Authentic Sweet Chinese Tomato Soup with Chicken & Egg: Recreate Your Favorite Dutch-Chinese Restaurant Taste at Home
Craving that uniquely delicious, sweet Chinese tomato soup found in Dutch Asian restaurants? Look no further! This recipe truly captures that authentic flavor you love, and the best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
For many, including myself, Chinese tomato soup holds a special place in our hearts. I still remember, from my earliest childhood days, asking my father to order a bowl of this enchanting soup every time we had Chinese takeout – a rare treat back then. There was something about its comforting sweetness, the delicate egg ribbons, and tender chicken that made it utterly irresistible. That childhood fascination never faded, and for years, I scoured countless cookbooks and online recipes, hoping to unlock the secret to replicating that exact restaurant taste. Many came close, but none quite hit the mark… until now.
The Secret Ingredient Revealed: For Perfect Dutch-Chinese Tomato Soup
My culinary quest finally reached a triumphant end thanks to a food blog swap. I was assigned to explore the wonderful blog of Melissa (Sunshine in My Kitchen, a Dutch blog), and that’s when my eyes landed on her recipe for Chinese tomato soup. Could this be it? Could this finally be THE recipe that tasted exactly like the one I cherished from local Chinese restaurants? Indeed, it was! The moment I tasted it, I knew I had found the holy grail of sweet Chinese tomato soup. The secret ingredient that tied all the flavors together, providing that signature sweetness and subtle body, was none other than applesauce. This unexpected addition creates a harmonious balance, enhancing the tomato’s natural sweetness without overpowering it. Now, I’m fully equipped for all future cravings and preparations!
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its authenticity but also in its simplicity. Many associate the complex flavors of Asian cuisine with hours of cooking, but this soup defies that notion. It’s a testament to how well-chosen ingredients, even a humble one like applesauce, can transform a dish into something extraordinary. This revelation made me realize that sometimes, the most profound flavors come from the most unexpected combinations.
Why This Chinese Tomato Soup Stands Out
What makes this particular Chinese tomato soup recipe truly exceptional and a cut above many others? It’s not just the applesauce, though that plays a significant role. It’s the thoughtful combination of classic Chinese flavors with a hint of Dutch adaptation that makes it taste precisely like what you’d order at your favorite “Chinees” (as we call Chinese restaurants in the Netherlands). This specific culinary style, often a bit sweeter and more tailored to local preferences, has a unique charm that this recipe perfectly replicates.
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the distinct sweet and savory profile, with a subtle tang that is the hallmark of Dutch-Chinese restaurant tomato soup.
- Quick & Easy: Despite its rich flavor, it’s incredibly fast to prepare, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh tomatoes (passata), tender chicken, aromatic ginger, and garlic, it’s a wholesome dish that satisfies.
- The Perfect Balance: The addition of applesauce perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes and adds a natural sweetness, creating a silky smooth texture and depth of flavor you won’t find in other recipes.
Mastering the Flavors: Key Ingredients for Restaurant-Quality Soup
Beyond the applesauce, several other ingredients are crucial for achieving that coveted Dutch-Chinese restaurant taste. Let’s delve into what each component brings to this delightful soup:
- Tomato Passata: The base of our soup. Using passata ensures a smooth, rich tomato flavor without the chunks, contributing to that restaurant-style consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory depth and acts as the liquid foundation, harmonizing with the tomato base.
- Fresh Ginger & Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable in Asian cuisine. Freshly minced or grated, they provide a pungent warmth and vibrant zest that elevates the soup beyond a simple tomato broth.
- Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce): This Indonesian sweet soy sauce is a game-changer. It’s thicker and much sweeter than regular soy sauce, contributing to the soup’s distinctive sweet and savory umami notes, which is a key characteristic of Dutch-Chinese dishes.
- Ginger Syrup: Doubles down on the ginger flavor and adds another layer of sweet warmth, creating a more complex sweetness than just sugar alone.
- Rice Vinegar: A touch of rice vinegar is essential to cut through the richness and sweetness, providing a subtle tang that brightens the overall flavor profile. It prevents the soup from becoming cloyingly sweet.
- Lemongrass (Sereh): Even a small amount adds a wonderfully fragrant, citrusy note that gives the soup an authentic Asian aroma.
- Cornstarch Slurry: The secret to the soup’s slightly thick, luxurious texture. It gives the soup body, ensuring it clings nicely to the spoon and feels substantial.
