Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Cantonese Corn and Ham Soup?
It is a delectable blend of creamed corn, tender ham, and fragrant seasonings like ginger and sesame oil, echoing traditional Cantonese cuisine.
What are the main ingredients in this soup?
The main ingredients include chicken broth, creamed corn, cooked ham, ginger, egg whites, sesame oil, and Chinese rice wine.
How many cans of chicken broth are required?
You will need 2 cans of chicken broth, each being 13 3/4 ounces.
Can I use sake instead of Chinese rice wine?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either Chinese rice wine or sake.
How much ginger is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of fresh ginger, each about 1/4 inch thick.
How long should the broth simmer initially?
The chicken broth mixture should simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I remove the ginger slices?
The ginger slices should be carefully removed from the broth after the initial 20-minute simmering period.
How much creamed corn is used?
You will need 2 cans of creamed corn, each 17 ounces.
How is the soup thickened?
The soup is thickened using a mixture of 2 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup of water.
What is the correct way to add egg whites?
Remove the pan from the heat and slowly pour the beaten egg whites around the edge in a thin stream, then stir once gently.
How many egg whites are used?
The recipe requires 2 large egg whites, beaten.
When is the sesame oil added?
The sesame oil is added as the final step after the egg whites have been incorporated.
How is the ham prepared for the soup?
The cooked ham should be minced and sprinkled over the top of the soup bowls before serving.
How much cooked ham is needed?
You need 1 ounce of minced cooked ham.
Is this soup considered a starter or a main dish?
It is versatile and can be served as a refreshing starter or as part of a cozy dinner.
What is the purpose of Chinese rice wine in this recipe?
It adds a traditional aromatic flavor to the broth base.
Should the broth be covered while simmering?
No, the broth should be simmered uncovered for 20 minutes.
How much total water is used in the recipe?
A total of 1 1/4 cups of water is used: 1 cup for the broth base and 1/4 cup to dissolve the cornstarch.
What type of sesame oil is recommended?
The recipe specifies oriental sesame oil for its distinct flavor.
How much salt should be added?
Salt should be added to taste when you add the creamed corn.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe uses 11 ingredients in total.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as family friendly and is designed to be a comforting dish for all.
What tags describe the cuisine style?
It is described with tags such as Cantonese, Asian cuisine, and comfort food.
How do you create the silky texture?
The combination of creamed corn, cornstarch slurry, and the thin stream of egg whites creates the silky consistency.
Can I make this soup quickly?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick recipe that can be prepared in just a few simple steps.
Does the recipe use whole eggs?
No, it specifically uses only the egg whites to maintain the soup's light and silky texture.
What heat setting is used for thickening?
The heat should be reduced to low when adding the cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup.
When do you add the additional 3 tablespoons of rice wine?
The extra rice wine is added along with the creamed corn after the ginger has been removed.
Is the ham cooked inside the soup?
No, the ham is already cooked and is used as a garnish on top of the served bowls.
What makes this a hearty soup?
The combination of thick creamed corn and protein from the ham and egg whites makes it a satisfying and hearty dish.