale coloured radish
It is often found in East Asian dishes (such as soups and stews)
They can be found in various colours such as green or white and variations in between
Their sizes vary and can grow to be 8-14 inches in length
Different varieties of the Chinese radish can come in various shapes as well depending how they are grown and where they come from
How do I prepare it?
Wash thoroughly in cool water
Peel skin prior to use as the skin is tougher than regular carrots
Where can I buy this?
Available in fresh marts in Hong Kong
Also available in supermarkets
What is the cost?
Radishes are relatively affordable
Any benefits?
White radishes aid in digestion
Low in saturated fats and cholesterol
Excellent food for weight loss
Any precautions?
It is considered a cooling food
Not ideal to be consumed if you have a cough or cold
Pregnant women and those menstruating should take caution as it may cause contractions if consumed in great amounts
Any additional information?
Store in a cool, dry place
You will know that the radish has gone bad when the texture is no longer firm to the touch
A very versatile ingredient which I love to put in soups, stews and fried dishes. It’s high in fiber and easily absorbs the flavor of whatever ingredients you put into the dish. I especially love it when the cabbages becomes soft and you eat it like a meal (in soups). Definitely one of my stock vegetables to have in the fridge and they actually last for awhile if you forget about it! HAHA….
What is this?
A leafy vegetable that is often greenish-white in color. There is also a purple variety that is produced for consumption.
It is a layered vegetable with a short stem
A popular good common to Central and Eastern Europe
It is grown as a “head” and therefore looks like a head
It has quite a substantial weight for its size as the vegetable is quite dense
There are various types of cabbage (long, short, various colors) and most of them are grown in China
How do I prepare it?
Peel each leaf and rinse in cold water
Usually the outer leaves are not used if they are floppy or unhealthy looking
Cut in edible pieces if necessary (see picture below)
Where can I buy this?
Available in fresh marts in Hong Kong
Also available fresh in supermarkets
What is the cost?
1 cabbage as pictured above cost $6 HKD
Any benefits?
Excellent source of Vitamin C
Contains significant amount of an amino acid that has anti-inflammatory properties
Cabbage is known to slow down the growth of cancerous cells
Any precautions?
Cabbages are known to have infestation of various insects and pests so be sure to peel each leaf and rinse thorough in cold water
Any substitutes?
In soups and stews, can be replaced with zucchini or cauliflower and other relatively “dry” vegetables (unlike lettuce that when fried, emits water)
An interesting fruit to say the least. I actually DO NOT enjoy the taste of bitter melon (at all), but some people actually LOVE it! This is a very unique melon in that you can find it in soups, stews, teas, drinks, and various Chinese dishes across the spectrum.
What is this?
Usually long, green and bumpy to texture (although some varieties are also yellow) – which also varies the bitterness
It is bitter to taste (even after being cooked)
The Chinese types are usually 20-30 cm in length
How do I prepare it?
Rinse in warm water
Half and remove all seeds
Cut into edible portions for soups or cooking
Where can I buy this?
Available in fresh marts in Hong Kong
Also available in supermarkets
What is the cost?
1 bitter melon about 30cm in length cost around $5-6 HKD
Any benefits?
Helps remove heatiness and eliminate heat
Aids in digestion and stimulate appetite
Have been found to be a anti-cancer agent and improve the immune system
Also helps with dyspepsia and constipation
Any precautions?
Avoid during pregnancies (it is a contraindication)
Be sure to remove all seeds before consuming as can be toxic (especially with children)
Any substitutes?
None, for the bitter taste, no other melon or fruit can replace it
Soup Name: Snow Pears, Chayotes and Seabed Coconut in Pork Broth
Traditional Chinese Name: 雪梨合掌瓜湯 (xuě lí hup jeung gwa tāng)
Introduction: A mildly cooling soup that helps relieve heatiness, assist in cough and is naturally sweet. It’s great for kids, easy to make and contains all natural ingredients. You can use chicken meat with this instead of pork bones (or pork shank). If you can’t get fresh (or frozen) seabed coconut, the dried version is sufficient (although not as sweet, so you can substitute additional snow pears).