- Egg Ribbons & Spring Onions: Not just garnishes, these add texture and fresh, mild oniony bite, making the soup visually appealing and adding another layer of flavor.
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📖 Recipe: Your Go-To for Homemade Chinese Tomato Soup
VIDEO
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
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Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 30 grams tomato paste
- 500 ml chicken broth
- 800 grams tomato sauce, passata
- 2 cm fresh ginger, fresh
- 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis
- 2 tablespoons ginger syrup
- 200 grams apple sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon lemon grass
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 eggs
- 2 spring onions , small strips
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Finely chop the onion and garlic.1 onion, 2 cloves garlic
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Heat a touch of oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook for approximately 3 minutes, browning lightly to seal in flavor. Remove and set aside on a plate.1 chicken breast
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Add the chopped onion to the same pot and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and fry for just 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
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Stir in the tomato paste with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook and stir the paste for approximately 2 minutes. This step is crucial for developing its sweetness and removing any raw, sour taste, resulting in a richer flavor.30 grams tomato paste
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Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the tomato passata and chicken broth. Grate the fresh ginger directly into the soup.500 ml chicken broth, 800 grams tomato sauce
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Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become perfectly tender.
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Now, add the sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis), ginger syrup, applesauce, rice vinegar, lemongrass, and salt. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all these wonderful flavors.2 cm fresh ginger, 2 tablespoons Kecap Manis, 2 tablespoons ginger syrup, 200 grams apple sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon lemon grass, ½ teaspoon salt
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In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering soup while continuously stirring. Bring the soup back to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your desired consistency.1 tablespoon cornstarch, 2 tablespoons water
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Once the soup has thickened, reduce the heat to very low to keep it warm without overcooking.
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Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. Depending on the natural sweetness of your tomatoes and applesauce, you might want to add a tiny bit more sugar to achieve that signature sweet Chinese tomato soup flavor.
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Meanwhile, prepare the egg ribbons. Heat a little oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Whisk one egg thoroughly and pour a thin layer into the hot pan, tilting to spread it as thinly as possible. Cook until set, then gently remove. Repeat with the second egg. The goal is to create two very thin omelets.2 eggs
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Once cooled slightly, roll up each thin omelet tightly and slice into very fine strips. Also, thinly slice the spring onions.2 spring onions
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Ladle the hot, flavorful soup into individual serving bowls. Garnish generously with the delicate egg ribbons and fresh spring onion slices.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Dutch-Chinese tomato soup!
Nutrition
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Tips and Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Chinese Tomato Soup
To ensure your homemade Chinese tomato soup is always a success, here are a few extra tips:
- Don’t Rush the Tomato Paste: The step of frying the tomato paste for 2 minutes is crucial. It deepens its flavor and removes any metallic or raw taste, turning it sweet and rich.
- Thin Omelets are Key: For the classic egg ribbons, make sure your omelets are as thin as possible. This creates delicate strands that melt in your mouth. Using a non-stick pan and a light touch helps immensely.
- Adjust Sweetness: Tomatoes vary in natural sweetness. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust with a little extra sugar or ginger syrup if you prefer a sweeter profile, or a touch more rice vinegar for more tang.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or tofu for more substance.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of white pepper or a few drops of chili oil at the end can add a delightful kick.
This sweet Chinese tomato soup is wonderfully versatile. It makes for a fantastic appetizer or a light lunch on its own. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside:
- Steamed white rice or fried rice.
- Crispy spring rolls or dim sum.
- Noodles (like egg noodles or vermicelli) added directly to the soup.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
The Legacy of Dutch-Chinese Cuisine
It’s worth noting that “Dutch-Chinese” cuisine has a fascinating history. When Chinese immigrants first arrived in the Netherlands, they adapted their traditional dishes to suit local palates and available ingredients. This often meant a slightly sweeter profile, the incorporation of specific ingredients like soy sauce (including Kecap Manis), and even the creation of entirely new dishes that aren’t strictly traditional Chinese but are beloved in the Netherlands. This sweet tomato soup is a perfect example of this delicious cultural fusion, a comfort food that evokes nostalgia for many in the region. Recreating it at home is not just about cooking; it’s about preserving a unique culinary tradition and bringing a piece of that rich history to your own kitchen.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that brings the authentic taste of Dutch-Chinese sweet tomato soup right to your dining table. With its quick preparation time and incredible flavor, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your household, just as it is in mine.
Explore More Delicious Soup Recipes
- Homemade Tomato Soup with Fresh Tomatoes
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