Winter Melon and Bamboo Shoot Chicken Soup
A light, comforting Chinese soup featuring tender three-yellow chicken, sweet winter melon, and savory bamboo shoots. This traditional dish is perfect for cooling, nutritious summer eating.
Story
This classic Chinese soup combines three key ingredients known for their health benefits. The three-yellow chicken provides rich, savory depth while winter melon adds natural sweetness and cooling properties. Bamboo shoots contribute a satisfying texture and umami flavor. Together, they create a harmonious soup that's both nourishing and delicious.
Ingredients
whole chicken (three-yellow or any stewing chicken)
1 (about 3-4 pounds)
winter melon
2 cups cubed (about 400g)
salted bamboo shoots (sheep tail笋)
1 cup (about 200g)
ginger slices
3-4 slices
green onions
2 stalks, chopped
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon
salt
to taste
water
8-10 cups
Instructions
1
Soak and prep the bamboo shoots
Place the salted bamboo shoots in a bowl and cover with fresh water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to draw out excess saltiness. Drain well, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
2
Prepare the winter melon
Cut the winter melon in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Peel the skin off and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Rinse briefly and set aside.
3
Prepare the chicken
If using a whole chicken, cut it into large pieces. For a richer broth, you can briefly blanch the chicken pieces in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain and rinse to remove any impurities.
4
Start the broth
Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add ginger slices and let them sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the prepared chicken pieces and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to turn golden.
5
Simmer the soup
Pour in 8-10 cups of water and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 40-50 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
6
Add vegetables and finish
Add the winter melon cubes and prepared bamboo shoots to the pot. Continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes until the winter melon becomes translucent and tender. Season with salt to taste.
7
Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot. The soup is traditionally served family-style in a large shared bowl.
