Chinese Sizzling Rice Soup, also known as “Guo Ba Soup” or “Crackling Rice Soup,” is a traditional Chinese dish that features crispy rice that sizzles when it’s added to a hot broth, creating an enticing sound and texture. This soup often includes a mix of vegetables, meat or seafood, and sometimes mushrooms or tofu, making it a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes. Here’s a basic recipe to make Chinese Sizzling Rice Soup at home:
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Rice:
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 chicken breast, thinly sliced (optional, can substitute with shrimp, tofu, or just vegetables)
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (shiitake, oyster, or button)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crispy Rice:
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool.
- Dry the Rice: Allow the rice to dry completely, preferably overnight at room temperature.
- Fry the Rice: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the dried rice in small batches, frying until it puffs up and becomes golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
2. Make the Soup:
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables: In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the sliced chicken breast (if using) and cook until no longer pink. Add the carrots, peas, corn, and mushrooms. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Season the Soup: Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a thicker soup, slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously, until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
- Add Green Onions: Add the chopped green onions to the soup and stir well.
3. Serve:
- Heat the Crispy Rice: Quickly reheat the crispy rice in the oven or in a dry pan until it’s hot.
- Assemble the Dish: Place a portion of the hot crispy rice in a bowl. Carefully ladle the hot soup over the crispy rice at the table, so diners can enjoy the sizzling effect and the crackling sound as the soup meets the rice.
Enjoy your Chinese Sizzling Rice Soup, a delightful dish that combines the comforting warmth of soup with the unique texture and sound of crispy rice. Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and seasonings to make it your own!