Egg Manchow Soup
A classic Indo-Chinese soup with a savory, spicy broth, packed with finely chopped vegetables and delicate egg ribbons. Topped with crispy fried noodles for that signature crunch, it's perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Crispy Noodles
- b.Boil the Hakka noodles in salted water until just al dente, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook.
- c.Drain the noodles completely and spread them on a kitchen towel or plate to cool and dry. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- d.Once completely dry, toss the noodles with 1 tbsp of cornstarch until lightly coated.
- e.Heat 2 cups of oil in a small wok or kadai over medium-high heat. Fry the noodles in 2-3 small batches for 2-3 minutes per batch, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- f.Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of sesame oil in a large pot or wok over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the chopped onion and stir-fry for 1 minute until translucent.
- e.Add the remaining vegetables (carrot, cabbage, beans, capsicum) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. They should remain crisp-tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build and Boil the Broth
- b.Pour in the vegetable stock. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, salt, white pepper powder, and sugar.
- c.Stir everything well to combine.
- d.Bring the soup to a rolling boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken the Soup
- b.In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- c.While stirring the boiling soup continuously, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry.
- d.Continue to stir and let the soup simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Create the Egg Ribbons
- b.Reduce the heat to a low simmer to stop the soup from boiling vigorously.
- c.While gently stirring the soup in a circular motion, slowly pour the beaten eggs in a thin, steady stream.
- d.The egg will cook instantly, forming delicate ribbons. Let it set for 30 seconds without stirring much.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.
- d.Top generously with the prepared crispy noodles just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the boiled noodles are completely dry before frying to make them extra crispy and prevent oil from splattering.
- 2For the best egg ribbons, pour the egg from a height in a very thin stream while stirring the soup gently.
- 3Do not overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch for authentic texture.
- 4Taste and adjust the seasonings (soy sauce, vinegar, chili sauce) before serving, as brands can vary in saltiness and spice.
- 5Always add the crispy noodles at the very last moment, right before eating, to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chicken Manchow Soup
Add 1/2 cup of finely shredded boiled chicken along with the vegetables for a non-vegetarian version.
Tofu Manchow SoupTofu Manchow Soup
For a vegan protein boost, add 1/2 cup of small-cubed firm tofu when you add the vegetables. Omit the egg.
Mushroom Manchow SoupMushroom Manchow Soup
Add 1/2 cup of thinly sliced shiitake or button mushrooms along with the other vegetables for an earthy flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili sauce, or add a dash of chili oil at the end for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The eggs in the soup provide a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Packed with Vegetables
This soup contains a variety of finely chopped vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and beans, contributing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber to your meal.
Warming and Comforting
The warm, spicy broth can be incredibly soothing, especially during cold weather. The heat from the spices may also help in clearing nasal congestion.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Egg Manchow Soup contains approximately 350-400 calories. The majority of the calories come from the deep-fried noodles and the oil used in the soup.