Manchow Soup
A popular Indo-Chinese soup bursting with savory and spicy flavors. This comforting bowl is loaded with finely chopped vegetables, thickened to perfection, and served with iconic crispy fried noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Crispy Noodles
- b.Boil the hakka noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Do not overcook.
- c.Drain the noodles immediately and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Spread them on a clean cloth or paper towels and let them air dry completely for about 20-30 minutes.
- d.Once dry, toss the noodles with 2 tbsp of cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated.
- e.Heat 2 cups of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the noodles in small batches for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- f.Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy noodles and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In a large pot or wok, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- e.Add the remaining finely chopped vegetables: carrot, french beans, cabbage, and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Soup Base
- b.Pour the vegetable broth into the wok with the sautéed vegetables.
- c.Add the soy sauce, red chili sauce, white vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together well.
- d.Bring the soup to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Soup
- b.In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium. While stirring the soup continuously with one hand, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the pot with the other.
- d.Continue to stir and let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped spring onion greens, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- c.Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- d.Top generously with the prepared crispy fried noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest noodles, ensure they are completely dry before frying. Any moisture will cause the oil to splatter and make the noodles soggy.
- 2Chop all vegetables as finely and uniformly as possible for the best texture and quick cooking.
- 3Stir-fry the vegetables on high heat for a short time to keep them crunchy and vibrant.
- 4Always add the cornstarch slurry to the soup while stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.
- 5Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasonings. The saltiness of soy sauce can vary by brand.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu. Sauté the protein after the aromatics and before adding the other vegetables.
VegetablesVegetables
Incorporate other vegetables like finely chopped mushrooms, sweet corn, or bamboo shoots for added texture and flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies or add a teaspoon of Schezwan sauce along with the other sauces for an extra kick of heat.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure your chili sauce is certified gluten-free, and use rice noodles for the crispy topping.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
Loaded with a variety of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and beans, this soup is a good source of essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
Immunity Boosting
The inclusion of ginger, garlic, and chilies provides powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help strengthen the immune system and fight off common colds.
Provides Energy
The combination of carbohydrates from noodles and a variety of vegetables offers a quick source of energy, making it a comforting and revitalizing meal.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Manchow Soup (approx. 410g) contains around 350-400 calories. A significant portion of these calories comes from the deep-fried noodles. To reduce the calorie count, you can bake the noodles or use a smaller amount as a garnish.