Four Delight Sizzling Rice Soup
Description
This classic Four Delight Sizzling Rice Soup offers a theatrical dining experience with its signature crackling sound. The clear, savory chicken broth is packed with tender matchstick pork, earthy mushrooms, crunchy water chestnuts, and sweet peas. The highlight is the addition of fried sizzling rice cakes, which dissolve slightly into the hot soup, thickening the broth and creating a delightful auditory and textural contrast. It is an elegant yet simple dish perfect for cold evenings or special occasions when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of soy sauce and sesame oil adds a rich, aromatic depth that makes this soup deeply satisfying.Ingredients
Directions
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In a small bowl, blend soy sauce, dry sherry, and cornstarch until smooth.
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Cut the boneless lean pork into matchstick-sized pieces.
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Add the pork to the soy mixture and mix until well coated. Let stand for ten minutes.
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In a 2-quart pan, heat chicken broth to a boil.
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Add the coated pork to the boiling broth, stir several times, then reduce heat and simmer for five minutes.
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Add mushrooms, water chestnuts, and thawed green peas to the pan.
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Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes until vegetables are tender.
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Stir in sliced green onions, salt to taste, and sesame oil. Keep soup hot.
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Heat salad oil in a separate small skillet over medium-high heat.
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Fry the sizzling rice cakes briefly until they expand and crisp, about 10-15 seconds per side.
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Pour the hot soup into a warm tureen and carry to the table.
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Bring the hot fried rice cakes to the table in a bowl and immediately slide them into the soup to create the sizzling effect.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.0g0%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 140.9mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 0.1g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.0g
- Protein 0.2g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
The key to the sizzling effect is ensuring both the soup and the fried rice cakes are piping hot when combined. If the soup cools too much, the rice cakes will not sizzle effectively.
Sizzling rice cakes are also known as "singing rice" or "crispy rice." They are made from fermented rice that puffs up when fried. You can find them in Asian grocery stores.
For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and use vegetable broth. You can add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein.
The soup is best served immediately after adding the rice cakes, as they will eventually dissolve and thicken the broth.
If you cannot find sizzling rice cakes, you can substitute with crispy wonton strips or crushed cornflakes, though the sizzling sound will be less pronounced.
