Súp Cua
Vietnamese Crab and Corn Soup
A delicate and comforting Vietnamese crab and corn soup, featuring a silky egg-drop broth studded with sweet corn kernels and tender crab meat. This elegant soup is perfect as a starter or a light meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Crab meat(Fresh or good quality canned crab meat, drained and any shells removed.)
- 1.5 L Chicken broth(Low-sodium is recommended to control saltiness.)
- 1 cup Corn kernels(Fresh, frozen, or canned (drained).)
- 2 Large eggs(Lightly beaten until just combined, no need to over-whisk.)
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch(For thickening. Mixed with cold water to form a slurry.)
- 6 tbsp Cold water(To mix with cornstarch for the slurry.)
- 1/2 tsp White pepper(Or to taste. White pepper is traditional and provides a subtle heat without visible flecks.)
- to taste Salt(Adjust as needed, especially if using low-sodium broth.)
- for serving Optional garnish(Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth. Set aside.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
Heat the broth: Pour the chicken broth into a medium-sized pot. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Do not boil vigorously.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Add corn and crab: Once the broth is simmering, add the corn kernels and the prepared crab meat. Stir gently and continue to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, just until the corn is tender and the crab is heated through. Avoid overcooking the crab.
⏱️ 4 minutes - 4
Thicken the soup: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick whisk to ensure it's smooth. Slowly drizzle the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the soup thickens to your desired consistency, which should be silky and slightly viscous. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Incorporate the egg: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly drizzle the beaten eggs into the soup in a thin, swirling stream while gently stirring the soup in one direction. The egg should form delicate ribbons. Cook for about 1 minute more, just until the egg is set.
⏱️ 1 minute - 6
Season and serve: Stir in the white pepper and salt to taste. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a silkier texture, ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to the hot broth.
- ✓Add the crab meat towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming tough or dry.
- ✓White pepper is traditionally used in Vietnamese cuisine for its subtle heat and aroma, and it doesn't leave visible specks in the soup.
- ✓Adjust the amount of cornstarch and water for a thicker or thinner soup.
- ✓If using canned crab meat, rinse it gently under cold water and drain thoroughly before adding to the soup.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add blanched asparagus pieces along with the corn for added color and crunch.
- Use quail eggs instead of chicken eggs for a more delicate presentation. Poach them separately and add to bowls before serving.
- For a richer flavor, use seafood broth instead of chicken broth.