Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Lemongrass Catfish Soup?
It is a Southeast Asian inspired dish combining the heat of dried red chili peppers with aromatic ginger, garlic, and lemongrass, similar to Tom Yum soup.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the classic flavors of Southeast Asian Tom Yum soup.
What protein can I use instead of catfish?
You can use 8 ounces of peeled shrimp as a substitute for succulent catfish fillets.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 50 calories in one serving of this soup.
What are the primary aromatics in the broth?
The primary aromatics are gingerroot, garlic, dried hot red chili peppers, and lemongrass.
How do I prepare the lemongrass stalk?
Trim the dry ends, peel away tough outer layers, and cut the stalk into 1-inch pieces.
How long should the initial broth mixture simmer?
The broth should simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors after reaching a vigorous boil.
How do I achieve a smooth and clear soup base?
Strain the broth through a fine sieve back into the pot to remove the solid aromatics after the initial simmer.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes baby corn, button mushrooms, green onions, and sweet red pepper.
How long does the catfish take to cook?
The fish should be gently simmered for about 3 minutes until it flakes easily.
Is this soup spicy?
Yes, it is described as fiery and uses 6 dried hot red chili peppers for significant heat.
Can I serve this soup cold?
Yes, the instructions suggest you can refrigerate it until cold for a refreshing twist.
How long can I store leftovers?
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
What ingredients are added for freshness at the end?
Chopped sweet red pepper, fresh coriander, grated lemon rind, and lime juice are added right before serving.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This soup is low in fat, containing only 1 gram per serving.
What type of stock is used for the base?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chicken stock combined with 2 cups of water.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this soup contain protein?
Yes, it provides 4 grams of protein per serving.
How much lime juice is required?
You should use 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
What type of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of halved button mushrooms.
How much gingerroot is needed?
The recipe requires 6 slices of gingerroot.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar in the broth base.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 6 sliced garlic cloves.
How much baby corn is added?
The recipe uses a 398 ml can of baby corn, drained and halved.
What is the amount of fresh coriander used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped fresh coriander.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick and easy recipe suitable for dinner.
What is the sodium content?
The specific sodium content is not provided in the nutritional data.
How much lemon rind is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of grated lemon rind.
How many green onions are needed?
You will need 2 thinly sliced green onions.
Does this soup contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 1 gram of fiber per serving.