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How to Make Fish Maw Soup – A Vegetarian Alternative

Learn how to make fish maw soup with a vegetarian twist! This nourishing recipe uses yuba and snow fungus for a collagen-rich, flavorful, and healthy soup.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Soup
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

Vegetarian Fish Maw Substitutes

  • 1 cup dried beancurd skin yuba
  • 1/2 cup snow fungus white fungus, rehydrated and chopped
  • 1/2 cup shiitake or wood ear mushrooms sliced

Broth Base

  • 6 cups mushroom broth miso broth, or kelp-based dashi
  • 1- inch piece ginger sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine optional, omit for vegan version

Flavor Enhancers & Nutrition Boosters

  • 2 tablespoons goji berries
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Thickening Agent

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water cornstarch slurry

Instructions
 

1️⃣ Preparing the Vegetarian Fish Maw Substitute

  • Soak dried beancurd skin (yuba) in warm water for 15–20 minutes until soft, then cut into strips.
  • Soak snow fungus in warm water for 30 minutes, remove the hard center, and tear into small pieces.
  • If using dried mushrooms, soak them in warm water for 20 minutes, then slice thinly.

2️⃣ Making the Broth

  • In a large pot, bring 6 cups of broth to a simmer.
  • Add ginger slices, mushrooms, and Shaoxing wine (if using).
  • Let the broth cook for 20–30 minutes to infuse deep flavors.

3️⃣ Cooking & Combining Ingredients

  • Add the rehydrated yuba, snow fungus, and goji berries to the broth.
  • Let simmer for 10–15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Season with salt, white pepper, and soy sauce to taste.

4️⃣ Final Touches & Adjustments

  • Stir in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring to slightly thicken the soup.
  • Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the consistency is smooth.
  • Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: ~180 kcal
  • Protein: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
Keyword Chinese soup, snow fungus soup, Vegetarian fish maw soup