Lemongrass Shiitake Noodle Soup

Instructions

1. Prepare Aromatics

   5 min hands-on

   • Trim and smash the lemongrass stalk to release oils.
   • Peel and thinly slice the ginger.
   • Mince the garlic and finely chop the Welsh onion.
   • Zest the lemon carefully, avoiding the pith.

2. Hydrate Mushrooms

   3 min hands-on17 min waiting

   • Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 15–20 minutes until softened.
   • Drain, remove stems, and thinly slice caps.
   • Reserve the soaking liquid.

3. Build Base Broth

   3 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, stirring until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
   • Stir in curry powder and lemon zest, cooking for another minute.

4. Simmer Broth

   1 min hands-on15 min waiting

   • Pour in vegetable broth and reserved shiitake soaking liquid.
   • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
   • Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Prepare Soybeans and Noodles

   2 min hands-on5 min waiting

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil.
   • Blanch green soybeans for 2–3 minutes until tender, then set aside.
   • Cook rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.

6. Strain Broth

   2 min hands-on2 min waiting

   • Strain the broth to remove aromatics.
   • Return clear broth to saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Cook Vegetables

   1 min hands-on4 min waiting

   • Add sliced shiitake mushrooms, soybeans, and diced tomatoes to the broth.
   • Simmer for 3–4 minutes until mushrooms are tender and tomatoes soften.

8. Season and Balance Flavors

   1 min hands-on

   • Stir in juice of half a lime and oyster sauce.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice or salt if needed.

9. Assemble Dish

   2 min hands-on

   • Divide cooked rice noodles among serving bowls.
   • Ladle hot broth and vegetables over noodles, distributing evenly.

10. Garnish and Serve

    1 min hands-on

    • Sprinkle chopped Welsh onion greens over each bowl.
    • Serve with lime wedges on the side.
    • Cooking tips:
    • Smashing the lemongrass helps release its oils for a more aromatic broth.
    • Always taste and adjust seasoning after adding acidic ingredients like lime juice, as they can significantly alter the dish's balance.
    • To achieve silky noodles, avoid overcooking them, and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
    • Add the lime juice at the end to preserve its fresh, zesty flavor.