Mushroom, Shrimp, and Winter Melon Soup

Sweet, refreshing winter melon contrasts nicely with the umami flavor of shiitake mushroom and shrimp in this tasty soup.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 256 Calories

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cube chicken bouillon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 slices lemon
• salt and ground white pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sunflower oil
• 1 (10 ounce) peeled winter melon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 teaspoons cooking sake
• 1 (1 inch) piece ginger, grated
• 0.5 cup dried shiitake mushrooms
• 0.5 pound shell-on medium shrimp
• 0.25 (8 ounce) can bamboo shoots, drained and thinly sliced

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine mushrooms and water in a bowl. Let sit until mushrooms are soft, at least 15 minutes. Drain mushrooms and reserve 2 cups soaking water.

Step 2

Soak shrimp in salt water. Peel, then soak again in salt water. Drain and blot dry.

Step 3

Heat sunflower oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the heat.

Step 4

Put winter melon, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots in a pan with the reserved soaking water, sake, chicken bouillon, and ginger. Cook over medium heat, skimming any foam that rises to the top, until winter melon is transparent, about 10 minutes.

Step 5

Divide shrimp between 2 bowls. Ladle soup over top. Add lemon and cilantro and season with salt and pepper.